MIMAROPA STRATEGIC REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

(Draft do not quote)

1.

Introduction

The MIMAROPA Regional Developm ent Plan (RDP) 2011 -2016

provides the overall developm ent direction of the regi on over a six year
period. It identifies m ajor developm ent concerns and recommends
appropriate m easures to address them . W ith less than three years rem aining
in the plan period, m uch still needs to be undertaken to achieve the desired
developm ent outcom es in the region.
The purpose of preparing a strategic regional development agenda
(SRDA) is to articulate the regions highest priorities to fast track its
development. The SRDA focuses on critical programs and policies that need to
be implemented in the short term and medium term, in order to accomplish the
following:
a. Im prove the regions transport interconnection to integrate its island
econom ies and effectively deliver governm ent services;
b. increase overall productivity of key industries, such as agriculture,
manufacturing and tourism, to ensure sustained growth and
competitiveness;
c. invest in hum an capital and expand social services to elim inate
poverty and inequality; and
d. sustainably m anage resources to m aintain environm ental integrity
and m itigate disaster risks brought about by clim ate change.
The MIMAROPA Region needs to consider the requirem ents of
integrating local econom ies towards a m ore efficient way of providing
services, im proving its social and econom ic situation, and m anaging its
resources. Only few program s and policies have been im plem ented, which
resulted to slow econom ic growth and m inim al poverty reduction in the
region. Moreover, em erging global trends li ke the ASEAN econom ic
integration provide both opportunities and threats to regional developm ent.
There is a need to m ake itself com petitive by im proving hum an resources,
increasing productivity and attracting investm ent.
Building disaster resilient an d clim ate change adapted comm unities is
also im portant. Previou s experiences have dem onstrated that developm ent
interventions fail to consider disaster risks, which resulted to loss of lives
and dam ages to property and public infrastructure. Transform ing
comm unities to be resilient and adapted to clim ate change require the
participation of all sectors in developing sustainable alternatives in the
region.
1

2.

Regional Situation

Eleven years after the Southern Tagalog Region was divided into
CALABARZON and MIMAROPA through Executive Order No. 103 s. 2002,
the latter has yet to realize its potential as a significant contributor to the
national econom y. In 2012, MIMAROPA ranked 15 t h am ong the regions in the
Philippines in term s of contribution to the gross dom estic product (GDP). In
contrast, CALABARZON rem ained the 2 n d largest contributor since 2002.
The MIMAROPA Region registered a 4.2% gross regional developm ent
product (GRDP) growth rate. Half way through the plan period, a 1% increase
in the GRDP growth rate is being targeted every year from 2013 to 2016.
The region ranked 10 t h am ong 17 regions in term s of per capita index
relative to the national average at 58.4%.
In 2012, poverty incidence in the region brought down its poverty
incidence to 23.6% percent from 27.2% in 2009. This was still higher than
the average rate of 19.7% at the national level. Palawan recorded the m ost
num ber of poor fam ilies with 47,730 in 2012.
All MIMAROPA provinces recorded decline in poverty incidence in
2012 except for Occidental Mindoro which was up by 4.8% percentage points
com pared to 2009 level. Rom blon posted the highest annual per capita
poverty threshold of PhP 18.464 and highest incidenc e am ong fam ilies at
30.4%
In 2012, an average fam ily of five in MIMAROPA needed PHP 5,034
m onthly incom e to m eet food needs, an increase of 11.09% from 2009.
Rom blon recorded the highest annual per capita food threshold from PHP
10,856 in 2009 to PhP 12,8 93 in 2012.
Under the international comm itment of the country to achieve the
Millennium Developm ent Goals by 2015, the MIMAROPA Region has to
reduce its poverty incidence to 43.7% to 2015 target of 15%. The region is
unlikely to m eet so m e of the MDG targ ets. The MDG c atch up plan for the
Region shall be reviewed periodically to assess and identify interventions to
m eet specific targets.
The regions working age population, which accounts for about 3% of
the countrys total working ag e population, grew at a slower pace of 1.49% in
2012 from its recorded growth of 2.91% in 2011. In 2012, AHFF em ployed
alm ost half of the regions working population and was nearly twice
concentrated than the national level.
MIMAROPAs em ploym ent rate decline from 96.1% i n 2011 to 95.8% in
2012. This was, however, still higher than the countrys em ploym ent rate of
2

93%. The regions underem ploym ent rate increased by 1% point, from 21.6%
in 2011 to 22.6% in 2012. This is worse than the countrys underem ploym ent
rate 20%
The challenge of connecting the production and tourism destinations
with region to the SRNH trunk line remains, obstructing econom ic integration
and m arketing efficiencies. The only region in the country with no land
border with another region. The MIMAROPA Region faces the challenge of
physically interconnecting with other regions.
The inadequte infrastructure facilities and the lack reliable, safe and
efficient transport services lim it direct internal and external trade links and
also discourage tourism and direct investm ents in MIMAROPA. W hile the
above constraints m ay be observed throughout the country, in MIMAROPA,
these obstacles have sustained the cycle of retarded growth and worsening
povery situation in the region. Developing the m ost cost effective interm odal
transport system for the reigon is an urgent priority for MIMAROPA to truly
benefit from its creation and im pact positively on the socio -econom ic well
being of its diverse comm unities.
Good governance for sustainable growth and com petitiveness of
MSMEs in agriculture, tourism and services sectors is the fram ework for
effective and enduring elim ination of poverty and inequality in the region.
This fram ework recognizes the interrelatedness of various developm ent
variables, such as the im portance of investm ent, infrastructure and hum an
capital to growth and poverty reduct ion; the role of health to hum an capital;
the significance of hum an capital to poverty and inequality; the value of
hum an developm ent institutions and good governance to sustainable
developm ent; the im portance of hum an capital to enterprise developm ent;
and in turn enterprise developm ent to investm ent and therefore growth as
well as poverty reduction; the contribution of farm and non -farm incom es to
growth and poverty reduction; and the im portance of governance to poverty
reduction and human developm ent. En vironm ental considerations, including
natural resource managem ent, are also taken into consideration as key
elem ents to sustaining growth and developm ent in the region.

3.

Econom ic Developm ent

Developing the inherent potentials of the region in a griculture and

tourism are crucial in im proving its econom y. A tourism -driven agricultural
developm ent is the growth scenario envisioned by regions stakeholders.
In order to catch up with the rest of the Philippines in terms of economic
output, investment, exports and competitiveness, the MIMAROPA Region
should strengthen economic integration among its island provinces to create a
regional bloc that would s ustain high growth levels similar to its gross reg ional
domestic product (GRDP) growth of 9.8% in 2006. Competitiveness of the
region shall be pursued by establishing a MIMAROPA brand based on its
resource potentials. Below are the sectoral concerns, strategic interventions
and proposed program, projects and policies under the economic sector:
3.1

Agriculture, Trade and Industry

3.1.1 Sectoral Concerns
Data Reliability. Statistics on agriculture are inconsistent
because of discrepancies between the generated national and
local data. The absence of reliable data lim its the assessm ent
and provision of appropriate interventions to im prove the
agriculture, and trade and industry sectors by concerned
agencies and local governm ent units (LGUs).
Unstable production of agricultural products . The quantity and
quality of m ajor crops, livestock and fisheries products do not
m eet the present market dem and. Inadequate support facilities,
farm inputs and assistance are am ong the factors that have
contributed to this. Moreover, farm ers and local pro ducers do not
have the entrepreneurial m indset to increase productivity and
m arket opportunities.
Vulnerability to Clim ate Change . Typhoons, floods and droughts
are prevalent in the region.
Clim ate change increase the
intensity and frequency of these ha zards and adversely affects
agricultural production.
Lack of Value Added . Agricultural products are sold to m arket
and buyers as raw and unprocessed products . There is a need to
develop value adding activities for products in the region, such
as cashew, cacao, coffee, fish, seaweeds, rubber, m ango
(Palawan); calam ansi, banana, coconut, rice, fish (Oriental
Mindoro); onion, garlic, tuna, rice, corn, salt (Occidental
Mindoro); coconut, seaweeds, fish, marble (Rom blon); organic
pig, arrowroot, cocon ut, butterfly (Marinduque).

Business Friendly LGUs . LGUs need to be responsive to

investors and businesses requirem ents to attract investm ents
and entrepreneurs .
Processing and issuance of busin ess
perm its and licenses need to be streamlined and im prov ed.
3.1.2 Strategic Interventions
The following are strategies intended to increase production
volum e and im prove self -sufficiency of m ajor crops:
Coordination
between
Data
Generators.
Strengthening
coordination am ong national and local statis tical agencies/units
through by activating the Regional Statistics Coordinatio n
Comm ittee (RSCC) will help address discrepancies in generating
industry data.
Good Agricultural Practices. The introduction of good agricultural
practices to farmers such as integrated crop management,
postharvest quality management, integrated pest management
appropriate technology and organic farming will help improve
volume of production. Zoning, clustering and consolidation of
production areas, crops and livestock will al so enhance farm
productivity. Investments in rural infrastructure (irrigation, FMR)
and postharvest facilities that are resilient to climate are needed.
There is also a need to improve/reorient the mindset of
farmers/agricultural
producers
towards
agriculture
entrepreneurship.
Research and Development. Research and development (R&D),
especially production of crops and varieties that are resistan t to climate
change, are important in achieving sustained growth in production.
Marketing and Promotion . One of the strategies to increase value
of agricultural produce is through product packaging and
prom otion. Unified branding of MIMAROPA products establish
quality and influence dem and in the m arket.
Value Chain Analysis . Conduct of value chain analysis (VC A) for
each comm odity will identif y various opportunities to increase
the value of prim ary products and explore other by -products that
will prom ote agro -industry activities or developm ent of MSMEs.
Strengthen Existing Associations and Cooperatives . Farm ing
comm unities can be form ed into associations and cooperatives
to support collectively their interest and partner with m arket
players. Subsistent farm ers can be active partners in agro industry by federating them and eventually engage into viable
processing and value adding activities.

Encourage LGUs to be investor and business friendly . The role

of LGUs should be to encourage investors and entrepreneurs
who will utilize local raw m aterials and create local jobs.
Form ulation of a local investm ent an d incentive code (LIIC)
translate the LGU desire to generate investm ents, program s,
priority areas, incentives and m echanics of availing them .
3.1.3 Priority Program s, Projects and Policy Recomm endations

3.2

Conduct baseline data collection and regular data reconc iliation

(DA/PSA/LGUs)
Conduct training/sem inars on good agricultural practices,
agriculture entrepreneurship, HALAL , GMP, GAP, HACCP
certification, m arketing and prom otion of MSMEs, product
developm ent and standards, technology and skills transfer (DA,
DTI, DOST, TESDA, BFAR)
Coordination am ong different im plem enting agencies for zoning,
clustering and consolidation of commodities/crops (DA)
Provision of new irrigation facilities to underserved areas (NIA),
Repair/Rehabilitation of dam aged irrigation syste m s, FMRs to
production areas, postharvest facilities, farm inputs, credit
assistance, technology and skills transfer (DA, DOST, SUCs)
Construction of fisherm en's hub, m ariculture parks (BFAR)
Identif y possible clim ate change resistant varieties/crops (DA)
Conduct value chain analysis on identified priority commodities
(DTI, DA)
Conduct industry and investm ent related study, workshops and
sem inars, m arket matching (DTI)
Conduct comprehensive MSME profiling and monitoring (DTILGUs)
Integration of agriculture entrepreneurship in school curriculum
(SUCs)
Updating and/or enactm ent of Local Investm ent and Incentive
Code (LIIC)
Automation of business perm its and licenses (DTI -DILG-LGUs)

Tourism Developm ent

3.2.1 Sectoral Concerns
Tourism Developm ent Plans . There are no tourism developm ent
plans and tourism code that provide direction and m anagem ent
of tourism resources, prioritization of tourism activities and
projects.
Inadequate/Inaccurate tourism data . Data generated for tourism
is not reliable for planning and m onitoring purposes.

Lim ited Infrastructure . Infrastructure support and facilities in

tourism destinations and ecotourism sites are inadequate.
Managem ent of Tourism Destinations . Ecotourism sites and
tourism destination need to be pro tect and preserved to sustain
their attractions.
3.2.2 Strategic Interventions
Form ulation of regional/local tourism developm ent plans .
Tourism developm ent plans outline the m ajor issues, strategies
to address them , proposed policies and the priority program s ,
projects and activities at the regional, provincial and m unicipal
levels. The document will also identify the key actors and their
responsibilities critical to im plem ent the desired interventions.
In addition, the priority developm ent areas for destina tions and
infrastructure and facility requirements will be identified.
Conservation, protection and m aintenance of protected areas
and ecotourism sites should be m ajor strategy to develop the
tourism areas.
Generation/validation of tourism data . Generation of data for
tourism such as arrivals, accomm odations, transportation
services and other tourism -related providers are im portant for
planning and m onitoring purposes. A da tabase system must be
established locally. DOT has already provided capacity build ing
for LGUs to address data generation on tourism arrivals but data
generated seem to be not reliable. Enactm ent of local laws
m andating tourism -related business/establishm ents to subm it
tourism data to local tourism offices or LGUs is am ong viable
solut ions to address data problem .
Activation of local tourism councils . Local tourism councils, with
active participation of private or business sectors should be
organized or activated. They are key actors to heighten the
current level of tourism developm e nt in each province or
m unicipality. There are m any concerns that the local tourism
council and local governm ent units should addressed together
like infrastructure support, tourism plan and cost of doing
business and local tourism code.
Tourism prom otion. Local governm ent units should intensity the
prom otion of its tourist destinations by creating a tourism brand .
3.2.3 Priority Program s, Projects and Policy Recomm endations

Form ulation of regional/provincial tourism developm ent plans

(DOT,LGUs)
Enactm ent of local ordinances (LGUs)
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3.3

Creation/designation of perm anent local tourism officers (LGUs)

Establishm ent of tourism data base (DOT, LGUs)
Tourism
Road
Infrastructure
Program s
(DPW H -DOT
Convergence Program )
List of priority protected areas and ec otourism sites (REC)
Recognition
of
the
official
MIMAROPA
regional
brand
"MIMAROPA, Naturally, The Destination of Choice" (LGUs)

Environm ent and Natural Resources

3.3.1 Sectoral Concerns
Accurate Data and ENR Assessm ent . Sectoral data are not
accurate and up to date. Profiles on watershed, inventory of
wildlife species, sm all scale m ining activities, ground water,
disaster and vulnerability assessm ent should be prepared on a
regular basis.
Inadequate m onitoring tools and equipm ent . Monitoring tools and
equipm ent contribute to the proper conservation, protection and
sustainable m an agem ent of the ENR sub -sector. There are
strategic areas where m onitoring system s can be put up to
assess the quality of air, quality and quantity of water and
terrestrial condition. W eather forecasting faciliti es in the region
should also be established in strategic areas to gain inform ation
and prepare for natural calam ities.
Slow im plem entation of program s to restore open forest and
denuded areas. Limited resources and manpower are among
factors contribute to slow implementation of reforestation
programs.
Poor com pliance in solid waste m anagem ent law . Since the
passage of Ecological Solid W aste Manag em ent Act (RA9003),
proper solid waste m anagem ent has not been effectively
im plem ented in the region. There are uncontrolled disposal of
raw sewage in coastal areas (e.g., Sabang, Puerto Galera). In
the region, there are only two (2) sanitary land fill facilities while
there are 44 open dum psites that were ordered for closure or
rehabilitation by DENR.
3.3.2 Strategic Interventions
ENR Data. Establishm ent of a regional database to strengthen
NR assessm ent, m onitoring, evaluation process and hazard
m itigation.

Monitoring Tools and Equipm ent and Capacity Building .

Acquisition of appropr iate m onitoring equipm ent and tools at
various levels including disaster related events. LGUs should be
capacitated in developing local policies and programs in
m anaging and m onitoring water and air quality.
Strengthen Forest Protection . Forest protection activities,
including enforcem ent of laws, rules and regulations can be
strengthen through coordination and convergence with various
stakeholders, upland dwellers and LGUs.
Institutionalization of DRR Managem ent Bodies . Disaster Risk
Reduction m anagem ent bodies at
all levels m ust be
strengthened. Despite the enactm ent of RA 10121 and other
joint m em orandum circulars, som e LGUs could not create
perm anent bodies for the purpose of disaster m itigation.
Mem bers of these units should also be capaci tated and provide
spearhead the m ainstream ing and harmonization of developm ent
plans containing DRR/CCA concerns.
Localization of Integrated W ater Quality Managem ent Fram ework
(2013). The Fram ework was form ulated based on the enactm ent
of the Philippine C lear W ater Act (RA9275) on 2004 to provide
policy for protection, preservation and revival of quality of the
countrys fresh and brackish water. The Fram ework serves a
policy guideline for the integration of existing fram eworks and
regulations prepared by other government agencies pertaining to
water quality m anagem ent.
PPP Schem es. Establishm ent of waste m anagem ent or treatm ent
facilities enable LGUs to m anage waste generated locally. Solid
or water waste cannot be avoided but LGUs lack enough
resources and knowledge to m anage them .
Public -Private
Partnership (PPP) or other financial schem es allows LGUs or
group of LGUs to resolve this issue.
3.3.3 Priority Program s, Projects and Policy Recomm endations

Establish regional inform ation system for ENR Sector (DENR)

Procurem ent of m onitoring tools and equipm ent (DENR)
Enhanced National Greening Program to include Barangay
Forest and Comm unity- Based Forest Managem ent (DENR)
Conduct of social m obilization and IEC on forest protection
(DENR, LGUs)
Im plem entation of the Forest Protection Plan (DENR)
Hiring of additional Forest Protection Officers (DENR, LGUs)
Establish regional internet -based data on DRRMOs (OCD/DENR)

4.

Capability building for LGUs to m itigating clim ate change and

disaster risk concerns (LGUs)
Establishm ent of more air sheds in the region (DENR -EMB)
Conduct m ore R&D on local em ission factors (DENR -EMB)
Form ulate
Local
Integrated
W ater
Quality
Managem ent
Fram ework (DENR/LGUs)
Follow-up activity of Mindoro Island W ater Summit (Mindoro LGUs)
Rehabilitati on/closure of open dum psites (DENR, LGUs)
Technical assistance on solid and water waste management
(DENR)
Policy on the com pliance of solid waste m anagem ent. (DENR)
Rehabilitation/Restoration of Marinduque River System due to
presence of m ining spills and toxic waste (DENR-LGUs)
Survey of Foreshore and Patrim onial property (DENR)

Infrastructure Developm ent

One of the key challenges in MIMAROPA is to accelerate infrastructure

developm ent to support the physical connectivity and increasing trade
activities goals of the region. The need to establish an efficient
transportation network; provide comm unication and information connectivity;
supply power, water and other utility services; and m ake available basic
social infrastructure are m easures seen to m eet the socio-econom ic needs of
its people.
4.1

Transportation
4.1.1 Sectoral Concerns
The region faces the challenges of transport network
fragm entation and inadequate facilities and support services.
Incorporating clim ate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction
m easures in the design an d selection of vital inf rastructure should also
be prioritized. Even with funding from the national governm ent, som e
LGUs experience difficulties in im plem enting nationally-funded projects
due to lack of technical capability and re sources.
4.1.2 Strategic Interventions
Designate strategic transport centers to strengthen the role of
existing infrastructure and consolidate the regional transport
net work.
Provide a viable transportation option for the public through air based transportati on.
Im prove accessibility of hard to
provision of good road networks.

reach

places through the

10

Provision of roads, bridges, ports, and airports that will

adequately link the production/tourism areas to their existing and
target m arkets.
Im prove
the
region 's
strategic
seaports
to
serve
interconnecting nodes of the region's transportation system

as

The activation of BIMP -EAGA trans-national route between

Brookes Point and Malaysian Borneo to tap m arket outside the
country.
Operationalize existing underutil ized ports that will serve as
alternate routes/linkage of the provinces (e.g. port of Pola).
Strict im plem entation in
infrastructure projects.

the

incorporation

of

DRR/CCA

in

Support the developm ent of projects that will im prove travel tim e
to the RGC from any point in MIMAROPA (e.g. Rom blon to
Mindoro, Palawan to Mindoro Island)
The Harm onization of policies of NGAs in engaging the
participation of LGUs in im plem enting nationally -funded projects.
4.1.3 Priority Program s, Projects and Policy Recomm endations

Im provem ent
of
Sandoval
airpo rt
in
Taytay,
Palawan
(DOTC/CAAP )
Expansion and im provem ent of Gasan airport (DOTC/CAAP)
Expansion and im provem ent of Tablas airport ( DOTC/CAAP)
Puerto Princesa Airport Develop m ent Project (DOTC/CAAP )
Upgrading and expansion of San Jose Airport in Occidental
Mindoro (DOTC/CAAP)
Im provem ent of
Calapan City and Pinam alayan Airports in
Oriental Mindoro (DOTC/CAA P)
Com pletion of Mindoro circumferential road, Puerto Galera to
Abra de Ilog section ( DPW H)
Com pletion of Mindoro circumferential road in Sablayan ( DPW H)
Mindoro cross country road - Victoria to Sablayan, via Bansud
(DPWH)
Completion of Northern mainland Palawan road - Taytay to El Nido
(DPWH)
Construction of 14 kms, Boac -Torrijos interior road ( DPW H)
Com pletion of national and provincial ro ad net works in Tablas
island (DPW H)
Com pletion of national r oad net work in Sibuyan island ( DPW H)
Southern mainland Palawan cross country road - Rizal to Bataraza (DPWH)
Concreting of nat ional road net work in Busuanga ( DPW H)
11

4.2

Concreting of national road network in Quezon to Rizal, Palawan

(DPWH)
Construction of FMRs/access roads to m ajor production and
tourism areas (DPW H)
Upgrading and e xpansion of Calapan City Port ( PPA)
Upgrading and e xpansion of Abra de Ilog Port ( PPA)
Integration and im provem ent of San Agustin, Rom blon,
Cajidiocan and Magdiwang ports (PPA/DOTC)
Upgrading of the port s of San Fernando and Sta. Fe ( PPA/DOTC)
Upgrading of inter -island transport routes between Carabao
island and Caticlan (MARINA/PPA)
Expansion of Puerto Princesa Port ( PPA)
Market viabilities of Pola -Marinduque routes (PPA/MARINA/LGU )
Review policy guidelines on LGUs im plem entation of road
projects funded by NGAs (FMRs)

Comm unications and Inform ation Technology

4.2.1 Sectoral Concerns
Mobile telephone and internet usage has been increasing in the
region. However, there are still som e areas in the reg ion that have
poor signal or access to these services . The physical configuration and
lim ited coverage of th e cell sites affect comm unications and
inform ation connectivity in the region.
4.2.1 Strategic Interventions
Provide m ore incentives to encourage private sector investm ent
in the provision of telecomm unication facilities in m ajor cities,
towns and strategic barangays.
Expand the provision of broadband internet services in major cities
Accelerate prom otion and im plem entation of LGU inform ation
system plan, electronic link through regional intranet and website
developm ent.
4.2.2 Priority Program s, Projects and Policy Recomm endations

4.3

Mobile/ broadband intervention ICTO

Comm unity e-Centers LGU/ICTO
e-LGU LGU

Power and Energy

4.3.1 Sectoral Concerns

Despite the regions abundance of renewable energy resources, it continues

to rely heavily on fossil fuels for power generation. The challenge of utilizing these
12

resources remain a challenge due to the regions geographic character. Ninetytwo percent of these RE resources are located in Oriental Mindoro and Occidental
Mindoro, accounting only 40.8% of the regions total power requirement.
MIMAROPAs energy and power infrastructures are composed primarily of several
independent island grids with minimal power requirements.
Another concern is the high cost of power generation because of the
regions reliance on fossil fuels and lim ited econom ies of scale to attract
investm ent in power generation .
4.3.2 Strategic Interventions
Adopt a policy in the region requiring new power p roviders to
consider RE technologies
Sustain NG support for the operation of NPC -SPUG until such
tim e that NPPs can fully supply the power requirem ents of the
region
Tap and utilize m ixed power generation resources
4.3.3 Priority Project s

4.4

Island power grid interconnection ( NPC-SPUG)

Geotherm al project in Oriental Mindoro ( Em erging Power, Inc. )
Luzon-Mindoro
grid
interconnection
project
( National
Transm ission Grid Corp )
16-MW Puerto Galera W ind Power Project ( Philippine Hybrid
Energy System s Inc )
40-MW Abra de Ilog W ind Power Project ( Alternative Philippine
Holdings Corp)
Bulalacao W ind Power Project ( PhilCarbon, Inc. )
Solar Power project ( DOE)
18 MW Dulangan Hydropower plant ( PNOC-Renewable Corp)
2.10 Linao-Cawayan (Lo wer Cascade) Hydropower plant
(Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative )
2.10 Linao-Cawayan (Upper Cascade) Hydropower plant
(Oriental Min doro Electric Cooperative )
10 MW Bongabong Hydropower plant (Constellation Energy
Corp)
8 MW Catuiran (Up per Cascade) Hydropower plant (Sta. Clara
Power Corp)
20 MW Alag Hydropower plant (Constellation Energy Corp)
3.5 MW Batang-Batang Hydropower plant (Langogan Power
Corp)
6.8 MW Langogan Hydropower plant (Langogan Power Corp)

Social Infrastructure
13

4.4.1 Sectoral Concerns

The num ber of public school classroom are the lim ited in the
region. In addition, the poor condition of schools and classroom s (poor
air circulation, broken ceiling and roofs/sidings) m ake it difficult for
students to study.
Added to this concern is the lim ited tertiary hospital in the
region. The DOH 2012 new classification system of hospitals and other
health facilities affected the c lassification of hospitals as well as the
delivery of health care in the region. Patients have to be transferred to
the m ainland for the treatm ent of their diseases.
4.4.2 Strategic Interventions
Expand and upgrade school building and facilities.
Provision of alternative learning system s in IP areas.
Provide m odern and high quality health facilities and upgrade the
level of services from secondary to tertiary category in m ajor
towns and cities to increase and expand peoples access to
quality health services.
Prom ote PPP in the construction of health infrastructure.
Review existing policies
applicability in the region.

in

health

and

education

and

its

4.4.3 Priority Program s, Projects and Policy Recomm endations

4.5

PPP for School Infrastructure Projects ( DepEd)

DOH-Health Facilities Enhancem ent Program (DepEd)

W ater and Sanitation

4.5.1 Sectoral Concerns
The provision of dom estic water supply in the region is faced
with the challenge of how it can reach rural areas especially those with
lim ited sources of potable water due to the island characteristic of the
provinces. The existing transm ission and distribution pipelines are old
and m ight have contributed to low water pressure. High water rates are
also a problem due to high cost of water supply system developm ent.
Regulation on the extraction of ground water for water supply has not
been properly m onitored by the NW RB.
The provision of sewerage and sewerage treatm ent facilities in
conjunction with the provision of water supply system has been
neglected.
The region is a tou rism destination and this area of
concern should not be neglected be fore it becom e a m ajor problem .
14

4.5.2 Strategic Interventions

Cooperation among LGUs to maximize use of existing water
resources
NW RB in the provinces
Protection of watershed
Im provem ent/upgra ding of water systems
Establishm ent of waste water facilities in all provinces
Strict implementation of DENR Administrative Order re: Functional
SWTF
4.5.3 Priority Program s, Projects and Policy Recomm endations

5.

Regulation on wat er extraction ( LGUs/NW RB)

Integrated water resource m anag em ent and developm ent
program (LGUs/DENR)
Construction of water system ( LGUs/LW UA)
Upgrading of the existing Level I to III ( LGUs/LW UA)
Sewerage water m anagem ent plan ( LGUs/DENR/DOH/DOT )

Social Developm ent

The following are the sectoral concerns and challenges identified in

the social sector with regard to health and nutrition, education, social
protection, and housing with corresponding recomm ended strategies/ needed
interventions which are translated into priority programs /projects/policy
recomm endations.
5.1

Health and Nutrition

5.1.1 Sectoral Concerns
5.1.1.1

Reduction of m aternal m ortality rates in Rom blon,

Palawan, and Puerto Princesa City which m aternal
m ortality ratios (MMRs) are higher than the regional
average

5.1.1.2

Reduction of underweight prevalence rates of preschool

children and school children

5.1.1.3

Full access to socially responsive and quality health

services

5.1.1.4

Low probability of meeting the MDG target on proportion

of births attended by health professionals and bi rths
delivered in health facilities

5.1.2 Strategic Interventions

15

Comm unity m obilization and capacity building of health workers

to identify and refer high -risk pregnancies and com plicated
deliveries
Establishm ent of BEMONC facilities
Strengthen comm unity health team s
Provision of m edical and dietary m anagem ent to severely
m alnourished preschool children
Prom ote good nutrition practices through nutrition education
classes, m ultim edia cam paign, nutrition counseling, and
integration in the school curriculum
Continuous m onitoring and evaluation of local level plan
im plem entation of nutrition program s
Establishm ent of nutrition offices in the provincial and m unicipal
levels with qualified personnel and support staff for the proper
im plem entation of nutrition pro gram s.
Conduct of Nutrition education and advocacy
Policy/plan/guidelines developm ent for nutrition
Monitoring and evaluation of local level plan im plem entation of
nutrition program s
Coordination with RLAs, LGUs, NGOs, and other stakeholders
for nutritio n concerns
Intensify im plem entation of health financing program s at the
local level which will provide health insurance coverage for the
residents and health funds for the comm unity and design and
im plem ent alternative health financing and resource allocat ion
m echanism s
Increase coverage, access, and utilization of health care
services through im plem entation of sector wide approach and
providing equitable pro -poor, client-oriented, and best quality
services to include Q2.
Conduct of capacity building am ong health and nutrition workers
and other stakeholders
Involvem ent and participation of the LGUs in carrying out Health
in Tourism program com ponents and activities at the local level
Advocacy and IEC on: im portance and availability of reproductive
health
se rvices;
education
of
m other
and
father
on
breastfeeding; hom e care practices for newborn; and increasing
coverage of Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH)
program interventions in rem ote rural areas
Upgrading of existing facilities in hospitals of each MIMAROPA
provinces
Conduct of a feasibility study for the establishm ent of a Regional
Hospital and Regional Rehabilitation and Treatm ent Center

5.1.3 Priority Program s, Projects and Policy Recomm endations

16

5.2

Supplem ental feeding in Occidental Mindoro and Orient al

Mindoro
Procurem ent of height /weight boards
Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (KP)
Comm ission for a study on indigenous peoples (IP) health and
nutritional standards
Health in Tourism Program
Policy on traditional health attendants
Establishm ent of a Medical School in Palawan State University

Education
5.2.1 Sectoral Concerns
5.2.1.1

Full im plem entation of K to 12 Basic Education Program

5.2.1.2

Less agriculture courses enro llees

5.2.1.3

Im prove access to education facilities

5.2.1.4

School buildings located in disaster prone areas and the

use of school buildings as evacuation centers

5.2.1.5

Provision of a holistic, high quality, and

education to indigenous peoples comm unities

relevant

5.2.2 Strategic Interventions

Trainings of high schools teachers who will teach techvoc track

(TESDA)
Rolling out of K to 12 curriculum
Training of k, grades 1,2,7, and 8 teachers
Im prove the quality of education through m odern and up -to-date
teaching
and
learning
processes
and
m ethods,
laboratory/classroom, IC T/facilities/equipm ent and facilities
Strengthen advocacy on Indigenous Peoples Education through
various m edia cam paigns (print, radio and television) to
inculcate awareness to both IP and non IP comm unities on the
need for viable, culture -sensitive, and effective IP education
curriculum
Establishm ent of culture -specific curriculum
Im plem entation of DepEd Departm ent Order No. 62

5.2.3 Priority Program s, Projects and Policy Recomm endations

Procurem ent of high school science and m ath equipm ent

17

5.3

Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project

(PPPSIP)
Educational Assistance ( IPEd Program and Advocacy) (NCIP)
Merit-based Scholarship ( IPEd Program and Advocacy) (NCIP)

Technical Education
5.3.1 Sectoral Concern
5.3.1.1

Low rate of em ploym ent am o ng TVET graduates

5.3.2 Strategic Interventions

Conduct of TVET impact assessm ent

Review technical vocational education training (TVET) program s
to m ake it m ore responsive to local and regional industry needs
and skills developm ent of local labor force for self -em ploym ent
opportunities and in line with Key Em ploym ent Generators
(KEGs)
Provide/strengthen job facilitation for em ploym ent seekers
abroad and in other regions
Encourage business investm ent to create jobs for skilled workers
Continuous provision of scholarship program s in the TVET sector
by the governm ent
Establish training i nstitution in Mam burao, Occidental Mindoro
Strengthen networking with the organized bodies of TESDA,
Regional and Provincial TESD Comm ittee to ensure an improved
governance in Technical and Vocational Education and Training
(TVET)

5.3.3 Priority Program s, Proj ects and Policy Recomm endations:

5.4

Conduct im pact Evaluation Study

Jobs Bridging Program as one stop center for em ploym ent,
referral and career guidance services
Dual Training System
Scholarship program s such as: (1) Training for W ork
Scholarship Program ( TW SP); (2) Private Education Student
Financial Assistance (PESFA); and (3) Special Training for
Em ploym ent Program (STEP)

Higher Education
5.4.1 Sectoral Concerns
5.4.1.1

Integration of SUCs in Mindoro, Marinduq ue and Rom blon,

and Palawan

18

5.4.1.2

Achieve excellence
outcom es

in

quality

teaching

and

learning

5.4.2 Strategic Interventions

Finalization of the Strategic Developm ent Plan for the

Am algam ation of SUCs
Enhance the quality of public and private colleges and universities
through structured curriculum improvement, inf rastructure/facility
expansion, professional training, and development and advance
studies
Institute academ ic tie -up with foreign and other HEIs for
purposes
of
academ ic
program
im provem ent,
staff
training/advance studies, R&D undertakings, and profession al
exchange arrangements

5.4.3 Priority Programs, Projects and Policy Recommendations

5.5

Series of consultations (pre -am algam ation activities)

Graduate Tracer Studies (GTS)

Social Protection
5.5.1 Sectoral Concerns
5.5.1.1

Com pliance to the health and education conditions of the

Pantawid Pam ilya program dem ands for com plem entation
of adequate supply for health and education facilities and
hum an resources

5.5.1.2

Com plem entation of livelihood programs of the different

agencies as well as partnership with m icro -finance
institutions for em ploym ent of the target beneficiaries

5.5.1.3

Focused
social
protection
interventions
for
the
disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors: children, youth,
wom en, senior citizen, differently -abled persons, fam ily
and comm unity, and indigenous peoples

5.5.1.4

Tim ely delivery of pension to the social pensioners due to

geographical location

5.5.1.5

Adoption of tested and cost -effective safety nets before,

during, and after calam ities and disasters

19

5.5.2 Strategic Interventions

Intensify convergence strategy with RLAs, LGUs, CSOs and MFIs

on social protection program s like
health and education
facilities, job generation, skills training, and livelihood
opportunities of Pantawid Pam ilya beneficiaries
Im plem entation of Municipal Transition Plan for the graduated
beneficiaries
Expansion of Pantawid Pam ilya household beneficiaries
coverage
Technical Assistance and Capacity Building activities
Strengthen technical know-how of LGUs in social protection
Form ulation of Local Social Protection and Developm ent Report
Assessm ent of the functionality of LSW DOs
Updating of NHTS -PR database and its utilization for focused
social protection interventions
Strengthen advocacy efforts for the organization of Person with
Disability Affairs Off ice (PDAO) in all LGUs
Offline registration of PW Ds and Senior Citizen
Provision of em ploym ent, livelihood, and training opportunities
for Youth, PW D and senior citizens
Strengthen safety nets in the im plem entation of governm ent
program s for the Indigeno us People
Database on IP population per province
Mainstream ing of Gender and Developm ent
Strengthen and m onitor the com pliance of governm ent agencies
and local governm ent units to the allocation of one (1) percent of
their respective budget for the im plem entation of plans,
program s, projects, activities, and services for older persons and
persons with disabilities
Strategies/Needed Interventions:
Utilization of door to door delivery by PhilPost
Fund transfer to LGUs with unliquidated cash advances
Strategies/Needed Interventions:
Establish tested safety nets that are easily im plem entable during
calam ities and disasters
Establishm ent of evacuation centers per m unicipality

5.5.3 Priority Program s, Projects and Policy Recomm endations

Pantawid Pam ilya

Sustainable Livelihood Program
KALAHI-CIDSS
Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT)
Cash for Training
Supplem entary Feeding for Day Care Children
Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons
20

5.6

Alternative Parental Care Program

Social Pension Program
Crisis intervention
Sustainable Livelihood Program
Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth
Core Shelter Program
Modified Conditional Cash Transfer
Housing for IPs
Social Pension Program
Em ergency Shelter Assistance
Cash for W ork/Food for W ork
Preposition of stockpiles
Em ergency Em ploym ent Program

Housing and Settlem ents

5.6.1 Sectoral Concerns
5.6.1.1
5.6.1.2
5.6.1.3

5.6.1.4
5.6.1.5
5.6.1.6

Identification and funding of areas for socialized housing

Non-availability of settlem ent plan of LGUs
Housing and settlem ent that will accomm odate the
m igrating workers and their fam ilies in u rbanizing centers
of the region
Housing for the fam ilies/ comm unities in vulnerable/
disaster -prone areas
Poor access to socialized housing in urban areas
Increasing num ber of inform al settlers in urban areas and
lack of docum entation

5.6.2 Strategic Interventions

Institute reform s to respond to the housing needs of the regional

population such as: (a) CBMS, for baseline inform ation in
identifying housing beneficiaries; (b) LGUs active involvem ent in
identificati on and provision of land for socialized housing; (c)
new system s for housing incentives; (d) PPP on housing
projects; and (e) firm policy on inform al settlers, resettlem ent,
relocation, and housing tax incentives.
Strengthen partnership between HUDCC and L GUs on housing
program s
Technical Assistance to LGUs for the preparation of Local
Shelter Plan

5.6.3 Priority Program s, Projects and Policy Recomm endations

Comm unity Mortgage Program

21

5.7

Local Housing Project for each LGU: inform al settlers,

fam ilies/comm unities in vulnerable/disaster -prone areas, and
governm ent em ployees

Asset Reform
5.7.1 Sectoral Concerns
5.7.1.1

Land acquisition and distribution

5.7.1.2

Ancestral dom ain and lands (boundary conflicts, peace and

order situation)

5.7.1.3

Overlapping of vested rights over ancestral dom ains

5.7.1.4

Governm ent reservation within ancestral dom ains

5.7.1.5

Slow process of titling of ancestral domain/land

5.7.1.6

Lim ited num bers of surveyors of

delineation of ancestral dom ain lands

5.7.1.7

Form ulation of ancestral dom ain sustainable developm ent

and protection plan

the

NCIP

for

the

5.7.2 Strategic Interventions

Review the mechanism on the issuance of government reservation

within the ancestral domain
Intensify land security and management
Fast track the segregation of vested rights within the Ancestral
Domain
Land acquisition and distribution
Revisit JAO No. 1 (S. 2012)
Passage of Forestland Bill to support the release of alienable and/or
disposable lands suitable for agriculture
Reactivation of the RTWG on the JAO No. 1 (S. 2012)
Employment of private geodetic engineers to conduct surveys
NCIP shall continue issuing CADTs and CALTs and formulating
ADSDPP
Conduct support initiatives to facilitate the issuance of CADTs and
CALTs

5.7.2 Priority Program s, Projects and Policy Recomm endations

22

6.

Ancestral Dom ain Managem ent Program

Ancestral Dom ain and Security Program
Survey of Ancestral Dom ain and Lands

Developm ent Adm inistration

Enhancing good governance in the MIMAROPA Region calls for

instituting reform s toward achieving balanced budget, where the
developm ent of its hum an capital gets priority resource allocation,
establishing incentives to encourage private sector investment in services of
public interest and other reform s to m ake local bureaucracies responsive to
peoples needs, effective in em powering comm unities and proactive in
building the investment clim ate conducive to growth and com petitiveness.
6.1

Good Governance
6.1.1 Sectoral Concerns
6.1.1.1

The physical integration and virtual disjoint of MIMAROPA

provinces contribute to high cost of governm ent
transactions

6.1.1.2

There is resistance from som e agencies to relocate to the

Regional Governm ent Center in Calapan City

6.1.1.3

A standard of efficiency, transparency and accountability in

governance has yet to be introduced and established in the
region

6.1.1.4

MIMAROPA LGUs rely m ostly on lim ited IRA to finance

operations

6.1.1.5

Low levels of local revenue collections

6.1.2 Strategic Interventions

Strong pol icy support for the MITDP

Support policies or housebills on the RGC im plem entation
Strengthen provincial offices of the NGAs in the interim
Upgrade technical facilities/system s in governm ent offices
Im plem ent CSCs client satisfaction surveys
LGUs to respond accurately on com petitiveness surveys
Recognize
RLA/LGU
perform ance
by
conferring
awards/incentives
Im plem ent CSCs client satisfaction surveys
23

6.1.3

6.2

LGUs to respond accurately on com petitiveness surveys

Recognize
RLA/LGU
perform ance
by
conferring
awards/incentives
Adopt PPP in LGUs to explore other fund sources
Update LGUs revenue codes
Collection efficiency through e -LGU in tracking generation status
Support policy fram ework expanding the criteria for IRA
com putation to include m unicipal waters
Priority Program s, Projects and Policy Recomm endations
Comm encem ent of short -term deliverable projects in the MITDP
Passage of HB 4295
Create MIMAROPA radio net work; ICT/early warning systems
Client satisfaction index survey (CSIS)
Seal of Good Local Gover nance
Seal of Good Housekeeping
W ebsite for every LGUs
Prom ote PPP/Im plem ent Capability and Advocacy Program
(CAP)
GIS/CBMS based tax m apping
E-tracks (Regulatory Sim plification System )
Passage of HB 1111

Peace and Security

6.2.1 Sectoral Concerns
6.2.1.1

Im prove crim e assessm ent reporting

6.2.1.2

Vulnerability to natural and hum an-induced disasters

6.2.1.3

Services delivery gaps due to inadequate hum an resources

6.2.1.4

Countering all forms of threat to internal security

6.2.1.5

Ensuring safety and convenience of m aritim e travel in the

island provinces

6.2.1.6

Establishm ent of DRRM Fram ework for sm all islands.

6.2.2 Strategic Interventions

Use of 2013 crim e statistics as baseline data in reporting.

Develop early warning system to m inim ize risks to hum an life
and properties.
24

Harm onize the data i.e. CLUP, DRRM Plans

Recruitm ent of m ore uniform ed and non -uniform ed PNP
personnel.
Strengthening of LDRRMCs.
Im plem entation of Rationalization Plans
Efficient delivery of social services, generation of jobs, support
to agriculture, effective im plem entati on of agrarian reform and
distribution of ancestral lands
Peace talks/social integration
Professionalization of m aritim e transport services
Im provem ent of sanitation in roro vessels
Strict im plem entation of m aritim e transport laws
(Through RDC resolution)
Regular preventive m aintenance of roro vessels (dry docking)
Mainstream the DRRM fram ework for sm all islands in the local
developm ent plans.

6.2.3 Program s, Projects and Policy Recommendations

Refinem ent of crim e data. (To include drug abuse and hum an
rights crim es.)
Provide/ Ensure presence of Municipal Police Station lock up cells
Creation of rehabilitation center for drug users
Prom otion of Batingaw, an Android software application which
provides early warning or safety precautions on any disaster
occurrences.
Provision of two- way radios to LGUs
Em ploym ent of m ore non -uniform ed PNP personnel to perform
adm inistrative concerns which would allow deploym ent of
uniform ed PNP personnel to specific areas of concern.
Continuing capability trainings on disaster p reparedness.
Preparation of com prehensive disaster m anagem ent plan.
Im plem entation of the PRDP
Advocacy on various health and education program s (4Ps,
PhilHealth point of care am endm ent)
Strengthening of the convergence program (DAR/DA/DENR)
Implementation of Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Program
Com prehensive local integration program (CLIP)
Proper m aintenance and sanitation of vessels
Ensuring com plete safety facilities in each vessel
Advocate DRR and CCA as a cross -cutting concern for all
sectors. (Integrating advocacy of DRR and CCA in local
planning)

25