REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA 2010-2020

MIMAROPA: Food, Leisure and Gateway to Southern Philippines

NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

MIMAROPA Region (Region IV-B)

NEDA Regional Office IV-B August 2009

Message

Message Our country has once again shown its resiliency, posting positive growth - though modest in the past year despite the global economic crisis and the threat of worldwide AH1N1 pandemic which have affected even the biggest economies in the past year. Millions of jobs and livelihood were lost worldwide, creating uncertainty in our own economy. Our strong macroeconomic fundamentals, however, have proven beneficial in helping the country weather the storm. These recent developments call for urgent responses to take advantage of the global economic rebound and prepare the regions for new challenges. The Regional Development Agenda (RDA) can thus be the roadmap of the regions for development in the next ten years. I commend the NEDA Regional Offices, with the able guidance of the NEDA Regional Development Office-Central Office, for preparing the RDAs. The RDA serves as NEDA's contribution to the next administration as it prepares the development platform for the regions. I hope that the HEARTS concept which I have shared with NEDA and have been advocating to my fellow economic managers, would be able to provide a sound basis for future programs that would encourage social stability and economic advancement of the regions. Let us all work together to attain this common goal towards a stronger economy. Mabuhay tayong lahat!

RALPH G. RECTO Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning

10 August 2009

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Foreword The preparation of the Regional Development Agenda (RDA) 2010-2020 is among the legacies of Secretary Ralph G. Recto as carried out by the NEDA Regional Development Office. This departs from the usual consultative process adopted in the formulation of the Medium-Term Regional Development Plan (MTRDP), as the RDA is purely a NEDA output. This document aims to provide the succeeding Administration with a starting document to guide the formulation of the Successor Regional Development Plans. Guided by principles of sustainable development, economic integration, decentralization, publicprivate partnership, interplay of market forces, social equity and justice, and cultural diversity, the RDAs takes off from existing planning documents such as the National Framework for Regional Development, the National Framework for Physical Planning, the Regional Development Plans, and Regional Physical Framework Plans. The RDA articulates the region's highest priorities based on an inter-sectoral and inter-area analysis of the region and guided by the desired development scenario. The essential ingredients which include the development strategies, challenges and preconditions to achieve the regional development agenda are highlighted. Technical Notes are appended to the RDA, containing the detailed analysis of the planning environment and the issues at hand. Secretary Recto's HEARTS concept (Health, Education, Agriculture and Environment, Roads/Bridges/Railroads, Trade and Investment/Tourism/ Technology, Security) served as inspiration for the identification of regional development themes. Each region was given the flexibility to incorporate the HEARTS in relevant sections of their respective RDA. We encourage all partners in government, the private sector and civil society to use the RDA as their guide for future development policies, programs and projects in the regions.

AUGUSTO B. SANTOS Deputy Director-General Regional Development Office National Economic and Development Authority

10 August 2009

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Preface

Preface The MIMAROPA Regional Development Agenda outlines the concerns and development interventions that MIMAROPA stakeholders should address in the next ten years. It defines the immediate thrust and priorities that should be discussed in the successor Medium-Term Regional Development Plan for 2011-2020. The regional and provincial indicators used in the study to present the socioeconomic situation and trends in the Region were taken from various plan documents and reports of regional and local bodies. This situational analysis led to an initial exploration of the scenarios that are likely to take place in the next five to ten years. The desired scenario defined in this report was identified solely by the NEDA Regional Office to serve primarily as a sounding board. In the next ten years, MIMAROPA Region will focus on attaining physical and virtual connectivity of all its units to its Regional Center in Calapan City for economic integration and efficiency of services. The development of the region shall be guided by the overarching concerns on growth and competitiveness; poverty reduction and social equity; sustainable development and good governance. This document contains two major sections: the first part is the regional development agenda highlighting the inter-sectoral and inter-area priorities of the region for the next planning period. The second part is the technical notes containing an analysis of the planning environment and a brief exploration of the desired scenario and the corresponding strategic interventions. Through this document, we hope to provide our stakeholders an overview of where the region’s strengths lie and how to build on them. Let us help each other push the agenda of development and modernization for MIMAROPA.

OSKAR D. BALBASTRO Regional Director NEDA IV-B

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents Message ............................................................................................................................................ iii Foreword ........................................................................................................................................... iv Preface ............................................................................................................................................... v Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................. vii Tables & Figures .............................................................................................................................. viii Part I: Regional Development Agenda ............................................................................................... 1 MIMAROPA: FOOD, LEISURE AND GATEWAY TO SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES 2010-2020 ............. 1 Physical Integration .................................................................................................................... 1 Good Governance ...................................................................................................................... 2 Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness ................................................................................. 2 Poverty and Inequality ............................................................................................................... 4 Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation.......................................................... 5 Part II: Technical Notes ...................................................................................................................... 8 I ANALYSIS OF THE PLANNING ENVIRONMENT .................................................................. 8 I.1

Location, Land Area and Political Subdivisions ................................................................. 8

Geographical Location.................................................................................................................... 8 Land Area and Political Subdivisions .............................................................................................. 8 I.2 Population and Settlement ............................................................................................... 9 Population Size, Growth Rate and Projection ................................................................................ 9 Population Density ....................................................................................................................... 11 Rate of Urbanization .................................................................................................................... 11 I.3 Physical Resources .......................................................................................................... 13 Topography .................................................................................................................................. 13 Natural Resources ........................................................................................................................ 13 I.4 Economy ......................................................................................................................... 15 Gross Regional Domestic Product ................................................................................................ 15 Agriculture .................................................................................................................................... 17 Tourism ........................................................................................................................................ 19 Trade and Industry ....................................................................................................................... 20 Mining .......................................................................................................................................... 21 I.5 Transportation, Access and Circulation .......................................................................... 21 Roads ............................................................................................................................................ 21 Ports and Airports ........................................................................................................................ 22 Energy........................................................................................................................................... 22 I.6 Employment, Service Access and Poverty ...................................................................... 24

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Employment ................................................................................................................................. 24 Education ..................................................................................................................................... 24 Health ........................................................................................................................................... 26 Nutrition ....................................................................................................................................... 28 Poverty ......................................................................................................................................... 29 II DESIRED SCENARIO ......................................................................................................... 30 Economy....................................................................................................................................... 30 Transportation, Access and Circulation ....................................................................................... 30 Employment, Service Access and Poverty ................................................................................... 31 III STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS ........................................................................................... 31 Economy....................................................................................................................................... 31 Transportation, Access and Circulation ....................................................................................... 33 Employment, Service Access and Poverty ................................................................................... 34

Tables & Figures Table 1 - 1 Priority Areas for Agriculture and Tourism Development ............................................... 3

Table 2 - 1 Population and Percent Distribution by Province and City, MIMAROPA, Censal Years 1980, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2007 ................................................................................................... 10 Table 2 - 2 Annual Average Population Growth Rate by Province and City, MIMAROPA, Censal Years 1980, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2007 .......................................................................................... 10 Table 2 - 3 Population Density by Province and City, MIMAROPA, Censal Years 1980, 1990,1995, 2000 and 2007 ................................................................................................................................. 12 Table 2 - 5 Distribution of Forestlands (Classified and Unclassified) ............................................... 15 Table 2 - 6 GRDP Growth Rates by Industrial Origin, MIMAROPA................................................... 15 Table 2 - 7 GRDP Accounts and Percentage Contribution to the GDP, MIMAROPA and Other Region .............................................................................................................................................. 15 Table 2 - 8 National Figure on Tourist Arrivals, 2006-2007 ............................................................. 20 Table 2 - 9 Distribution of Regional Travelers, MIMAROPA 2006-2007 .......................................... 20 Table 2 - 10 Status of Roads, MIMAROPA (as of 2008).................................................................... 21 Table 2 - 11 Major Ports and Airports, MIMAROPA (as of 2008) .................................................... 23 Table 2 - 12 Employment Rate, Labor Force Participation Rate, Unemployment Rate MIMAROPA, 2004-2008 ........................................................................................................................................ 24 Table 2 - 13 Total Employment by Industry, MIMAROPA ................................................................ 24

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Tables & Figures

Table 2 - 14 Number of Establishments by Industry and Employment Size .................................... 24 Table 2 - 15 Enrolment Trends in Public and Private Schools MIMAROPA, 2003-2004 to 2007-2008 .......................................................................................................................................................... 25 Table 2 - 16 Primary Net Enrollment Ratio by Province/City MIMAROPA SY 2004-2005 to SY 20072008 ................................................................................................................................................. 25 Table 2 - 17 Secondary Net Enrollment Ratio by Province/City MIMAROPA SY 2004-2005 to SY 2007-2008 ........................................................................................................................................ 25 Table 2 - 18 Primary Cohort-Survival Rate, by Province/City MIMAROPA, SY 2004-2005 to SY 20072008 ................................................................................................................................................. 26 Table 2 - 19 Primary Completion Rate, by Province/City MIMAROPA, SY 2004-2005 to SY 20072008 ................................................................................................................................................. 26 Table 2 - 20 Number of BHWs, MIMAROPA, 2005-2007 ................................................................. 28 Table 2 - 21 Number of Hospitals, MIMAROPA, 2008 ..................................................................... 28 Table 2 - 22 Poverty Incidence among Families By Province ........................................................... 29 Table 2 - 23 Subsistence Incidence among Families by Province .................................................... 29 Table 2 - 24 Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold by Province ....................................................... 30 Table 2 - 25 Magnitude of Poor Families by Province MIMAROPA 2000, 2003 & 2006 .................. 30 Table 2 - 26 Proposed Interconnections in the MIMAROPA Region................................................ 33

Figure 2 - 1 Location Map of the MIMAROPA Region ........................................................................ 8 Figure 2 - 2 Percentage of Forest Cover by Province, MIMAROPA .................................................... 9 Figure 2 - 3 Population Projection by Province and City, MIMAROPA ............................................ 11 Figure 2 - 4 GRDP Percent Distribution by Industrial Origin ............................................................ 16 Figure 2 - 5 MIMAROPA GVA in Agriculture and Fishery, Per Capita GRDP Growth Rates 2003 2006 and Poverty Incidence ............................................................................................................. 17 Figure 2 - 6 Infant Mortality Rate, Maternal Mortality Rate and Crude Death Rate 2004-2007..... 27 Figure 2 - 7 Health Workers, MIMAROPA 2005-2007 ...................................................................... 27 Figure 2 - 8 Number of Doctors, Dentists, Nurses and Midwives MIMAROPA, 2005-2007 ............ 28

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Part I: Regional Development Agenda

Part I: Regional Development Agenda

MIMAROPA: FOOD, LEISURE AND GATEWAY TO SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES 2010-2020 The MIMAROPA Region, comprised of five (5) provinces in a cluster of 1,978 islands and islets, is a microcosm of the entire Philippine archipelago. Like the Philippines, the region for the next ten years will have to consider more proactively the requirements of integrating the local economies toward a more efficient way of providing services, resolving environment issues and conserving its natural resources. For this purpose, there are four (4) overarching concerns that must be tackled:    

Physical connectivity for viability and integration of island economies, as well as for local governance efficacy; Good governance for sustainable growth and competitiveness; Effective and enduring elimination of poverty and inequality through enterprise development; and, Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation for sustainable development.

The division of the Southern Tagalog Region into CALABARZON and MIMAROPA Regions through Executive Order 103 issued seven years ago on May 17, 2002, was premised on the consequent efficiencies in development administration of smaller and tighter geographic units in advancing the social and economic well-being of their constituents. The creation of the two smaller regions was also intended to decongest Metro Manila and bring the wheels of government closer to the marginalized communities. Indeed, the creation of the MIMAROPA Region brought to a sharper focus its inherent disadvantages and inefficiencies on one hand, and its comparative advantages on the other hand. A resource-rich region guarded by rough seas, MIMAROPA’s distinct comparative advantage is its pristine environment preserved by sheer isolation. However, it is the same state of isolation that has marginalized its population from productive participation in the economic mainstream. Since becoming a separate administrative region, various opportunities opened for lucrative trades and markets. The role of MIMAROPA in the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) afforded the Region access to new markets for its agricultural products in the Visayas regions. The SRNH also placed the Region in the tourism stream in Central Philippines and in the urban beltway in Southern Luzon.

Physical Integration The challenge of connecting the production areas and tourism destinations within the Region to the SRNH trunkline still persists, obstructing economic integration and marketing efficiencies. The only region in the country with no land border with another region, MIMAROPA faces the challenge of physically interconnecting its five provinces and island municipalities to the regional seat in Calapan City, as well as interconnecting MIMAROPA to the other regions. This scenario, however, presents an opportunity for the region to become a model in intermodal transport development to physically and economically integrate the region and strengthen its access to mainland Luzon and the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Presently, Mindoro island serves as the link of Luzon to the Visayas-Mindanao regions through the SRNH.

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The inadequate infrastructure facilities and the lack of reliable, safe and efficient transport services limit direct internal and external trade links and also discourage tourism and direct investments in MIMAROPA. While the above constraints may be observed throughout the country, in MIMAROPA, these obstacles have sustained the cycle of retarded growth and worsening poverty situation in the region. Developing the most cost effective intermodal transport system for the Region is an urgent priority for MIMAROPA to truly benefit from its creation and impact positively on the socioeconomic well-being of its diverse communities.

Good Governance Enhancing good governance in MIMAROPA calls for instituting reforms toward achieving balanced budget, where the development of its human capital gets priority resource allocation; establishing incentives to encourage private sector investment in services of public interest; and other reforms to make local bureaucracies responsive to people’s needs, effective in empowering communities and proactive in building the investment climate conducive to growth and competitiveness.

Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness The inherent potentials of the Region in agriculture and tourism are the key to unlocking its sluggish economy towards sustainable growth that will directly benefit its marginalized communities. A tourism-driven agricultural development is the growth scenario envisioned by the Region’s stakeholders. Mindoro and Palawan islands have vast potentials for crop, livestock and fishery production that could support tourism development not only in the Region but in the whole Central Philippines Tourism Super Region. Marinduque and Romblon have opportunities to diversify their tourism attractions to adventure and cultural destinations to complement nature and eco-tourism destinations in Mindoro and Palawan. The challenge of steering agricultural productivity toward locally responding to the demands of the tourism industry within the Region and the Tourism Super Region, calls for a deliberate and concerted strategy to link the two sectors. This strategy shall take into consideration the identified gaps, particularly:  There is no implicit link between food supply and food requirements of tourists within the Region. A case in point is the fact that tourism establishments in Coron, Palawan and Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro generally import food products from Metro Manila and neighboring markets even when these food products can readily be produced or supplied within the Region;  Most farmers produce without an entrepreneurial mindset;  The local economy do not directly benefit from the booming tourism industry, and are instead forced to pay for an increasing cost of living resulting from the pressure of the tourism development; until the local producers become part of the equation, the growth of the tourism industry will further create an imbalance in the local economy;  Agro-tourism is not developed, nor promoted.

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Part I: Regional Development Agenda

A framework for the integration of the two sectors needs to be developed to guide planners and decision-makers in maximizing benefits derived from agriculture and tourism. At the minimum, this framework may take off from the priority areas for agriculture and tourism development in MIMAROPA (Table 1-1). Table 1 - 1 Priority Areas for Agriculture and Tourism Development

Province Oriental Mindoro The Pearl of Mindoro

Occidental Mindoro The Marine Wonderland Marinduque The Lenten Capital of the Country

Romblon The Marble Capital of the Country

Area for Development Agriculture

Tourism

fruit processing particularly calamansi, rambutan and mangoes into juice concentrates, preserved or dried candies/pastilles, marmalade and jelly and banana (saba) into sauce/catsup, chips/strings and powder/flour.

 Lake Naujan  Mount Halcon  Bulalacao  Pinamalayan A Mangyan crafts village and living museum

grains by product such as rice hull for cooking fuel, insulating materials, fiberboard and building blocks. Blast-freezing of prawns, crabs, etc

        

root crop processing particularly arrow root into candies/pastilles/ confectionaries; fruit processing; vegetable production

coconut processing into coconut oil and coco-engine oil and development of the Southern Tablas municipalities (Looc, Alcantara, Sta. Maria and Sta Fe) as major supplier of high value food crops to Carabao Island and Boracay Island.

Apo Reef Pandan Island Bagong Sabang River Ambulong Island Lubang Island Tres Reyes Islands Balanacan Bay Pulang Lupa Elephant Island’s Bellarocca Resort

 Mt. Guiting-Guiting  Carabao Island The presence of the TESDA Trade School and the Romblon State College (RSC) in Alcantara and the RSC Campus in Sta. Fe makes these municipalities potential HRD hubs for the tourism industry. Protected by Looc Bay, the municipality of Looc may venture into a “Marina-Yachting Facility” for Carabao Island visitors. Sibuyan Island-Romblon Island-Carabao Island and Bulalacao-Coron-Carabao Island triangles

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Table 1-1 continued

Province

Palawan The Last Frontier

Area for Development

Agriculture fruit processing (fruit purees and juices, candies for mango, candies and pastilles Ecological for cashew) seaweed processing and aqua-marine processing of tuna, grouper and tiger prawn.

   

Tourism Tabon Caves Tubattaha Reef Balabac Island Coron

Aside from the agriculture focus of enterprise development in the Region, the services sector geared to tourism and competitiveness likewise requires support. The development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) shall consider the full continuum of entrepreneurship education, research and development, business incubation, as well as the development of a sound business environment. Trade houses, souvenir shops and pasalubong centers featuring local products and serving as information centers on available services and destinations would also provide visibility for enticing investor interest. The major barrier to the development of the agriculture, tourism and services sectors is the inefficient support structures both for production and marketing. The underdeveloped capital market in the Region aggravates this situation. While the LGUs, with the support of frontline agencies, are the prime movers of the agriculture and tourism development strategy, the role of the state colleges and universities (SUCs) in the strategy is crucial along research, development and extension (RDE) and knowledge-based collaboration toward productivity, quality and marketing efficiencies. With the presence of SUCs in all its provinces, MIMAROPA is set for RDE-supported entrepreneurship development in agriculture and tourism. The SUCs in the whole region can serve as common service facilities for business incubation. In partnership with the LGUs, the SUCs can be the force in building tourismfriendly communities in their sphere of influence. The tourism interest in the Region can further be diversified with the development of health and wellness centers as already demonstrated by the Bellarocca Resort in Elephant Island in Marinduque. The island province can take advantage of the presence of the resort to diversify into medical tourism to achieve year round visitor arrivals in the island. Similarly, the Province of Palawan can explore its comparative advantages in becoming an international convention center, particularly of the BIMP-EAGA; the Province of Romblon has the potential and comparative advantage in becoming the HRD hub for the tourism industry in the Central Philippines super region.

Poverty and Inequality Good governance for sustainable growth and competitiveness of MSMEs in agriculture, tourism and services sectors is the framework for effective and enduring elimination of poverty and inequality in the Region. This framework recognizes the interrelatedness of various development variables, such as: the importance of investment, infrastructure and human capital to growth and poverty reduction; the role of health to human capital; the significance of human capital to poverty and inequality, the value of human development institutions and good

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Part I: Regional Development Agenda

governance to sustainable development; the importance of human capital to enterprise development; and in turn of enterprise development to investment and therefore growth as well as poverty reduction; the contribution of farm and nonfarm incomes to growth and poverty reduction; and the importance of governance to poverty reduction and human development. Environmental considerations, including natural resource management, are also taken into consideration as key elements in sustainable economic growth. The majority of the Region’s population are rural dwellers dependent on marginal farming with no security of tenure over the farms they till. Low agricultural productivity, lack of alternative livelihood opportunities, and inadequate human capital investments especially in education and health are among the identified causes of the worsening poverty and inequality in the Region. The agrarian reform program which awards land patents to eligible farmers would be another entry point for entrepreneurship education in scientific farming. The increased demand for affordable housing and other community services pose yet another opportunity for entrepreneurship and job creation in MIMAROPA. Housing and settlements development is expected to pick up to accommodate the migrating government workers and their families and the waves of service providers that may be drawn by the rising urbanization in the Region’s growth centers. Socialized housing for the urban poor through Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity, International and the like, have proven effective in transforming communities from a mindset of hopelessness to optimism and productivity. Still the prime movers for poverty reduction, the LGUs in the Region shall further be assisted in developing competencies in managing development through improved planning, expenditure management and resource mobilization. The port city of Calapan and the port town of Roxas in the SRNH traversing Oriental Mindoro need to collaborate in taking advantage of their strategic role by creating points of interest along the highway to induce the commuting public to stop over and sample local products or services thereby boosting the local economy. Beyond the LGU’s mandate in supplementing investments in education; providing infrastructure services through private and community involvement; providing for public health care especially the poor; making more social services accessible to the poor; monitoring, regulating and properly taxing natural resource depletion and environmental damage; and, promoting sustainable local management systems; LGUs are empowered by the Local Government Code to venture in corporate undertakings for increased revenues to fuel improvements in local government services.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation MIMAROPA’s agriculture sector, as with the rest of the country, is vulnerable to the vagaries of nature. The occurrence of climate change has made this situation more complex, specifically for rice and corn farmers. To address this concern, weather risk-management programs and climate change adaptation strategies should be developed for farmers and other agricultural stakeholders. The state of the environment in the region has deteriorated over the years. Poverty in the region negatively impacts on the environment because of the unsustainable resource extraction and encroachment in protection areas that further endanger the bedrock ecosystems of the forest, lowland, freshwater, coastal and marine resources. In turn, the depletion of resources contributes to the cycle that mires the rural poor in poverty, making them most vulnerable to natural calamities.

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Experience has shown that development interventions that fail to consider disaster risks eventually exact a heavy toll in terms of loss of life, damage of property and destruction of infrastructures that are costly to replace. The development investments that could have been channeled to social and economic services are diverted to disaster response and rehabilitation, further marginalizing the affected areas and populace. The transformation towards disaster resilient and climate change adapted communities requires participation of all sectors at all levels in developing and instituting sustainable alternatives.

Development Vision The Region’s stakeholders envision MIMAROPA as the destination in the Philippines for the most diverse tourism with abundance in food and leisure and unlimited options for crossingover to the rest of the Philippines. Consistent with the national and local tourism strategy, the Region shall explore marketproduct focus and destination-focus strategies in tourism development while pursuing an integrated resource-based development cum environmental management strategy in its spatial development. National The Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan, 2004-2010 champions the following tourism strategies: (1) Market-Product Focus: The 10 most outstanding tourist segments for the Philippines towards 2010 are the short-haul sightseeing and shopping; long-haul mass comfort; long –haul backpacker; long-haul niche beach; domestic, short-haul ecotourism; short-haul beach lover; short-haul recreation; meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE); and Balikbayan segments; and, (2) Destination Focus: For major destinations like Palawan, priority shall be given to major infrastructure improvement, aggressively closing gaps, and promoting these destinations. In the case of special interest destinations, the priority shall be to increase accessibility, and improve the existing tourism products being offered. Regional The Regional Physical Framework Plan, 2004-2030 promotes an Integrated Resource-Based Development Cum Environmental Management Strategy. Aside from the development of agribased industries, the strategy also espouses the designation of tourism circuits or zones for sustainable tourism development. Likewise, the MIMAROPA Regional Development Plan, 20042010 envisions MIMAROPA to become a food basket of CALABARZON and Metro Manila and a major tourism hub of the country. Local Among the policies of MIMAROPA local government units (LGUs) as cited in their development plans are as follows:  Agriculture development focusing on agro-industrial activities (Palawan);  Agriculture and fishery productivity, improvement of parks, plazas and boulevards, and tourism and environmental protection (Puerto Princesa City, Palawan);

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Part I: Regional Development Agenda

 Tourism development and environmental and biodiversity protection and conservation (Romblon);  Agriculture development and tourism promotion, particularly focusing on agro-tourism, and cultural and historical tourism (Oriental Mindoro);  High value crop production and development of wildlife sanctuaries and ecotourism sites (Marinduque);  Intensification of agricultural production, post production and marketing; and, eco-park and nature park development (Calapan City).

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Part II: Technical Notes I I.1

ANALYSIS OF THE PLANNING ENVIRONMENT Location, Land Area and Political Subdivisions

Geographical Location The MIMAROPA Region lies between the quadrant of 745’ 1400 North Latitude and 11630’ 12250 East Longitude (Figure 2-1). It is bounded by South China Sea to the West, Tayabas Bay to the North, Sibuyan Sea to the East and Sulu Sea to the South putting the Region strategically within the radius of urban and industrial influence of the Luzon and Central Philippines super regions. With Palawan located west of the Philippine chain of islands, it is also the Region’s and the Country’s southwest frontier with Malaysia. It forms a link between the Philippines and East India. Figure 2 - 1 Location Map of the MIMAROPA Region

Land Area and Political Subdivisions MIMAROPA has an aggregate land area of 2,745,601 hectares or 27,456.01 square kilometers representing about 9 percent of the country’s total land area. Of the five provinces of the Region, Palawan is the largest, accounting for more than half of the Region’s total land area (54.26 percent) with 1,489,626 hectares. Marinduque has the smallest area, representing only 3.49 percent with 95,925 hectares. Occidental Mindoro, which is the second largest province in terms of

Part II: Technical Notes

land area, has 587,985 hectares comprising 21.42 percent of the Region’s land area. Oriental Mindoro has a land area of 436,472 hectares, roughly 15.90 percent, while Romblon with 135,593 hectares comprises 4.94 percent of the Region’s total land area The Region has seventy (70) municipalities and two (2) cities: Puerto Princesa City and Calapan City. MIMAROPA’s total land cover1 2,644,412 hectares compose of forest (63 percent), nonforest (31.8 percent) and marine (5.2 percent). Of its total forest cover, 29 percent or 474,821 hectares is old growth forest, 37 percent or 609,356 hectares is residual forest, 1.1 percent or 29,419 hectares is mossy, 0.6 percent or 14,976 hectares is sub-marginal and 32 percent or 536,947 hectares is brush land. Its non-forestland consists of coconut plantations (14 percent), grasslands (55 percent), other agricultural crop lands (23 percent), built-up areas (1 percent) and bare rocky land and water bodies (7 percent). The remaining marine cover includes mangroves, fishpond areas and shallow coasts. The Province of Palawan accounts for more than half of the total forest cover. Occidental Mindoro has more than one-fifth, while Oriental Mindoro has less than one-fifth. Romblon and Marinduque share the remaining five percent (Figure 2-2). Figure 2 - 2 Percentage of Forest Cover by Province, MIMAROPA Romblon Marinduque 2% 3%

Oriental Mindoro 17% Oriental Mindoro

Occidental Mindoro

Palawan

Palawan 57%

Occidental Mindoro 21%

Marinduque

Romblon

Source: DENR IV-B

I.2

Population and Settlement

Population Size, Growth Rate and Projection The MIMAROPA Region has a total population of 2,559,791 as of 2007. This represents an increase of 11.33 percent or 260,562 persons over the 2000 census count of 2,299,229 persons. The region’s population is only 2 percent of the total Philippine population of 88,574,614 in 2007. Compared with other regions of the country, MIMAROPA has the third lowest population, higher only than Caraga Region (Region 13) and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR). In terms of population size by province, Oriental Mindoro has the highest population at 735,769, accounting for 28.74 percent of the Region’s total. The Province of Palawan follows closely with 682,152 representing 26.65 percent of the Region’s population. Occidental Mindoro accounts for 16.48 percent with 421,952; Romblon, 10.93 percent with 279,774; and, Marinduque, 8.97 percent with 229,636 persons (Table 2-1).

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Based on JAFTA Land Cover Chart, which uses a different land area from the official land area of the Region used by NAMRIA and NSO.

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The Region has two cities, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan and Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro. Puerto Princesa City posted a total population of 210,508 or 8.22 percent of the Region’s population, while Calapan City registered a total population of 116,976 or 4.57 percent of the Region’s population. The annual average growth rate in Puerto Princesa for the period 20002007 reported at 3.68 percent was the highest in the Region. The annual average growth rate of the Region’s population between 2000 and 2007 of 1.49 percent was lower than the national figure of 2.04 percent for the same period. The Region’s population growth steadily decelerated from a 2.31 percent growth in the 1980s (Table 2-2). Table 2 - 1 Population and Percent Distribution by Province and City, MIMAROPA, Censal Years 1980, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2007 Province / City Province Marinduque Occ. Mindoro Or. Mindoro Palawan Romblon Sub-Total

Population and Percent Distribution 1980

%

1990

%

1995

%

2000

%

2007

%

173,715

12.3%

185,524

10.5%

199,910

9.8%

217,392

9.5%

229,636

8.97

222,431

15.8%

282,593

15.9%

339,605

16.7%

380,250

16.5%

421,952

16.48

379,568

27.0%

464,151

26.2%

512,110

25.2%

575,908

25.0%

618,793

28.74

311,548

22.1%

436,140

24.6%

510,909

25.1%

593,500

25.8%

682,152

26. 65

193,174

13.7%

227,621

12.8%

244,654

12.0%

264,357

11.5%

279,774

10.93

1,280,436

90.9%

1,596,029

90.0%

1,807,188

88.9%

2,031,407

88.4%

2,232,307

87.21

67,370

City Calapan Puerto Princesa Sub-Total

4.8%

85,898

4.8%

96,506

4.7%

105,910

4.6%

116,970

1.4%

60,234

4.3%

92,147

5.2%

129,577

6.4%

161,912

7.0%

210,508

3.7%

127,604

9.1%

178,045

10.0%

226,083

11.1%

267,822

11.6%

327,478

12.79

MIMAROPA

1,408,040

100.0%

1,774,074

100.0%

2,033,271

100.0%

2,299,229

100.0%

2,559,791

100%

Source: NSO IV-B Table 2 - 2 Annual Average Population Growth Rate by Province and City, MIMAROPA, Censal Years 1980, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2007 Annual Average Growth Rate Province / City 1980-1990 1990-1995 1995-2000 1990-2000 2000-2007 Province Marinduque 0.66% 1.41% 1.81% 1.59% 0.76% Occ. Mindoro 2.42% 3.50% 2.45% 2.97% 1.44% Or. Mindoro 2.10% 1.91% 2.46% 2.15% 1.06% Palawan 3.58% 3.67% 3.60% 3.58% 1.94% Romblon 1.65% 1.36% 1.67% 1.50% 0.78% Sub-Total 2.20% 2.49% 2.34% 2.41% 1.41% City Calapan 2.43% 2.33% 1.86% 2.09% 1.43% Puerto Princesa 4.25% 6.82% 4.46% 5.64% 3.68% Sub-Total 3.33% 4.78% 3.39% 4.08% 3.18% MIMAROPA 2.31% 2.73% 2.67% 2.59% 1.49% Source: NSO IV-B

10

Part II: Technical Notes

Millions

Figure 2 - 3 Population Projection by Province and City, MIMAROPA 6 Puerto Princesa Calapan Romblon 5

Palawan Oriental Mindoro Occidental Mindoro Marinduque

4

3

2

1

0 1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

2030

Source: NSO IV-B Population Density The region had an average density of 93 persons per square kilometer in 2007 or an increase of 9 percent from 2000 figure of 84 persons per square kilometer. The city of Calapan posted the highest density at 468 persons per square kilometer followed by the provinces of Marinduque and Romblon at 246 and 181 persons per square kilometer, respectively. The province of Palawan has the lowest density of 42 persons per square kilometer. By the year 2010, the region is projected to register a population density of 95 persons per square kilometer to 124 and 161 persons per square kilometer in the years 2020 and 2030, respectively. At these levels, the Region would still be among the least densely populated regions. Rate of Urbanization Given that the creation of the MIMAROPA Region was designed to decongest Metro Manila and disperse development to the suburbs, faster urbanization can be expected in the growth centers of the new region with the influx of new settlers brought by the establishment of the regional institutions.

11

Table 2 - 3 Population Density by Province and City, MIMAROPA, Censal Years 1980, 1990,1995, 2000 and 2007 Population Density (Persons/sq.km) Land Area Location (sq.km) 1980 1990 1995 2000 2007 Province Marinduque 959.25 181 193 208 227 239 Occidental Mindoro 5,879.85 38 48 58 65 72 Oriental Mindoro 4,099.52 93 113 125 140 151 Palawan 12.789.56 24 34 40 46 53 Romblon 1,355.93 142 168 180 195 206 Total 25,084.11 51 64 72 81 89 City Calapan 265.20 254 324 364 399 441 Puerto Princessa 2,106.70 29 44 62 77 100 Total 2,371.90 54 75 95 113 138 MIMAROPA 27,456.01 51 65 74 84 93 Source: Philippine Statistical Yearbook, October 2002; 2007 figures computed by NEDA IVB; Palawan figures for 1990, 1995, and 2000 adjusted based on the reported land area.

The development of new settlements to address the needs of migrating government workers and their families would be a certainty, especially in Calapan City. Other settlers who may be enticed by new prospects in the Region can also be expected to follow in waves within the next decade. Another wave of migrants that is likely to follow would be those who are originally from the region that may be lured back by improved livability and job opportunity in the new Region. Rural to urban migration continued for the past two decades. Population influx is expected in the major urban areas and the secondary growth areas where economy is diverse and accessibility is most possible. Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro will have a higher population density due to its designation as the Regional Government Center of the MIMAROPA Region, its proximity to Batangas and the presence of higher ranks of functional services. While, the municipality of Roxas, on the other hand, may take advantage of the increasing number of tourist commuters passing through the SRNH. It may start to develop as another growth center in the province of Oriental Mindoro together with Pinamalayan. Direct linkage to Panay Island and improved transport services plying Calapan City and nearby localities would significantly increase its populace. The construction of RORO port facility in the municipality of Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro may augment its population density. The municipality of San Jose in Occidental Mindoro’s plan of commercial intensification combined with agro-industrialization will continue to encourage higher in-migration not only from adjoining municipalities but from neighboring islands as well. Similarly, the efforts of Puerto Princesa in achieving “Premier Tourist Destination” will be an added attraction for in-migration. Increasing population density is also anticipated in Brooke’s Point due to several development investments that started to locate in the area. Boac and Odiongan, as emerging growth areas in the northeastern part of the Region, will also experience population increase at limited rate. Likewise, the construction of a port facility in Sablayan may also draw new settlers.

12

Part II: Technical Notes

The construction of Calatagan port linking the municipality to the island municipalities of Lubang and Looc, shall likewise increase population growth in these areas as well as increase ecotourism activities. The establishment and improvement of infrastructure facilities intended for physical unification of MIMAROPA will promote greater regional mobility making inter-island economic interchange more feasible and convenient. Among the cities and municipalities of the region, the existing population centers are San Jose, Sablayan, Mamburao, Magsaysay, Rizal, Calapan City, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Bongabong, Roxas, Baco, Victoria, Pola, Bansud, Gloria, Sta. Cruz, Boac, Mogpog , Gasan, Torrijos Odiongan, Romblon, San Fernando Puerto Princesa, Narra, Taytay, Coron, Quezon, Brooke’s Point and Roxas.

I.3 Physical Resources Topography The topography of MIMAROPA region varies from one province to another and is characterized by varied landforms consisting of flat coastal areas and the upland interior areas of moderate rolling and undulating plains, hills and mountains. The Romblon islands are generally mountainous with 40 percent having slopes greater than 50 percent. Only 4 percent of the total area has a slope of 2 to 8 percent while a sparse 10 percent has a slope of 0 to 3 percent (DENR IV-B’ estimate). Narrow strips of coastal lowland, low hills and plain typify the topography of some of the islands within the Province of Romblon. Palawan has a rolling to mountainous terrain with highly irregular and indented coastline resulting in coves and bays. A mountain block running northwest to southwest across the central portion of the island separates Occidental Mindoro from Oriental Mindoro. Volcanic terrain is limited to the area near Mt. Calavite in the northern coast and Mt. Halcon in the central parts. Wider lowlands exist along the southwest, while small patches of alluvial flatlands are found west along the coast. The eastern portion of Occidental Mindoro is known to be extremely rugged and quite elevated, accessible only through rough mountain trails. Oriental Mindoro has three (3) distinct geographical zone surfaces: the coastal areas (covering a total length of 342.45 kilometers), lake areas (covering 81.28 square kilometers.) and the riparian areas (rich fertile valleys and mountainous areas covering 89 percent of its total landmass). The province has successive ranges of mountains, intermittent valleys and elongated plateaus. Marinduque has undulated, hilly and mountainous terrain. Its highest peak is Mount Malindig at 1,157 meters above sea level. Natural Resources MIMAROPA Region’s total land area of 2,745,601 hectares consists of alienable and disposable (A & D) land and forestland. The total A & D land of 992,317 hectares, is 36 percent of the total land area, while the remaining 1,753,284 hectares or 64 percent is forestland. Among the five provinces, Palawan has the biggest forestland comprising 57 percent of the total forestland in the Region. Occidental Mindoro comes next with 21 percent of the total forestland. Oriental Mindoro, Romblon and Marinduque have a forestland percentage of 17, 3 and 2 percent respectively

13

The classified forestland is 71 percent of the total forestland area, while unclassified forest land accounts for 29 percent. The Region’s forest reserves/timberland cover 61 percent, NIPAS areas 31 percent; civil and military reservation 2.59 percent and areas for fishpond development, .022 percent. A total of 319,677 hectares were awarded with Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claims (CADC). These areas are in Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro and Palawan, with Oriental Mindoro having the largest area covered with CADCs. Table 2-4 Land Cover By Province, MIMAROPA, Square Kilometer Marinduq ue

Land Cover Type Land Forest Old Growth Residual Mossy Sub-Marginal Pine Brushland Plantation Forest Total Forest % Non-Forest Coconut Plantation Grassland Agriculture Bare/RockyLand Water Body Built-up Total Non-Forest % Total Land % MARINE Mangrove Fishpond Shallow Coast Total Marine % Total

Occ. Mindoro

Or. Mindoro

Romblon

Total

4,709 11,856

91,022 160,540

73,116 91,838

299,490 335,984 29,417 14,976

6,484 9,137

474,821 609,355 29,417 14,976

18,316

99,348

123,421

253,906

41,956

536,947

34,881 2.1%

350,910 21.1%

288,375 17.3%

933,773 56.1%

57,577 1,665,516 3.5% 100.0%

24,157 9,932 17,187 1,512 536 751 54,075 6.4% 88,956 3.5%

5,778 135,143 35,267 9,044 5,436 2,370 193,038 23.0% 543,948 21.7%

35,912 27,939 43,521 253,061 63,130 67,911 2,418 11,928 13,627 8,633 810 2,558 159,418 372,030 19.0% 44.2% 447,793 1,305,803 17.9% 52.1%

1,974

1,156 2,419 5,830 9,405 6.8% 553,353

18 46,445 355 168 855 73,336 1,228 119,949 0.9% 87.0% 449,021 1,425,752

2,874 4,848 3.5% 93,804

Source: JAFTA Land Cover Statistics, 1993-2003

14

Palawan

24,089 25,210 9,585 28 3,618 62,530 7.4% 120,107 4.8% 751 1,624 2,375 1.7% 122,482

117,875 466,867 193,080 24,930 31,850 6,489 841,091 100.0% 2,506,607 100.0%

%

18.0% 23.0% 1.1% 0.6% 0.0% 20.3% 0.0% 63.0%

4.5% 17.7% 7.3% 0.9% 1.2% 0.2% 31.8% 94.8% 0.0%

50,344 1.9% 2,942 0.1% 84,519 3.2% 137,805 5.2% 100.0% 2,644,412 100.0%

Part II: Technical Notes

Table 2 - 4 Distribution of Forestlands (Classified and Unclassified) Province Marinduque % Occ. Mindoro % Or. Mindoro % Palawan % Romblon % TOTAL %

Forest Reserves NIPAS Areas / Timberland 22,100.00 97.7% 188,141.81 43.6% 180,062.00 84.2% 660,401.04 63.4% 25,245.52 58.2% 1,075,950.37 61.4%

522 2.3% 224,253.19 51.9% 29,655.00 13.9% 356,068.96 34.2% 17,935.48 41.4% 628,434.63 35.8%

Military Reservation 0 0.0% 147 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 147 0.0%

Civil Fishpond Reservation Development 0 0.0% 16,190 3.7% 3,680 1.7% 25,380 2.4% 0 0.0% 45,250 2.6%

0 0.0% 3,249 0.8% 502 0.2% 0 0.0% 168 0.4% 3,919 0.2%

Total 22,622 100.0% 431,981 100.0% 213,899 100.0% 1,041,850 100.0% 43,349 100.0% 1,753,701 100.0%

Source: JAFTA Land Cover Statistics, 2002

I.4 Economy Gross Regional Domestic Product The MIMAROPA Region’s economy managed to grow by 3.1 percent in 2008 amidst the early inroads of the global meltdown and after the onslaught of several typhoons during the year. The 3.1 percent growth was a deceleration from 9.8 percent achieved during the high growth period of 2007. The major contributors to growth during the period were construction, transport, commerce and storage (TCS), and private services. All the major sectors (AFF, industry, services) decelerated in 2008 relative to 2007. Agriculture, Fishery, and Forestry (AFF) slowed down from 1.8 percent in 2007 to 0.3 percent in 2008. Industry posted a sharp drop from 19.0 percent in 2007 to 5.3 percent in 2008, while the service sector significantly slowed down from 9.1 percent to 4.3 percent. The region’s economy did not perform or sustain the 2007 level of growth as projected since there were more natural disasters than anticipated that inflicted extensive damage in the region, particularly in the agriculture sector which is one of the major contributors to the regional economy. Table 2 - 5 GRDP Growth Rates by Industrial Origin, MIMAROPA 2007 2008 Agriculture Fishery Forestry Sector 1.8 0.3 Industry Sector 19 5.3 Service Sector 9.1 4.3 Source: NSCB Table 2 - 6 GRDP Accounts and Percentage Contribution to the GDP, MIMAROPA and Other Region Region 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 NCR 31.27 32.03 32.46 32.64 33.01 CALABARZON 12.71 12.43 12.33 12.13 11.86 Central Luzon 8.64 8.46 8.41 8.33 8.30 Western Visayas 7.22 7.23 7.19 7.23 7.28

15

Central Visayas Northern Mindanao Davao Region Soccksargen Ilocos Bicol MIMAROPA Zamboanga Peninsula CAR Eastern Visayas Cagayan Valley CARAGA ARMM Source: NSCB

7.04 4.86

7.11 4.84

7.08 4.9

7.17 4.94

7.14 5.0

4.61 3.55 2.96 2.84 2.75 2.59

4.58 3.46 2.97 2.85 2.79 2.64

4.53 3.5 2.09 2.77 2.7 2.56

4.51 3.49 2.95 2.78 2.76 2.56

4.5 3.5 2.91 2.80 2.74 2.5

2.36 2.24 2.15 1.3 0.91

2.26 2.2 1.96 1.29 0.9

2.22 2.19 1.99 1.28 0.89

2.22 2.12 1.99 1.33 0.87

2.18 2.11 1.95 1.3 0.9

Figure 2 - 4 GRDP Percent Distribution by Industrial Origin

41.25 Industry

39.16

16

38.08

Agriculture

Agriculture

19.6 Service

19.82 Service

2007

Source: NSCB

42.11 Industry

2008

Part II: Technical Notes

Figure 2 - 5 MIMAROPA GVA in Agriculture and Fishery, Per Capita GRDP Growth Rates 2003 - 2006 and Poverty Incidence

Source: NSO, NSCB Further, the assumption for the industry sector to be revitalized, particularly in mining, did not take place. For one, the province of Palawan was not able to sustain its mining activities. Several mining companies closed due to the global crisis resulting in a sharp drop in the performance of the industry sector where mining and quarrying are the major contributors. In terms of the sectoral share to the region’s economy, the industry sector continued to account for the largest share, contributing 42.1 percent in 2008, a slight increase of 0.9 percentage points from its contribution of 41.25 percent in 2007. The sector actually managed a growth of 5.3 percent in 2008. Major contributors to the growth in this sector are construction, electricity and water. The services sector also managed a growth of 4.3 percent and an increased percentage share to MIMAROPA’s total GRDP from 19.6 percent in 2007 to 19.83 percent share in 2008. Major contributors to this sector are transport, commercial and storage (TCS) and private services. Amidst the overall deceleration, MIMAROPA Region still ranked second highest in growth among the 17 regions in the country. AFF performances in the regional economy suffered a setback as it decreased in contribution to the GRDP from 39.16 percent in 2007 to 38.08 percent in 2008. The sector grew by only 0.3 percentage points in 2008 from 1.5 percent in 2007. This may be attributed to the weakened growth in coconut, livestock and poultry and fishery sub-sectors and aggravated by the dismal performance of the forestry sub-sector. Agriculture Of the 2.74 million hectares of land area, MIMAROPA only utilizes 542,218 hectares of lands for agricultural use based on National Statistics Office (NSO) Census of Agriculture and

17

Fishery. This is equivalent to 19.8 percent of the region’s total land area. This figure fell short by more than 200,000 hectares for production use based on the Strategic Agricultural and Fisheries Development Zone (SAFDZ) target of at 758,519 hectares. During the last five years, the annual average area used for rice production was 242,860 hectares. Oriental Mindoro and Palawan posted a comparable average at more than 70,000 hectares annually, followed by occidental Mindoro at 63,000 hectares. Marinduque and Romblon almost tied at more than 12,000 hectares. In terms of irrigation, the recorded irrigated lands in the region of 70,514 hectares represent more than 50 percent of the total potential irrigable areas of 140,390 hectares. Unfortunately, not all the recorded irrigated lands are being served with the needed water due to siltation, dilapidation and drying up of water sources. At present, only 43,141 hectares are actually served. The rest needs urgent restoration works in the system to operate in at least two cropping seasons per year. Aside from crop production, MIMAROPA is also a main producer in fishery. The region is endowed with rich marine and coastal resources. With 1,978 islands, MIMAROPA is enfolded with a long coastline of rich fishing grounds. The island provinces still have intact assemblages of marine habitats where the in-shore coastal marine waters are considered the richest fishing grounds in the Philippines while its offshore marine resources, including the Spratly Islands are frequented by commercial fishers from all over the Philippines and nearby countries. Among the Food Basket commodities, rice is synonymous to MIMAROPA’s strength in agriculture. Rice, the national and political commodity, account for 40 percent of the total crop produce in the region. In 2007, MIMAROPA attained 135 percent self-sufficiency in rice with a surplus production of about 230 thousand metric tons of palay. This is equivalent to almost 150,000 metric tons of rice which is about 8 percent of the country’s rice import for the year. At prevailing market prices, the PhP5 billion rice surplus of the region could secure a 40-day supply of rice to Metro Manila. During the last two years, rice production in the region grew by 6 percent annually, which is comparable to the national growth of 5 percent and 6 percent in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Next to rice, corn is predominant particularly in Occidental Mindoro (Calintaan, Abra de Ilog and Mamburao) and in Southern Palawan. Based on the demand-supply analysis of yellow corn in the region in 2007, MIMAROPA was more than 200 percent self-sufficient. This implies a ready supply of corn for feed milling. At present, MIMAROPA supplies corn to the feed mills in CALABARZON and the Visayas. Another major crop in MIMAROPA is calamansi. For the last 7 years, MIMAROPA averages with an annual production equivalent 61 percent of the total calamansi production of the country. Oriental Mindoro is the main producer, accounting for around 99 percent of the total regional produce. Oriental Mindoro is dubbed as the Calamansi King of the country. Oriental Mindoro is also known for its Cardaba (Saba) production as well as other high value crops like rambutan, lanzones and durian, which are gaining popularity in local markets, especially in Metro Manila. Cashew is another high value crop that is dominantly produced in the region, particularly in Palawan. MIMAROPA produces 90 percent of the total cashew production in the country.

18

Part II: Technical Notes

In the fishery sector, MIMAROPA has consistently ranked 2nd to ARMM among the fish producing regions in the country from 2002 to present. Also, the seaweed output of the region is the 2nd highest nationwide contributing about 21 percent of the country’s produce. With its long coastlines and rich fishing grounds, Palawan is the top fish-producing province in the country. Tourism The MIMAROPA Region has high potentials as a world-class tourist destination due to its fine sand beaches, scenic vistas, outstanding coral formations, marine parks, mangroves teeming with fishes, indigenous communities and nature loving people. Its islands and islets, (1,978) are a haven of natural wonders having diverse scenic attractions and rich cultural heritage. Likewise, MIMAROPA is one of the very few regions in the country that has tremendous potentials for ecotourism because of the rich concentration of marine life in the area. For the past years, however, the region has faced not only bigger challenges in the promotion of its tourism industry but also with the bigger responsibility of ensuring that the tourism industry shall not threaten the preservation of the region’s ecological balance. Tourism is another major growth driver of the region. MIMAROPA’s share in tourism arrivals continues to expand between 2005 and 2007. This was due to the intensified promotion of the region as a major tourism destination. In 2007, the national figure on tourist arrivals reached 19,721,976 posting 19.54% increase compared to 2006. MIMAROPA Region contributed 20% of the total tourist arrivals both foreign and domestic to the overall number of visitors to the country. The region ranked number one in the country in total number of tourist arrivals with a total of 4,011,447 foreign and 3,319,564 domestic visitors. . Domestic travelers consistently posted the biggest number of arrivals. In 2006, the province of Oriental Mindoro recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals with a total of 3,699,533. This was followed by Palawan with 192,094 total visitors. Despite incomplete data of tourist arrivals for 2007, the region still recorded the biggest volume of arrivals because of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro. Due to its proximity to Metro Manila and affordable accommodations, the long stretch of fine white sand in Puerto Galera is the most practical destination for local travelers. Among the foreign visitors, Korea, USA, Japan, Germany and Switzerland account for the highest tourist arrivals in the area.     

Some of the major ecotourism sites frequently visited in the region are: St. Paul Underground River, Puerto Princesa; El Nido Marine Reserve, El Nido, Palawan; Tubattaha Reef, Cagayancillo, Palawan; Mt. Guiting-Guiting, Sibuyan Island, Romblon; and Apo Reef, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

19

Table 2 - 7 National Figure on Tourist Arrivals, 2006-2007 Foreign Overseas Domestic Total Total Region Travelers Filipinos Travelers 2007 2006 NCR 545,295 64,241 338,198 1,047,723 359,453 CAR 92,550 4,069 1,010,607 1,117,226 992,920 Region 1 49,272 1,124 431,065 481,461 336,161 Region II 26,185 624,868 651,053 635,168 Region III 134,355 2,846 282,439 419,640 408,236 Region IV442,770 9,771 2,867,023 3,319,564 2,404,967 A Region 68,272 2,345 3,940,830 4,011,447 3,891,627 IV-B Region V 79,070 26,538 792,072 897,680 637,127 Region VI 372,221 76,776 1,447,557 1,846,554 1,844,525 Region VII 685,177 11,717 1,241,217 1,938,111 1,633,160 Region 25,536 595 212,548 238,679 203,569 VIII Region IX 28,590 10,081 496,927 535,598 507,359 Region X 41,226 4,791 1,350,313 1,396,330 893,082 Region XI 55,962 8,510 739,866 804,338 761,183 Region XII 4,158 5,020 626,968 636,146 627,126 Region 20,463 1,911 358,041 380,415 362,836 XIII TOTAL 2,721,102 240,335 16,760,539 19,721,976 16,498,499

Growth Rate 191.48% 12.52% 69.78% 2.50% 2.79% 38% 3.08% 40.89% 0.11% 18.67% 17.25% 5.57% 56.35% 5.67% 1.44% 4.84% 19.54%

Source: Department of Tourism IV

Table 2 - 8 Distribution of Regional Travelers, MIMAROPA 2006-2007 Foreign Overseas Province Travelers Filipinos Domestic Travelers Total 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 1,801 2,927 Occ. Mindoro 74,195 32,579 3,625,338 3,709,100 3,699,533 Or. Mindoro 606 421 2,565 2,221 57,217 52,757 60,388 Marinduque Romblon 42,627 33,471 190 124 149,277 176,046 192,094 Palawan

Total 2007 4,728 3,741,679 55,399 209,641

Total

4,011,447

117,428 68,272

2,755

2,345 3,831,832 3,940,830 3,952,015

Source: Department of Tourism IV

Trade and Industry Blessed with abundance in forest resources and mineral reserves, prime agricultural land, marine resources and natural sanctuaries, existing industries in MIMAROPA are micro, cottage, and small industries that engage in food processing, aquamarine processing, handicrafts manufacturing, marble quarrying and salt making. Efforts are gaining progress in the development of priority industry sectors in the region like aquamarine processing such as seaweed, fish processing (milk fish processing, lamayo, bottled sardines) marble processing as construction materials and novelty items, handloom weaving industries and fruit processing.

20

Part II: Technical Notes

Doing business in MIMAROPA Region is further enhanced by its strategic location, availability of agricultural products, open agri-business and industrial areas, and manpower resources in a rural hospitable business environment. The banking system in the region continues to flourish. As of March 2010, there are 176 banks in the region, including its 26 head offices. There are 39 universal and commercial banks, 27 thrift banks and 110 rural and cooperative banks Mining The MIMAROPA region is richly endowed with mineral resources, both metallic and nonmetallic. Among the metallic minerals present in the region are nickeliferous laterite, copper, gold, silver, chromite (metallurgical and refractory grades), iron, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, lead, zinc. Non-metallic minerals are marble, limestone, cement raw materials, silica sand, construction materials, feldspar, talc, barite and sulphur. Among the minerals already explored nickel, limestone and marble have the largest deposits. The mining industry in the region consists of large and small scale operations extracting nickel, marble, sand, gravel, pebbles, silica, etc. The mining sector accounted for the highest growth in the Region’s GRDP.

I.5 Transportation, Access and Circulation Roads The region, with 2,659.94 kilometers of national roads, is still wanting of paved road as of 2008. Out of this length, there are 1,650 kilometers still unpaved. It will take around 5 to 6 years to completely pave the region’s arterial roads including the regular maintenance works to ensure quality pavement.

Province Marinduque Occ. Mindoro Or. Mindoro Palawan Romblon Total

Table 2 - 9 Status of Roads, MIMAROPA (as of 2008) Asphalt Concrete Earth Gravel (kms.) (kms.) (kms.) (kms.) 30.19 123.22 44.14 11.06 165.56 238.99 135.48 87.42 78.63 136.73 207.5 475 619.88 15.4 97.09 193.63

Total (kms.) 197.55 415.63 301.53 1439.11 306.12 2659.94

Source: DPWH IV-B

Among the provinces, Palawan contends with the worst road condition. Presently, the province of Palawan is drawing from the national government share in Malampaya royalty in building up its infrastructure especially roads. Under this arrangement, Palawan is expected to catch up with the rest of the region in terms of road condition. Oriental Mindoro has been reaping the benefits of hosting the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) route which is given priority in road maintenance and upgrading. Marinduque also enjoys a good road network. In contrast, the road networks in Occidental Mindoro and Romblon still require improvements to attain passable condition all year round.

21

Ports and Airports The region is composed of island provinces which are connected with ports and airports. Water transport is the most favored means of travel since it is relatively cheap compared to air transport. The interconnection of each of the provinces of the region is yet to be realized even with the existence of ports and airports in each of the island provinces and municipalities. The islands are mostly served by ship routes to either Manila or Batangas with no regular commuter routes between the islands. Likewise, existing domestic flights all lead to Manila where most of the economic activities are located. Palawan which is the prime tourist destination not only of the region but also of the country, is served by airports in Puerto Princesa and in Busuanga. Another airport in San Vicente will be constructed to promote tourism in Northern Palawan. The Balabac airport which will open access to the southernmost destinations in Palawan is open for private sector investment requiring an estimated P303 million. The Region, being archipelagic in character, require land, air and water transportation systems to interconnect within the region and to the rest of the Philippines. The Port of Batangas provides the gateway to Calapan City and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro; Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro; and to Odiongan in Romblon. Dalahican Port in Lucena City in Quezon is the link of Marinduque to mainland Luzon. The Lubang Island Port can be utilized to expand the sea route to Coron, Palawan, an emerging tourist destination. The geography of the Region makes interaction, collaboration and transactions among the MIMAROPA provinces difficult and expensive. By air routes, SEAIR and ZestAir are now servicing the Manila-Tablas Island, Romblon route in addition to its regular flights to Puerto Princesa City and Coron, Palawan. Marinduque is now also served by SEAIR. The Province of Oriental Mindoro has three airports (Calapan, Pinamalayan and Wasig) categorized as community airports and as such have no regular flights. Occidental Mindoro has an airport in San Jose with regular flights of both PAL and Cebu Pacific. The other airlines plying the routes of MIMAROPA are Air Philippines, and Asian Spirit (Table 211). Energy The energy resources in the region include hydropower, geothermal, fossil oil and gas, and coal. These resources need to be tapped for the Region to fully realize its sufficiency in energy to propel its economy. Mini-hydro power potentials abound in the region with every province having at least one potential site for development. About 35 MW can be installed in Romblon, Palawan, and Oriental Mindoro. Coal resources are found solely in Occidental Mindoro which has a reserve estimate of 1.4 MMMT. MIMAROPA is also a home to the Malampaya gas and condensate field located at a depth of 800 meters northwest of Palawan. The gas field was explored in 1992 and is estimated to hold gas reserves of 3 trillion cubic feet (TcF) of gas and 85 million barrels of condensate. The field’s lifespan is estimated at 25 years.

22

Part II: Technical Notes

Much is desired as to the power situation of the region. While energization of municipalities is fully covered by the electric cooperatives, Occidental Mindoro and Palawan barangays are not yet fully energized. Reliability of power supply is the main issue faced by the Region. Province Oriental Mindoro

Occidental Mindoro

Marinduque

Romblon

Palawan

Table 2 - 10 Major Ports and Airports, MIMAROPA (as of 2008) Ports Status Airports Status Calapan Operational Calapan Needs upgrading to accommodate commercial flights no commercial flight Roxas Operational Pinamalayan No commercial flights Bulalacao Not yet operational, Wasig No commercial currently undergoing (Mansalay) flights construction Pola Port Not yet operational Pinamalayan Operational Puerto Galera Operational San Jose Not operational, San Jose Operational with needs continuous regular flights dredging due to heavy siltation Abra de Ilog Operational Mamburao No commercial Flights Lubang Operational Lubang Operational but only for small aircrafts and is being utilized by flying school Balanacan Operational Gasan Operational with commercial flights Cawit Operational Sta. Cruz Operational Odiongan (Poctoy) Operational Tablas Operational with commercial flights Romblon Operational (Magdiwang) Operational Ambulong Puerto Princesa Operational Puerto Operational with Princesa commercial flights Coron Operational Busuanga Operational with commercial flights Culion Operational Cuyo No commercial Flights Cuyo Operational El Nido Operational Brooke’s Point Operational Bataraza Operational (Buliluyan) Rizal (Punta Baja) Operational

Source: PPA, www.caap.gov.ph

23

I.6 Employment, Service Access and Poverty Employment The total labor force of the region is estimated at 1,175,708 in October 2008, with an employment rate of 95.3 percent. Compared to the previous year, the region recorded an increase in its labor force participation rate from 66.3 percent in 2007 to 69.2 percent in 2008. Employment rate decelerated from 96.3 percent in 2007 to 95.3 percent in 2008. Table 2 - 11 Employment Rate, Labor Force Participation Rate, Unemployment Rate MIMAROPA, 2004-2008 Oct 2004 Oct 2005 Oct 2006 Oct 2007 Oct 2008 Population 15yrs. Old 1,469 1,513 1,57 1,672 1,699 and over (000) Labor Force 71.3 70.7 68.2 66.3 69.2 participation Rate (%) Employment Rate (%) 92 96.3 96.7 96.3 95.3 Unemployment rate (%) 8 9.5 3.3 3.7 3.4 Source: NSCB

Year 2006 2007 2008

Table 2 - 12 Total Employment by Industry, MIMAROPA Agriculture Industry 6,680 13,035 6,779 13,115 6,878 13,375

Service 45,440 45,280 53,938

Source: NSO IV-B

Table 2 - 13 Number of Establishments by Industry and Employment Size Province Agriculture Fishery Forestry Marinduque 22 Occ. Mindoro 591 Or. Mindoro 16 Palawan 21 Romblon 3 MIMAROPA 656 Source: NSO IV-B

Total Establishments / Employment (Details may not add up to total due to suppression) Total Industry Total Services Employment Employment 66 5,461 251 1,073 11 6,878

330 1,011 1,248 1,002 283 3,882

1,009 3,389 3,086 4,831 1,000 13,375

1,796 3,870 4,838 4,035 1,342 15,881

Total Employment 4,046 10,606 12,776 23,481 3,029 53,938

Education Like the rest of the Philippines, MIMAROPA is less likely to meet the education targets in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The major gains of the education sector towards meeting the MDGs in 2015 are mainly along bridging resource gaps in the elementary and secondary education programs, as indicated by classroom-pupil ratio (1:35 for SY 2004-2005) and teacher-pupil ratio (1:36 for SY 2005-2006 and SY 2006-2007) which are within the 1:45 standard.

24

Part II: Technical Notes

Table 2 - 14 Enrolment Trends in Public and Private Schools MIMAROPA, 2003-2004 to 2007-2008 ELEMENTARY SECONDARY SCHOOL % Public Private Total Public Private Total GRAND YEAR Change TOTAL 2003-2004 429,349 11,417 440,766 170,693 29,086 199,779 640,545 2004-2005 433,087 12,749 445,836 169,656 30,622 200,278 646,114 0.86 2005-2006 428,454 13,435 441,889 166,660 30,292 196,953 638,842 -1.13 2006-2007 434,046 13,988 448,034 167,860 31,333 199,193 647,227 1.3 2007-2008 436,431 0 436,431 173,789 0 173,789 610,220 -5.7 Source: Department of Education (DepEd) IV-B

Table 2 - 15 Primary Net Enrollment Ratio by Province/City MIMAROPA SY 2004-2005 to SY 2007-2008 Primary Net Enrollment Ratio Province/City SY 2004 – 2005 SY 2005 – 2006 SY 2006 - 2007 SY 2007 – 2008 Marinduque 84.73 80.02 77.89 75.83 Occidental Mindoro 85.87 82.57 81.4 81.05 Oriental Mindoro 81.78 78.50 76.32 74.42 Palawan 90.78 83.63 87.52 84.69 Romblon 84.79 84.98 81.06 80.45 Calapan City 73.75 70.91 69.47 Puerto Princesa City 83.33 82.93 81.47 TOTAL 85.11 81.34 80.76 79.69 Source: DepEd IV-B

Table 2 - 16 Secondary Net Enrollment Ratio by Province/City MIMAROPA SY 2004-2005 to SY 2007-2008 Secondary Net Enrollment Ratio Province/City SY 2004 – 2005 SY 2005 - 2006 SY 2006 - 2007 SY 2007 – 2008 Marinduque 48.05 46.38 45.41 50.67 Occidental Mindoro 42.14 44.52 46.48 49.80 Oriental Mindoro 38.53 43.12 41.89 49.68 Palawan 38.37 39.90 45.55 53.81 Romblon 48.13 53.70 50.90 56.93 Calapan City 64.64 65.98 65.03 Puerto Princesa City 56.77 59.71 61.74 TOTAL 42.84 46.5 47.39 51.96 Source: DepEd IV-B

25

Table 2 - 17 Primary Cohort-Survival Rate, by Province/City MIMAROPA, SY 2004-2005 to SY 2007-2008 Primary Cohort-Survival Ratio Province/City SY 2004-2005 SY 2005-2006 SY 2006-2007 SY 2007–2008 Marinduque 60.45 58.49 63.42 66.5 Occ. Mindoro 58.58 50.12 55.97 55.01 Oriental Mindoro 57.06 58.13 64.45 65.87 Palawan 71.19 56.46 66.03 70.64 Romblon 60.46 79.30 69.60 72.47 Calapan City 60.22 56.70 62.86 -Pto. Princesa City 78.35 77.14 73.79 MIMAROPA 63.05 59.26 64.42 66.29 Source: DepEd Region IV-B

Table 2 - 18 Primary Completion Rate, by Province/City MIMAROPA, SY 2004-2005 to SY 2007-2008 Primary Completion Rate SY 2004- 2005 SY 2005-2006 SY 2006-2007 SY 2007-2008 Province/City Marinduque 59.02 54.89 61.99 65.76 Occidental Mindoro 56.27 48.67 53.67 54.21 Oriental Mindoro 54.66 56.38 62.32 65.07 Palawan 68.91 53.68 63.61 69.69 Romblon 58.83 76.87 68.79 71.32 Calapan City 59.44 56.26 62.31 Puerto Princesa City 76.04 73.36 71.20 MIMAROPA 60.95 57.18 62.44 65.4 Source: DepEd Region IV-B

Health The Crude Death Rate (CDR), Maternal Mortality Rate (MRR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) exhibited the same trend from 2004 to 2007. CDR dropped from 4.05 in 2006 to 3.96 in 2007 but still higher than the 2004 level of 3.82 deaths per thousand population. Likewise, the 0.98 MRR of 2007 registered a 2 percent fall from the previous year (1.00) but still way above of the 2004 record of 0.79 deaths per thousand live births. Similarly, the IMR improved from 12.20 in 2006 to 10.00 in 2007 but still higher than the 2004 level of 11.72 deaths per thousand live births. Among the top five leading causes of morbidity in the region for 2006 are Acute Respiratory Infection, Diarrhea, Influenza, Bronchitis and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection. On health workers, the number of doctors decreased from 79 in 2005 to 77 in 2007; dentists increased from 57 in 2005 to 64 in 2007; nurses decreased from 129 in 2005 to 128 in 2007; and midwives decreased from 563 in 2005 to 523 in 2007. The number of nutritionists in the region, however, increased by 77% from 10 in 2005 to 13 in 2007. For the medical technologists, their number decreased from 37 in 2005 to 35 in 2007. Dental aides also decreased from 27 in 2005 to 23 in 2007.

26

Part II: Technical Notes

Barangay Health Workers decreased by 11% from 11,432 in 2005 to 10,222 in 2007. As for the number of hospitals, there are a total of 70 hospitals in the region, 38 of which are government and 32 are private hospitals. In the case of Child Mortality Rate (under five years old), the trend is worsening with a registered rise of 9 percent from 11.84 percent death per 1000 live birth in 2004 to 12.87 percent death per 1000 live birth in 2005. In terms of bed capacity, the establishment of new hospitals led to the increase in the number of authorized beds particularly in private hospitals from 2004-2006. During the three-year period, out of the 180 beds added, 109 came from private hospitals. But other than that, not much was expected in the services offered as these hospitals in the region are mostly categorized as infirmary and first level referral hospitals. While the bed population ratio has improved from 1:1,279 in 2004 to 1:1,206 in 2006, the figure is still way below the standard ratio of one bed per 500 populations. Figure 2 - 6 Infant Mortality Rate, Maternal Mortality Rate and Crude Death Rate 20042007 20.00 18.00

12 .2 0

13 .2 2

16.00

11.72

10 .0 0

14.00 12.00

Inf ant Mortality Rate Maternal Mortality Rate

10.00 8.00 6.00

1.0 4

0 .79

4.00

4 .13

3 .8 2

2.00

1.0 0

Crude Death Rate

0 .9 8

4 .0 5

3 .9 6

0.00 2004

2005

2006

2007

Source: DOH-CHD IV-B Figure 2 - 7 Health Workers, MIMAROPA 2005-2007 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

47 37 35

28

27

23 10

10

Nutritionist Medical Technologists Dental Aides

13

Source : DOH-CHD IV-B

27

Figure 2 - 8 Number of Doctors, Dentists, Nurses and Midwives MIMAROPA, 2005-2007

600 500 400

553

300

527 523

200 100 0

83

77

57 56 64

Doctors

Dentists

79

129 124

2005 2006 2007

128

Nurses

Midwives

Source: DOH-CHD IV-B Table 2 - 19 Number of BHWs, MIMAROPA, 2005-2007 Province/City Marinduque Occidental Mindoro Oriental Mindoro Palawan Romblon Calapan City Puerto Princessa City MIMAROPA Source: DOH-CHD IV-B

2005 1,250 2,115 3,662 2,166 1,558 446 235 11,432

Active Barangay Health Workers 2006 1,209 2,132 2,694 2,075 1,287 477 235 10,109

2007 1,235 2,156 2,290 22 1,550 446 240 10,222

Table 2 - 20 Number of Hospitals, MIMAROPA, 2008 Province Marinduque Occidental Mindoro Oriental Mindoro Palawan Romblon MIMAROPA Source: DOH-CHD IV-B

Government 3 8 9 11 7 38

HOSPITALS Private 0 5 15 11 1 32

Total 3 13 24 22 8 70

Nutrition Based on the 2005 Food and Nutrition Research Institute - Department of Science and Technology (FNRI–DOST) survey, MIMAROPA registered a 35.8 percent prevalence rate of underweight preschool children aged 0-5 years, higher than the national average of 24.6 percent. Among the school children, the prevalence rate also registered at 30.1 percent, also higher than the national average of 22 percent.

28

Part II: Technical Notes

The 2008 Organization of Parents and Teachers (OPT) data and DepEd SY 2008-2009 weight survey data, the MIMAROPA Region registered a relatively high prevalence rate of undernutrition among pre-school children 0-5 years old at 14.72% and school children at 26.28% Among the five provinces in the region, based on the 2008 data from National Nutrition Council, Oriental Mindoro ranks 3rd in terms of the prevalence rate of pre-school children and school children at 13.45 percent (14.72% –Regional average) and 25.33 percent (26.28% regional average), respectively. Palawan ranks #1 and Romblon having the lowest rates. Poverty In terms of poverty situation, MIMAROPA ranks 2nd among the regions with highest Poverty Incidence among population at 52.7% and ranks 3rd among regions with highest poverty incidence among families at 43.7% based on the latest survey results. Among the MIMAROPA provinces, Oriental Mindoro posted the highest and largest increase of poverty incidence among families at 47.1% and 10.1% among population in the 2006 survey. This put the province at TOP 5 among the provinces nationwide with the largest increase of poverty incidence among families. Only the province of Palawan managed to reduce its poverty incidence by 2.3% compared to its 2003 figure. The incidence of poor families in the region increased by 3.8 percentage points from 39.9 in 2003. This is equivalent to a total of 238, 489 poor families in 2006 compared to the 199, 485 poor families in 2003, an addition of 39,004 families who could not meet the poverty threshold. Of the poor families, a total of 108,391 or 19.9 percent could not afford to meet their basic food requirements, almost 19,956 higher compared to 2003 data. In terms of the poor population, a total of 695,421 could not afford the same requirements, almost 139,411 higher than 2003 data. The province of Occidental Mindoro registered the highest subsistence incidence among the five provinces, followed by the province of Oriental Mindoro. A Filipino family of five from the MIMAROPA region needed PhP14,800.00 monthly income in 2006 to stay out of poverty. Table 2 - 21 Poverty Incidence among Families By Province MIMAROPA, 2000, 2003 & 2006 MIMAROPA Occidental Mindoro Oriental Mindoro Marinduque 2000 36.4 38.1 39.8 42.7 2003 39.9 40.9 37.0 38.3 2006 43.7 46.5 47.7 40.8 Source: NSCB

2000 2003 2006

Table 2 - 22 Subsistence Incidence among Families by Province MIMAROPA 2000, 2003 & 2006 MIMAROPA Occidental Oriental Marinduque Romblon Mindoro Mindoro 17.4 12.5 20.1 15.3 32.5 17.7 20.3 15.3 11.7 19.2 19.9 25.1 23.2 13.1 18.1

Palawan 12.5 19.5 16.9

29

Source: NSCB Table 2 - 23 Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold by Province MIMAROPA 2000, 2003 & 2006 MIMAROPA Occidental Oriental Marinduque Romblon Mindoro Mindoro 2000 12,013 11,745 13,510 11,553 10,758 2003 12,402 15,522 13,813 11,781 11,769 2006 14,800 14,219 16,723 14,041 13,832 Source: NSCB

Palawan 11,163 11,591 13,850

Table 2 - 24 Magnitude of Poor Families by Province MIMAROPA 2000, 2003 & 2006 MIMAROPA Occidental Oriental Marinduque Romblon Palawan Mindoro Mindoro 2000 16,2668 28,248 52,623 18,311 27,737 35,749 2003 19,9485 34,557 53,094 17,669 21,116 73,049 2006 23,8489 42,660 74,307 20,587 26,165 74,770 Source: NSCB

II

DESIRED SCENARIO Economy  As envisioned in the regional thrusts, Agriculture will be the major engine to fuel the development growth that will bring fruition the goals and aspirations of the region. 

MIMAROPA hopes to become the food basket of the Luzon Urban Beltway particularly Metro Manila and CALABARZON.



Complementary development of agriculture and tourism potentials of MIMAROPA region towards an accelerated, sustained and balanced economic growth. Specifically, the Region is envisioned: a) become a local and international destination that is best for food and leisure; b) provide a broader market base for local business; c) attract both local and foreign investments; d) create more jobs and increase incomes; e) increase local revenues and render the LGUs less dependent on IRA; and f) render the region free from poverty.



The MIMAROPA region in the long term should build on a conscious effort to link the agriculture and tourism sectors. The said sectors shall move towards the same development directions but shall give some leeway on the development of some aspect of either sector that may not be relevant to the other. Program and project interventions using this model will be focused on two major concerns: the inter-linked agriculture and tourism, and development of agriculture and tourism as separate sectors.



30

Transportation, Access and Circulation An ideal scenario of development in the region is the interconnection of various growth centers, production and tourism areas through efficient, reliable, adequate and costeffective infrastructure and utilities. The regional transport system provides the vital link between people, products and services. It connects the five island provinces of MIMAROPA to the main centers through ferry linkages and air transport. The existing transportation facilities are still inadequate to effectively service the production and tourism areas. There is a need to develop an integrated transport system of roads, ports, and air ports to effectively support regional development and closing the gap in physical integration thorough increased in private and public investments in transport and production infrastructures.

Part II: Technical Notes





Employment, Service Access and Poverty The commitment of the government to improve status through improving the performance in basic education and health as well as poverty reduction is affirmed by its commitment to meet the target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Thus, the need to adjust the programs and projects in line with the poverty-busting MDGs and LGUs’ to simply focus their governance in achieving the MDGs. For education and health and poverty reduction in general, increase performance in all education and health indicators especially those in the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) by 2015 and in a sustained manner thereat. Specific targets for these two sectors include: o o o o o o o



Reduce children under five mortality rate by two-thirds Achieve universal access to primary education Reduce children under five mortality by two-thirds Reduce maternal mortality rate by three-quarters Increase access to reproductive health services to 100 percent Halve the proportion of people living in extreme poverty Halve the proportion of population below minimum level of dietary energy consumption and halve the proportion of underweight children (under five years old) Education touted as the great equalizer can eradicate poverty, hence, it is one distinct area where the MDG goal should be vigorously pursued. Previous studies have shown that the poor invest less on the human capital of their children. Large family size is negatively related to school participation among older children and education expenditure per child. This has been identified as the main mechanism of the intergenerational transmission of poverty. Thus, education is important in helping increase the capacities of the people to meet their basic needs. It can break the vicious cycle of poverty. Moreover, literacy is also viewed as a basic need and being illiterate is considered as one of the dimensions of poverty.

III STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS 

Economy Agriculture as a major economic driver, will have to consider diversification into higher value crops and agro-industrial goods in order to increase productivity and incomes. Raising agricultural productivity means scaling up investments in the sector, for irrigation infrastructure, farm-to-market roads, improved grains for crop production, diversified organic farming to increase yields, modern environment-friendly farm technology, increased value-adding or processing of major agricultural produce, and eliminating structural distortions, e.g., high cost of agricultural inputs but low prices of farm produce. Contract farming may serve as an avenue as it provides the crucial linkages between input suppliers, credit providers, purchasers, insurance, and farmers. The role that corporate organizations, civil society and farmers



Societal objectives cannot be successfully achieved unless sustainability is factored in the development agenda. As the region moves toward a sustainable future, concerns over water resources conservation, air quality, biodiversity, production land consolidation, forestry and land management and even disaster-risk management will have to take the form.



The region has to compete to generate much-needed investments and trade that should fuel this growth. In this regard, a top priority for the region is to expand strategies for

31

investment facilitation and promotion and aggressive promotional campaigns and focused investment promotion in areas of comparative advantage should be fast-tracked.

32



Priorities for action comprise the following: re-evaluation, revision and adherence, where applicable to the Master Plan for Forestry Development (MPFP) in light of emerging issues in the forestry and environment sectors. The proposed revision of the master plan shall identify several programs that will call for greater involvement of forestry stakeholders in the planning, management, utilization and sustainable development of the remaining forest resources of the region. The revision shall prioritize among others, the allocation of appropriate land-use to identified open-access areas prone to illegal forest activities that caused further forest degradation.



The alarming rate of environmental degradation in the region and in the country in general, entails strict implementation and compliance with existing laws and policies and rules and regulations to protect the remaining original forests, coastal and marine and other natural resources. Where possible, rehabilitation of open/denuded lands should be undertaken to increase forest cover. Strategies which meet the economic interests of those directly dependent on natural resources for a living and at the same time promote the goals of environmental conservation and protection should be pursued and continually upgraded. Thus, multi-stakeholder partnership, participatory and community-based approaches are effective in natural resource management. Resolute action is needed further in the following areas: a) replication of best practices in the region; b) protection of groundwater and the region’s river systems, especially rehabilitation of biologically dead rivers like Boac River; c) proper disposal of wastes and full implementation of other provisions of the Solid Waste Management Act and other environmental laws; and d) reforestation for production.



To protect the extremely rich biodiversity in the region, actionable priorities are as follows: a) promote native species of trees and plants; b) support biodiversity conservation by not prioritizing shops which market endangered species of wildlife; c) strengthen IEC on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development; d) reform the educational system to integrate environmental education in the curriculum at the elementary and secondary levels; and e) conduct research activities geared towards sustainable biodiversity utilization.



Further strides in cleaning the air shall ensure full compliance of industries to the provision of the Philippine Clean Air Act and full implementation for the transport industry to use environment-friendly/alternative/clean fuel, e.g., bio-diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and the manufacturing service shops to use ozone-friendly technology.



The transformation in sustainability mindset needs a strong backbone from the State Universities and Colleges to provide emphasis and foundation to the development of sustainable alternatives. This can be done by carefully determining the impacts of new technologies and practices that will promote development in the region and the bright future of natural alternatives to answer the increasing prices of fuel.



The next ten (10) years will see the increased willingness of local government to embrace the consequences of decentralization and globalization. These two formidable forces will continue to exact from LGUs the need for their local economies to integrate with the subnational, national and global economies. Modern technology will further accelerate such integration to take place and simultaneously allow voters and other stakeholders to demand better and quality government services.

Part II: Technical Notes



Transportation, Access and Circulation With the challenge of making Calapan City as the focal point of interaction among the Region, Central and Regional Line Agencies should align their programs and projects to this endeavor. The first challenge which has to be hurdled for the interconnectivity of the region is the completion of the road network interconnecting the provinces of Mindoro, both in the North and South. Puerto Galera and Abra de Ilog together with Bulalacao up to San Jose should have an all weather road.



The provision of the good road interconnecting the provinces of Mindoro will make half of the job done. The two provinces of Mindoro will serve as the centroid of activities for the whole region. While PPA and MARINA should encourage the linkage of Calapan Port to the other main ports of the region. It cannot be denied that Occidental Mindoro has the role of interconnecting the province of Palawan to Oriental Mindoro through water transport. The following should be studied together with economic justification to be provided by the City Government of Calapan and the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro as well as with the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro.



In order to meet increasing demand for regional economic integration and physical interconnectivity, there is a need to expand and upgrade the capacities of the region’s multi/intermodal transport network utilizing both the fast-craft and RORO and of course through commercial air transport including roads and bridges.

Table 2 - 25 Proposed Interconnections in the MIMAROPA Region Origin Destination Status Oriental Mindoro Calapan Port Batangas Port Existing Abra de Ilog Port Proposed Balanacan Port Proposed Puerto Galera Port Batangas Port Existing Pola Port Cawit Port Proposed Pinamalayan Port Cawit Port Proposed Roxas Port Poctoy existing Caticlan existing Bulalacao Port Caticlan proposed Puerto Princesa-Cuyo Existing-proposed El Nido-Culion-Coron Existing-proposed Occidental Mindoro Abra de Ilog Port Lubang Port proposed San Jose Port Coron Port existing Source: PPA 

The development of Calapan Port as a Port City will also position itself as a major destination accessible through the Batangas Port which is envisioned to be an international port as an alternate to the already congested port of Manila. Today, Calapan port only serviced the Batangas port but given its position as the site of the Regional Government Center, and it being part of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway(SRNH) will provide the backbone for the development of tourism, agriculture, commerce, industries and market opportunity by enhancing the accessibility of western Philippines . The City of Calapan is strategically located south of the main island of Luzon along the shipping route from Manila to the Visayas and Mindanao Islands. As such, all inter-island vessels from Manila destined to the Central and Southern Philippines pass through this busy shipping lane, the

33

Calapan Port. Trading shall be encouraged as the two provinces will position itself as the sustainable supplier of major agricultural products. Tourism, highlighting Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro and Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro will be a come on summer months. Agricultural tourism will be an all year round attraction for both Provinces. 

The region to be provided with reliable and adequate supply of mixed source of energy ranging from the renewable to the conventional source of power. Investments to be poured in for the infrastructure needs of the region.

Employment, Service Access and Poverty  The MIMAROPA region needs to have a comprehensive regional poverty reduction strategy that provides for a) adequate budgetary allocations for human capital; b) targeting of basic social services to the poor; c) an effective population policy; and d) social protection. Beyond developing human capital, there is a need also to strengthen social capital, especially for people subjected from kind of exclusion. Accordingly, the following will have to be required:



34

o Human Capital Development o Population Policy o Social Capital Development o Social Protection o Good Governance o Access to land The region’s basic education development should pursue broadening access, enhancing quality and encouraging demand. Broadening access involves reducing costs for new classrooms and teachers, effective targeting areas with the greatest need, efficient utilization of available classrooms; encouraging quality public provision, and better management to reduce administrative costs; better teacher performance , and more effective planning and budgeting.



Local governments and communities will have to broaden its role on education development, by providing local resources and community labor in construction of new classrooms, enlisting local teachers and involving the communities in the supervision and management of schools (e.g., through education boards). Decentralizing management to the school level will also be an effective strategy to increase accountability especially with community supervision. Enhanced local government and community participation in encouraging school participation and targeted incentives to children of poor households.



Important directions in health include focusing on improving quality and efficiency in public health care provision, analyzing local health needs and generating local funds for local health services. Local governments should also provide better health information and facilitate greater access to health services, and health insurance and targeted subsidies for the poor.



Strengthening the social capital of the poor means increasing their opportunities for participation in the workings of society. As such, the promotion of community-based groups to undertake microfinance, health and natural resource management is an important first step in this direction. For ethnic minorities in the region, special education curricula and self-managed health and other services maybe necessary.



The vulnerability of people because of age, illness, disability, shocks from natural disasters and even economic crisis needs social protection comprising a family of programs designed to assist individuals, households, communities to better manage risks and ensure

Part II: Technical Notes

economic security. Such programs include unemployment and disability insurance and social safety nets to cushion the adverse impacts of disasters and economic crisis. 

Majority of the poorest in the region are rural dwellers who engage in agriculture for their livelihood but have no secured access to land. Land ownership decreases poverty so the need for full implementation of land reform in the region.

35

OSKAR D. BALBASTRO Regional Director NEDA Regional Office IV-B Luna Goco Building, J.P. Rizal Street Lalud, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro 5200 (043) 286-2420; 288-2331 [email protected]