THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (NCR)

The National Capital Region (NCR), also known as Metropolitan Manila, is the country’s
political, economic, and educational center. The smallest region in the Philippines, it is the most
densely populated region which is a home to over 12 million Filipinos. The National Capital
Region (NCR) is the only region in the country without any province. It is subdivided into 17
local government units (LGUs) comprising of 16 cities and one (1)
municipality: Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, QuezonCity, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, 
Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa; Pateros is
the lone municipality in the region.

Population

The National Capital Region has a population of 12,877,253 according to the 2015 national
census. Its total urban area, composing of the urban agglomeration which refers to the continuous
urban expansion of Metro Manila into the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas
has a population of 24,123,000. It is the most populous region in the Philippines, the 7th most
populous metropolitan area in Asia, and the 3rd most populous urban area in the world.

The most populous cities in Metro Manila are Quezon City (2,936,116), Manila (1,780,148),
Caloocan (1,583,978), Taguig (804,915), Pasig (755,300), Parañaque (665,822), Valenzuela
(620,422), Las Piñas (588,894), Makati (582,602) and Muntinlupa (504,509).

Economy

The City of Manila produce industrial-related products such as chemicals, textiles, clothing
electronic goods, food, beverages, and tobacco products. The growth in services and industry
fueled the expansion in NCR’s construction and manufacturing — making NCR the largest
contributor to the country’s production of goods and services at 37.5% GDP. 

As of 2019, there has been 204,005 businesses established in the NCR, which are categorized
into four (4) classifications: Micro, Small, Medium, and Large. 

PROFILE OF CAR

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) was established on July 15, 1987 through
executive Order No. 220 issued by President Corazon Aquino. It is the only land-locked region
of the Philippines. The region consists of the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao,
Kalinga, Mountain Province and Apayao. The regional center is the Chartered City of Baguio,
officially known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Its rugged terrain and breath-taking
topography have been home to the sturdy and industrious indigenous tribes collectively called
the Igorot, while its climate has bred an equally unique culture distinct from that of the country’s
lowland colonized regions. It is located in the North-Central part of Luzon and encompasses
most of the areas within the Cordillera Central Mountain range of Luzon. It is bounded by Ilocos
Norte and Cagayan in the North, Pangasinan and Nueva Vizcaya in the South, Cagayan Valley in
the East, and the Ilocos Region in the West. It is the country’s only land-locked region. It has a
mountainous topography and dubbed as the “Watershed Cradle of North Luzon” as it hosts nine
major rivers that provide continuous water for irrigation and energy for Northern Luzon.

The region is rich in natural resources and has abundant mineral reserves. Gold, copper, silver,
and zinc are among the metallic ores that can be found in the region. Non-metallic reserves
include sand, gravel, and sulfur. Although mineral reserves are found all over the region, mining
is concentrated in Benguet. Majority of Cordillera’s population engage in farming and small-
scale production.

Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is rich in ancient culture. It is the home of the
indigenous tribe called the Igorot. The way of life of the people in this region existed way back
to ancient Filipinos before the Spanish colonization. Cordillera also has various festivals, these
includes the Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival celebrated every February. The festival
highlights are the flower exhibits, garden tours, floral competition, and parade of floats. Other
festivals in the region include the Ulalim Festival in Kalinga, Lang-ay Festival in Mountain
Province, Banaue Imbayah Festival, and the Tabuk Matagoan Festival.

Cordillera is one of the prime tourist destinations in the Philippines. It has many spectacular
scenic views and enchantingly cool places. The world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces in the
province of Ifugao is considered as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. This structure of about
2000 to 6000 years old is a United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture
(UNESCO) World Heritage Site. Other tourist attractions of the region include the Sumaguing
Cave in Sagada and the mummy caves in Benguet and Mt. Province. There are four National
Parks in the region: Cassamata Hill; Mount Pulag, which is the highest mountain in Luzon;
Mount Data; and Balbalasang-Balbalan.

The Cordillera covers an area of approximately 18,294 square kilometers. It is composed of 73

municipalities, two cities, seven congressional districts, and 1,176 barangays.
 PROFILE OF REGION 1

The Ilocos Region or Region I (Ilokano: Rehion ti Ilokos, Pangasinan: Rihiyon na Sagor na
Baybay na Luzon) of the Philippines is located in the northwestern region portion of Luzon. It is
bounded by the Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley to the east, Central Luzon
to the south and by the South China Sea to the west.
 
The province of Pangasinan composes 58% of the region’s population, 42% of its area and 61%
of its economy.
 
The region is composed of four provinces, namely: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and
Pangasinan. Its regional center is San Fernando City, La Union. The Ilocano speaking people
compose 66% of the region, the Pangasinan speaking people compose 27%, and the Tagalogs
compose 3%.
 
Physical:
 
Region I occupy the narrow plain between the Cordillera Central Mountain range and the South
China Sea. It also occupies the northern portion of the Central Luzon plain, to the north-east of
the Zambales Mountains.
 
Lingayen Gulf is the most notable body of water in the region and it contains a number of
islands, including the Hundred Islands National Park. To the north of the region is Luzon Strait.
 
The Agno River runs through Pangasinan and empties into the Lingayen Gulf. The river flow
into a broad delta in the vicinity of Lingayen and Dagupan City.
 
Demographics:

The Ilocos provinces of the Ilocos Region is the historical homeland of the Ilocanos including
Former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. The Ilocanos compose 66% of the region, the
Pangasinan people compose 27%, and the Tagalogs compose 3%.
 
Pangasinan is the historical homeland of the Pangasinenses including Former Philippine
President Fidel Ramos. The population of Pangasinan comprises approximately 60% of the total
population of the region. The Pangasinenses presently constitute around 50% of the population
of the province. The Ilocanos were not originally inhabitants of Pangasinan. They started
migrating to Pangasinan in the 19th century. Pangasinan was formerly a province of Region III
(Central Luzon), but President Marcos signed Presidential Decree No. 1, 1972, incorporating it
into Region I. Minority groups include the Tinggian and Isneg communities that inhabit the
foothills of the Cordillera mountains.
 
The population is predominantly Roman Catholic with strong adherents of Protestantism such as
the Aglipayan denomination further north of the country. There are also adherents to other
Christian denominations, such as Iglesia ni Cristo, Mormons, and the like. There is also an
undercurrent of traditional animistic beliefs especially in rural areas. The small mercantile
Chinese and Indian communities are primarily Buddhists, Taoists, and Hindus.
 
Economy:

Although the economy in the southern portion of the region, esp. Pangasinan, is anchored on
agro-industrial and service industry, the economy in the northern portion of the region is
anchored in the agricultural sector. The economy in Pangasinan is driven by agro-industrial
businesses, such as milkfish (bangus) cultivation and processing, livestock raising, fish paste
processing (bagoong), and others. At the same time the importance of trading, financial services,
and educational services in the economy cannot be denied. Income in the Ilocos provinces or
northern portion mostly come from cultivating rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, and fruits; raising
livestock such as pigs, chicken, goats, and carabaos (water buffalos).
 
The distribution of the economic activity in the region may be seen from the collection of tax
revenue of the national government. The bulk of the collections come from Pangasinan, which
posted 61% of the total.
 
The service and light manufacturing industries are concentrated in the cities. Dagupan City is
mostly driven by its local entrepreneurs, which have started to expand its network up to the
national level. San Fernando City in La Union also has an active shipping port and Laoag City in
Ilocos Norte has an international airport.
 
The tourism industry, driven by local airlines and land transportation firms in the area like
Farinas Transit Company and Partas, focuses on the coastal beaches and on eco-tourism. There
are fine sands stretching along Bauang, La Union and the rest of the region. Opportunities to
engage in other water sports and activities abound. Eco-tourism takes advantage of the marine
and forest resources in the region and displays the natural beauty of the Region 1.
 
The region is also rich in crafts, with renowned blanket-weaving and pottery. The Ilocanos’
burnay pottery is well known for its dark colored clay.

ILOCOS NORTE Marcos Museum

Batac Parish Thunderbird Resort and Casino
San Nicolas Church La Union Surfing Capital (San Juan)
Sinking Belltower, Laoag City Bauang Beach
Paoay Lake
Fort Ilocandia Hotel
PANGASINAN
Paoay Golf Course
Paoay Church Hundred Islands
Laoag Cathedral Pangasinan Capitol
Aglipay Shrine The Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag
Malacanang Of the North San Carlos City Plaza
Patapat Bridge San Juan River in San Carlos City
Gilbert Bridge Bonuan Blue Beach in Dagupan City
Ilocos Norte Capitol Antong Falls
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse Cacupangan Cave
Bangui Windmills Mount Balungao
Ilocos Norte Museum Manleluag Spring National Park
Juan Luna Shrine Sanctuario de Senor Divino Tesoro
Ricarte Park and Shrine Salasa Church
Badoc Church Lingayen Gulf War Museum
Sarrat Church Bolinao Museum
Dap-ayan, Laoag, Ilocos Norte Food Court Oceanographic Marine Laboratory
and Ilocos Norte Products Red Arrow Marker of the WWII 32nd US
La Paz Sandunes, Laoag, Ilocos Norte Fine Infantry Division
Sandunes Rock Garden Resort
Umbrella Rocks
Urduja House
ILOCOS SUR
St. John Cathedral Garden
Vigan Spanish House Caves in Bolinao
Sinait Church Boat ride in Pantal River
Ilocos Sur Capitol Provincial Capitol
Santa Maria Church Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center
Pinsal Falls Hundred Islands Marine Sanctuary
Tondol Beach
Tambobong White Beach
LA UNION
La Union Capitol
Pindangan Ruins
La Union Botanical Garden
Wallace Air Station
 PROFILE OF REGION 2

The Cagayan Valley Region, also known as region 02, is strategically located on the northeastern
part of mainland Luzon. It is bounded to the west by the Cordillera mountain range, to the east
by the Sierra Madre, to the south by the Caraballo Mountains, and to the north by the Luzon
Strait.  The mountains in the east serve as natural barriers from devastating winds during typhoon
season.

The valley floor experiences cold winds from November to February, funneled through the
opening in the north, and traps surface temperature usually from March to June. With most of the
production and settlement areas along the valley floor, frequent exposure to extreme temperature
is normal. 

It is a natural catch basin having the largest watersheds in the country. It is crisscrossed by the
longest and largest river network, the Cagayan River, also known as Rio Grande de Cagayan,
with a total length of approximately 505 kilometers and a drainage basin covering 27,753 square
kilometers.

The region is largely an agricultural economy with thirty-seven percent (37%) of its total land
area dedicated to agriculture production. 

Bountifully endowed with vast natural resources and development potentials, from its rich soil,
extensive coastlines, renowned rivers and lakes, and widespread forest, grasslands and mountain
ranges, and teeming with highly skilled and competent workforce, the Cagayan Valley Region is
becoming a desired investment destination in northern Philippines. Its proximity to the East
Asian countries is a given endowment that makes it not only a natural gateway for trade and
investments but also a virtual link to other growth corridors.

Land Area/Population

With a total land area of 28,228.83km², the Cagayan Valley Region is the second largest region
in the Philippines. It has a total population of 3,451,410, distributed as follows:

            Batanes – 17,246

            Cagayan – 1,199,320

            Isabela – 1,593,566

            Nueva Vizcaya – 452,287

            Quirino – 188,991 (PSA, Census 2015)

Number of Provinces/Cities and Municipalities/Barangays/Congressional Districts

Region 2 is composed of 5 provinces, namely, the valley provinces of Cagayan and Isabela, the
mountain provinces of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya, and the island province of Batanes. It has
one independent city, three component cities, 89 municipalities and 2,311 barangays within its
12 congressional districts.

PROFILE OF REGION 3

Central Luzon at a Glance

Envisioned to become the industrial heartland of the Philippines and the Asia Pacific; an
international transshipment hub; and a showcase of a vibrant and competitive agriculture sector,
Central Luzon is the logical destination for investments and leisure.

A growth region in the Philippines that contributes significantly to the national economy, Central
Luzon is home to a number of industrial estates and economic zones with efficient water, power
and telecommunication facilities; port facilities; road networks that create synergy between and
among the economic and tourism points of Subic, Clark and the seven provinces; and, a strategic
location that offers accessibility for the movement of people, goods and service from the North
to Manila.

A distinct advantage in consideration of the Asia-Pacific Rim, Central Luzon’s highly strategic
location was enough for the United States Government to locate their biggest naval and air
military facilities outside the US mainland. The former Subic Naval Base and Clark Air Base
facilities which were turned over to the Philippine government in 1991, now two of the country’s
premier economic zones.

Central Luzon combines the advantages of an international airport, a seaport, industrial and
agricultural areas, tourism and leisure sites, support services, and major thoroughfares. The
complementation of each of these elements enhances the strengths of the region as an investment
destination.
Culture and Tradition

Central Luzon has a very diverse cultural heritage and colorful traditions, owing to the influence
of Spanish, American and Japanese colonizers, as well as the presence of different
ethnolinguistic groups – Aetas, Sambals, Capampangangs, Tagalogs, Ilocanos and
Pangasinenses.

More than half of the population in the region speaks Tagalog, which is attributed to the large
Tagalog-speaking provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija. Capampangan is the
next most widely spoken dialect in the region, used by people from Pampanga and Tarlac.
Ilocano, the third most dominant dialect in the region, is spoken in the provinces of Zambales,
northern Tarlac and northern Nueva Ecija which are close to the Ilocano-speaking provinces of
Pangasinan and the Cordilleras.

Among the region’s festivities, celebrations and religious sites, the most prominent include the
Carabao Festival and Obando Fertlity Rites in Bulacan; the Giant Lantern Festival and Lenten
Rites in Pampanga; and the Mango Festival in Zambales. Central Lzuon is also noted for
products such as furniture, Christmas lanterns, jewelry, marble products, meat products and
sweets and delicacies. Centuries-old churches, ancestral houses, as well as historical monuments
serve as landmarks that depict the rich cultural heritage of the region.

INDUSTRIAL PROFILE

Key Infrastructure Facilities

• Two international airports: Clark and Subic both fitted with runways that can take in fully
loaded, widest-bodied aircrafts, and allow simultaneous landing and take-off with state-of-the-art
infrastructure support and instrumentation. The low-cost Asian flights in Clark International
Airport (CIA), since 2007, have been contributing to the influx of tourists in Central Luzon. CIA
now also offers non-stop flights to the Middle-East and connecting flights to the U.S.A.,
Australia, and Europe.

• Four domestic airports located in Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, and Zambales.

• Subic International Seaport

• Five domestic seaports: Port of Mariveles, Capinpin, Orion and Lamao in Bataan, and Dingalan
in Aurora

• A road network that allows inter-regional and intra-Central Luzon travel connection – NLEx,
SCTEx, TPLEx, MacArthur Highway, etc.
Investment Priority Areas

o Manufacturing & Subcontracting

o Infrastructure & Support Infrastructure Projects
o Agriculture
o Agribusiness
o Fishery
o Forestry
o Fresh & Processed Food
o ICT & BPO Services
o Healthcare & Wellness Products & Services
o Training & Learning Institutions
o Power Generation
o Logistics
o Waste Management Facilities
o Export-Oriented & Crafts & Products Industries

PROFILE OF REGION 4A

CALABARZON’s thriving industries include semi-processed industrial raw materials and

industrial components coming from its 31 world-class industrial estates and economic zones
(ecozones). Laguna is dubbed as the automotive capital or “the Detroit City of the Philippines”
because most of the automative assemblers in the country—Ford, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi,
Nissan, and Toyota—are located here.

The region also hosts the big names in the electronics and semiconductor industries and has a
vast pool of human resource base for the manufacturing and services industries.

The Region is located in the in the adjacent south of Metro Manila. It is among the three regions
that comprise a contiguous urban beltway corridor identified as the nucleus of industrialization in
the Philippines. It is known as the industrial powerhouse of the Philippines.

CaLaBaRZon has a big supply base of semi-processed industrial raw materials and industrial
components coming from its 31 world-class industrial estates and economic zones (ecozones).
The region has more potentials for infrastructure development as the location of facilities of the
Malampaya gas project in Batangas and Quezon serve as magnets of business development
activities. It is also a very appropriate site for petrochemical industries.

Most of the automotive assemblers in the country – Ford, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and
Toyota – are located in the Region, and mostly in the province of Laguna. Thus, Laguna is
dubbed as the automotive capital or “the Detroit City of the Philippines”.

Moreover, CaLaBaRZon hosts the big names in the electronics and semiconductor thus also
called the “Silicon Valley of the Philippines”. Some of the big-name locators are Panasonic,
Matsushita, Samsung, TDK-Fujitsu, Toshiba, Mitsui, Philips, Hitachi, Sanyo-Epson, NEC,
Music, Temic, Uniden, I-Max, Lite-On, and Clarion.

The Region has a vast pool of human resource base for the manufacturing and services industries
and has reliable utilities and well-placed infrastructure enhancing faster turn-around times. It has
business-friendly environment, first-class lifestyle, and booming tourism circuits.

CaLaBaRZoN has been the site of the first expansion of industrial growth outside of Metro
Manila and hosts the first wave and the greatest number of Taiwanese business locators than
anywhere else in the Philippines.

Providing a balance is the Region’s natural endowments in natural resources – from land to
marine – and vast lands for agribusiness and ecotourism sites.

By 2010, CaLaBaRZon will be the nucleus of manufacturing, e-services, and logistics in the
Asia-Pacific Region that would be very significant to and complementary with other global
economies.

PROVINCIAL PROFILE

BATANGAS

Batangas, being the first practically organized province in Luzon, was officially founded in the
year 1581. Balayan was the capital of the province for 135 years from 1597 – 1732. In 1732 it
was moved to Taal then the most progressive and flourishing town of the province. After several
calamitous eruptions of Taal Volcano that buried then old Taal town site, the capital was
transferred to Batangas (now a city) in 1754 where it remained to the present.
The province is confined on the north by the Province of Cavite, on the northeast and east by the
province of Laguna and Quezon, respectively, on the south by the Verde Island passages and on
the west by the China Sea. It is composed of 3 cities and 31 municipalities.

CAVITE

Cavite is a strategically located province being proximate to Metro Manila and the major
international gateways. It has seven major entry and exit points that make an edge in terms of
economic development.

Cavite is also known as one of the most industrialized provinces in the country. It has 933
industrial establishments as of 2014 located mostly in 29 operating Economic Zones
(EC)/Industrialized Estates (IE). There are 21 more EZs/IEs undergoing land development while
8 are proclaimed but has yet to be developed.

With its continuous industrial growth and development, Cavite remains a magnet for job seekers
not only from Calabarzon Region but the entire Philippines. Complementing its economic
growth are the vibrant Micro, Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (MSMEs). Cavite has the
highest number of registered MSMEs among CALABARZON provinces. To keep pace with the
economic development of the province, the Department of Trade & Industry – Cavite has
embarked on an aggressive Industry Cluster Development program with Coffee and Other
Processed Food Industry as the two priority sectors. Despite the decrease in agricultural area,
Cavite has maintained potentials in the production of high value crops.

Through the natural wonders, distinctive historical sites, and favorable climate, the province
continues to provide a place conducive for business and leisure to ensure better quality of life for
the Caviteños.

LAGUNA

Laguna is a province in the Philippines located in the CALBARZON region in Luzon. It has 6
cities and 24 municipalities. Its capital is Santa Cruz and the province is situated southeast of
Metro Manila, south of the province of Rizal, west of Quezon, north of Batangas and east of
Cavite.
Laguna is among the modernized agro-industrial economies, where majority of the population
belong to the middle-income groups and enjoy the basic comforts of life such as housing,
education, socio-cultural, and recreational facilities.

Laguna is one of the premier provinces in the Philippines. It shows a thriving economy. More
than forty thousand business establishments are located in the province, wherein about thirty
thousand are universal trade and industry related establishments.

Laguna is among the modernized agro-industrial economies, where majority of the population
belong to the middle-income groups and enjoy the basic comforts of life such as housing,
education, socio-cultural, and recreational facilities.

QUEZON

Quezon is an elongated province due east from Metro Manila and the downward chain of Luzon
provinces. It has boundaries extending as far as the province of Aurora in the north and
Camarines Norte in the south. It is known as the “Home to Colorful Festivals”.

Quezon is the country’s leading producer of coconut products such as copra and coconut oil. A
large part of the province is covered in coconut plantations about 49% of the whole agricultural
land. It is also a home of two large power plants, in Mauban and Pagbilao respectively, with an
aggregate power generation capacity of over 1100 megawatts that provide power to the Luzon
grid. The province plays a vital role as a new axis growth in the fast-developing economy of
South Luzon.

The province has one of the riches coral reef grounds in Tayabas Bay, Mogpog Pass, Lamon Bay
area and nearby islands. Also, there are rich deposits of limestone, an essential product for
industry uses, in the mountains of Pagbilao, Atimonan and Tayabas City. It has a labor force of
900,773 that meet the needs of a rapidly evolving agri-industrial economy.

Most of the industrial factories are located in Lucena City, the capital of the province, and
Candelaria, a first-class municipality in Quezon, located 23 kilometers away from Lucena City.

The priority areas in Quezon with investment potentials are:

1. Agribusiness (coconut, coffee, virgin coconut oil, coco sugar, bamboo, etc.)

2. Agri-tourism (health & wellness, farm resorts, recreation facilities, nature parks)

3. Food Processing (coconut-based, fruits, nuts, vegetables, aquamarine, etc.)

 4. Wearables and Homestyle (furniture, garments, gifts, housewares and decors)

5. Information and Communication Technologies (business process outsourcing)

RIZAL

Rizal Province, named after the Filipino Hero, Jose Rizal, is a first-class province in the
Philippines. The said province belongs to the CALABARZON Region or Region 4A.  It has 13
municipalities (Rodriguez, San Mateo, Cainta, Taytay, Angono, Binangonan, Cardona, Teresa,
Morong, Baras, Tanay, Pililla, and Jala-jala) and 1 city (Antipolo).

Rizal being a mountainous province is known for its natural beauty which is perfect for nature
experience and adventure. It is surrounded situated in the southeast portion of Metro Manila, east
of Quezon Province, southwest of Laguna, north of Bulacan, and south of Laguna de Bay. Rizal
is also surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges which makes it more picturesque to the
eyes of the tourists.

Being a neighboring province of Metro Manila, Rizal turns out to be a perfect setting for
investments, business establishments and settlements. Antipolo for instance is known with its
suman (rice cake) and kasuy (cashew), Binangonan with its fish production, Rodriguez with its
copper ore reserve and the Wawa Dam that serves as the main source of water supply for a large
part of the Metro Manila area, Teresa with its marble deposits, Baras with its organic vegetables
and the Masungin Georeserve PArk, Jalajala with its dairy products, Morong being the education
center of Rizal, Pililla being the location of Rizal Wind Farm, Cardona with its bamboo, Taytay
as the Garments Capital of the Philippines, San Mateo with its shoes, slippers, and the Mini-
Hydro Power Plant, Cainta as an ICT hub, Angono as the Art Capital of the Philippines, and
Tanay as an adventure and nature experience destination.

Furthermore, the Province of Rizal was recognized as the overall most competitive province in
the Philippines in 2016. This is based on an index that measured a local government in terms of
economic dynamism, efficiency, and infrastructure.

PROFILE OF REGION 4B (MIMAROPA)

 
Region 4B, also known as MIMAROPA, located at the heart of the archipelago is dubbed as the
Treasure Trove of Southern Luzon. The name is an acronym that stands for its provinces, which
are: Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan. There are only
two cities in the entire region: Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro and Puerto Princesa City in
Palawan, while there are 71 municipalities that comprise the region.

The region was created on May 17, 2002, dividing region IV into regions IV-A and IV-B. It is
envisioned that the division of the regions will affect a more equitable distribution of wealth and
spur countryside development in MIMAROPA. Most recently, the roll-on roll-of (RO-RO) inter-
island shipping lane received a big boost when the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH)
was launched. The RO-RO transport system is envisioned to bridge the islands and open new
markets in the areas of trade and tourism. MIMAROPA is envisioned to serve as part of the
backbone of the country’s RO-RO network.

PROVINCIAL PROFILES

Mindoro Occidental 

Mindoro Occidental lies on the western part of the island of Mindoro. It is located south of the
province of Batangas in Southern Luzon and Northwest of the Visayas. The province is bounded
on the north by the Verde Island Passage, on the west and south by Mindoro Strait and China
Sea, and on the east by its sister province, Mindoro Oriental.

Agriculture propels the economy of Mindoro Occidental and of, the various agricultural
activities; rice farming is the most prevalent which makes the province the highest palay
producer in Region IV-A and IV-B. It is among the country’s top agricultural producers, the so-
called “Food Basket of the Philippines”. Major agricultural products include rice, corn, coconut,
tobacco, garlic, onions, mango, banana, melons, and peanuts. Fisheries and aqua-marine products
include salt, milkfish, prawn, tuna, octopus, and seaweeds.

The island of Mindoro is internationally recognized as an area for bio-diversity conservation. It

has great potential foe eco-tourism for there are not only one but two well-renowned national
parks in the province: Apo Reef Marine National Park, located in Sablayan, is the largest reef in
the country and second largest in the world; and Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park, which was
proclaimed as Tamaraw Reservation and Bird Sanctuary in November 1970 and covers the
Municipalities of Sablayan, Calintaan, Rizal and San Jose.

 
Mindoro Oriental

Mindoro Oriental is a tropical island paradise of the Southern Tagalog Region, the next big
island to the south of Manila and the seventh largest island in the Philippines. Mindoro Oriental
has been a home to the admired reflections of creation such as the solemn ambiance of
waterfalls, the inviting splashes of white beaches, the thriving green forests, the mysterious
adventure of caves, the delightful variety of seafood, the main home of the Mangyans and most
especially the irresistible hospitality of the Mindorenos.

Mindoro Oriental’s bulk of outward merchandise consists of rice, banana, calamansi, livestock,
and poultry, and fish products. Inward merchandise, on the other hand, consists mainly of
petroleum products, basic and prime commodities, consumer electronics, motor vehicles and
parts, and construction materials. The stability of the supply of these goods contributed a
consistent single-digit inflation rate is lower than the regional and national averages. Major
trading partners are the nearby CALABARZON provinces and Metro Manila which are currently
the center of the countries’ economic gravity.

Marinduque

Marinduque is a small heart-shaped island located south of Manila, between Bondoc Peninsula at
the southeastern portion of Luzon and Mindoro Island. It has a total land area of 95,625 hectares
including four major islands, three minor ones and five islets off the coast. It is considered the
smallest territorial size among the provinces in the country. The main economic activities of the
province are agriculture and fishing. Root crop-based products such as sweet potato and
arrowroot grow abundantly in the province.

In recent years, the province has identified several key priority industries for promotion and
development. Buntal handloom woven products have been aggressively promoted here and
abroad because these products have been commanding better prices in any market because of
their intricate weaves and the obvious good amount of labor that went with them. In food
processing industry, root crop-based products such as arrowroot and processed fish such as
bagoong and patis have also been promoted.

Romblon

Romblon is composed of three major and seventeen small islands situated in the center of the
Philippine archipelago. The total land area of the province is approximately 135, 590 hectares
representing three percent of the total land area of the Southern Tagalog Region. Romblon is
famous around the world for its marble being one of the finest. But the province is not all about
marble. Now, more people are discovering the quality of other products.

Palawan

Palawan is an archipelago of 1,768 islands located in the western part of the Philippines, with
Puerto Princesa City as its capital. Dubbed as the Philippines’ last ecological frontier, Palawan
harbors vast track of tropical rainforests and a huge expanse of marine wilderness. It is also
proclaimed as Fish and Wildlife Sanctuary and Habitat of 232 endemic species and named as
World Heritage Site for its highly diverse collection of fishes and other marine life by the United
Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The province has 176 fishing grounds, which supply 65% of Metro Manila’s fish consumption.
Existing products where Palawan is known for are fresh and dried fish, “lamayo”, fish fillet,
smoked fish, tuna cuts, spicy dilis, tuna sausage, tuna spring rolls, and delectable fish cuisine
which are served in hotels/restaurants. Other marine products produced and exported are live
grouper and seaweeds with an approximate production of 260,606 MT 9fresh). Cashew is one of
the important crops locally processed into delicacies such as roasted, fried/salted, brittle, “bandi”,
pulvoron, barqueron, cashew wine, cashew prunes and other delicacies with roasted whole nuts
as the major product. Raw cashew nuts are also shipped out to India, Pampanga, Manila, and
Antipolo cashew processors.

PROFILE OF REGION 5
 

Geographically, Bicol Region is located in the southernmost tip of Luzon, which lies at 123 to
126 degrees longitude and 12 to 14 degrees latitude or generally at the mid-section of the
country. It has a total land area of 17,362 square kilometers representing 5.67% share of the
Philippines in terms of land area.

The region is the gateway of Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao and is within the international
seas, hence, the gateway to the Pacific. Located in the heart of the industrialized countries, the
place would serve as a jumping board for market and business in the Pacific Rim, Europe, and
the United States.
 
Bicol is accessible by land from Manila and the rest of Luzon thru the Maharlika and Quirino
Highways. From the Visayas and Mindanao islands, it can be reached via the Matnog ferry
terminal. Manila is about 10 hours away from Legaspi City. It is serviced by major bus lines
traversing the Manila-Bicol route.
 
Bicol Region is composed of four contiguous provinces: Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines
Norte, and Sorsogon; two island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate; and seven cities
namely, Legazpi, Naga, Iriga, Tabaco, Ligao, Sorsogon, and Masbate.

PROFILE OF REGION 6

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Region VI or Western Visayas is composed of the four provinces of Panay, the

Guimaras Island and the western portion of the island of Negros and its outlying islands. Its
boundaries are the Visayan Sea on the east, the Cuyo East Pass on the west, the Sibuyan Sea and
Romblon on the north and the Cagayan Islandon the southwest. Western Visayas has a total land
area of 20,223.2 sq. kms. and covers six provinces: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros
Occidental and Guimaras. The region has sixteen cities namely: Bacolod, Bago, Cadiz,
Escalante, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, Passi, La Carlota, Roxas, Sagay, San Carlos, Silay Sipalay,
Talisay, Victorias with Iloilo City as the regional capital.Its topography is characterized by
relatively wide stretches of coastal lowlands with rugged hills and mountains in the interior.

POPULATION                                                                                                                     

With the Population Growth Rate (PGR) of 1.2, Western Visayas population is estimated to
increase from 7,536,383 million in 2015 to 7,911,806 by the end of December 31, 2019, based
on projections made by the Commission on Population-Region VI (POPCOM-Region VI) using
the 2015 Census of Population of the Philippine Statistics Authority
(PSA)Source: http://rpo6.popcom.gov.ph/index.php/21-popdev/123-pr-2019-03

CULTURAL GROUPS

The region’s ethnolinguistic people are called Panay-Hiligaynons (Ilonggos, Aklanons,

Capiceños, Antiqueños, and Negrenses).

CLIMATE

The province has no pronounced climate. It has a short dry season and is relatively wet the rest
of the year.

LAND USE

Region VI is an agricultural region with an area of around 1.05 M hectares or 52% of the total
land area. 35.4% of this is riceland. The region also produces sugar, coconut, banana, fruits, root
crops and vegetables.It is one of the top food producers in the country. It is the largest producer
of sugar, 63% of the total sugar produced in 1996. In 1996, it was the third largest rice producer
among the regions, third-ranking marine fish producer, and fourth largest aquaculture supplier.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Western Visayas is one of the richest regions in the country in terms of natural resources. Its
forests however have been denuded due to indiscriminate logging. Its waters abound with
numerous species of fish and other marine products. Mineral resources include copper, gold,
silver, clay, limestone, coal, sand and gravel and other non-metallic.It is a key fisheries
development area, with its 84 coastal municipalities, eight major fishing grounds, inland bodies
of water and 43,050 hectares of fishponds.

INDUSTRIES

The major economic activities of the region are farming, sugar, rice and corn milling, fishing,
mining and trading. Forward and backward integration in production, processing or marketing
are good areas for investment. Other important industries include livestock and poultry raising
and cottage industries such as rattan craft, food preservation, ceramics and confectionery
manufacturing. The region has a competitive advantage in the production of seaweeds, mangoes,
pineapple, banana and cashew.

Outside of Luzon, the region is one of the biggest contributors to the national economic output.
Its average regional share in the GDP from 2010-2015 is 4 percent and contribution to GDP
growth is 2 percent. GRDP growth fell from 7.7 percent in 2011- 2012 to only 4.1 percent in
2012-2013. It managed to bounce back with 5.2 percent growth in 2013-2014 and an impressive
8.3 percent in 2014-2015, making Western Visayas the second best-performing region in the
country for that year. The impressive overall economic performance of the region in recent years
was largely contributed by the industry and services sectors.

URBAN CENTERS

The major trading and commercial centers of Western Visayas are the cities of Bacolod, Bago,
Cadiz, La Carlota, San Carlos and Silay in Negros Occidental; Iloilo City in Iloilo; Roxas City in
Capiz; San Jose in Antique and Kalibo in Aklan.Metropolitan Iloilo, composed of Iloilo city and
the municipalities of Oton, San Miguel, Pavia and Leganes, is planned to be the center for
residential, commercial, financial and industrial activities for the region. 

FACILITIES
The road network of Panay is almost 2,000 kilometers. Iloilo has the longest stretch of paved
roads. The region has several seaports and airports for both water and air travel. Telephone,
postal and telegraphic services are available. Electricity and water supply are accessible to the
population.
 PROFILE OF REGION 7
 
Central Visayas is composed of CEBU, BOHOL, NEGROS ORIENTAL, and SIQUIJOR.
Central Visayas is the second smallest region in the Philippines with a total land area of 14,923
square kilometers. This constitutes about 5 percent of the country’s land area.
The Central Visayas Region (Region 7) lies at the center of the Philippine archipelago between
the major islands of Luzon and Mindanao. It is bounded on the north by the Visayan Sea; on the
east by the Camotes Sea; on the south by the Mindanao Sea; and on the west by the province of
Negros Occidental. Borders in the regions are based on political boundaries.
Central Visayas is one of the eight anchor tourist destinations in the country and one of the
supra-regions in the Visayas which strength is tourism
Region 7 is among the most developed and the fourth largest regional economy in the country.
Central Visayas hosts many industries, including footwear, ICT & IT enabled services,
electronics, wearables, food processing, marine, houseware and furniture, among others.
According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Central Visayas ranked 4th in
terms of regional share to the country’s GDP in 2018. CV’s GRDP growth rate of 7.6% in 2018
was higher than the national growth rate of 6.2%.
Central Visayas’ economy in 2018 accelerated to 7.6 percent, from the 5.2 percent growth in
2017. This was driven by the acceleration in Services and Industry.
Services accelerated to 7.0 percent in 2018, from the growth of 6.5 percent recorded in the
previous year. The top contributor to this accelerated growth was Other Services, which grew by
9.0 percent as compared with the 6.6 percent in 2017. Other sub-industries also grew and
contributed to the growth of Services: Trade, 5.6 percent from 5.1 percent; Real Estate, Renting
and Business Activities, 5.3 percent from 7.9 percent; Financial Intermediation, 7.0 percent from
7.8 percent; and Transport, Storage and Communication, 5.9 percent from 5.2 percent.
Industry also accelerated to 9.5 percent in 2018. The drivers of this accelerated growth were
Manufacturing and Construction, which grew by 8.3 percent and 14.2 percent, respectively.
Services sustained its largest share on the region’s economy accounting for 56.0 percent in 2018.
Industry followed with a share of 38.8 percent.

PROVINCIAL PROFILE

CEBU
Cebu is the center of economic activities in the Visayas and Mindanao areas. It is also the second
largest central urban economic center in the country. Cebu is base to over 80% of inter-island
shipping capacity in the Philippines. Cebu offers a wide range of world class amenities, such as
luxury hotels, beach resorts, first class restaurants and golf courses. The latest in sports and
recreational facilities are also available in the province.
Cebu island’s unique topography that includes a mountain range running north to south, rising to
3,400 feet at its peak and tapering down on both ends, gives tourists easy access to the mountain
as well as the sea and provides a variety of nature sites like rivers, waterfalls, springs, and caves.

BOHOL

Neighboring Cebu is Bohol, the closest province and the 10th largest island in the country. Bohol
is taking-off to become the region’s prime eco-cultural tourist destination and agro-industrial
center. Investment areas in the identified Special Economic Zone are focused on eco-tourism,
light industries and agro-industrial development.
The province of Bohol is a first-class province divided into 3 congressional districts, comprising
1 component city and 47 municipalities. It has 1,109 barangays.
The city of Tagbilaran is the main business capital and center of governance of the province of
Bohol aside from being the center of education and transportation.

NEGROS ORIENTAL

In the past few years, Negros Oriental attracted its share of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
companies. Foreign investors interest in smaller, less congested cities in the country have
resulted in the rapid development of BPO Centers in Dumaguete and Tanjay, among others.
Companies got to do business for much less cost, while the communities got to benefit from the
influx of jobs and investments.
Negros Oriental has a land area of 5,385.53 square kilometers or 2,079.36 square miles. The
terrain of Negros Oriental consists of rolling hills, a few plateaus, and mountain ranges.
The province is subdivided into 20 municipalities and 5 cities, which are further subdivided into
557 barangays.
Dumaguete City is the provincial capital and seat of government. It is also the most populous
city, despite having the smallest land area.
SIQUIJOR

In the province of Siquijor, trade development is distinctly dominated by small and micro-
traders, Trading constitutes the backbone of its commercial activities.
Siquijor is a coastal municipality in the island province of Siquijor. It serves as the provincial
capital.
The municipality has a land area of 90.70 square kilometers or 35.02 square miles which
constitutes 26.87% of Siquijor’s total area. Siquijor has 42 barangays.

PROFILE OF REGION 8

Eastern Visayas (Filipino: Silangang Kabisayaan, Waray-Waray: Sinirangan Bisayas) is one of

the 17 regions of the Philippines, designated as Region VIII. It is composed of three main
islands, Leyte and Samar, connected by the San Juanico Bridge, and Biliran Island. It consists of
six provinces, one independent city and one highly urbanized city namely, Biliran, Eastern
Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, Ormoc City and Tacloban. The Highly
Urbanized City of Tacloban is Eastern Visayas Regional Center (EVRC). These provinces and
cities occupy the easternmost islands of Visayas group of islands. It is one of only two regions
having no land border with another region, MIMAROPA being the other.

Eastern Visayas directly faces the Pacific Ocean. The land area of the region is 2,156,285
hectares. As of 2010, it has a population of 4,101,322 people.

Geography

Eastern Visayas lies on the east central section of the Philippine archipelago. It comprises two
main islands, Leyte and Samar, which form the easternmost coast of the archipelago. It is
bounded on the east and north by the Philippine Sea with the San Bernardino Strait separating
Samar Island from southeastern Luzon; on the west by the Camotes and Visayan seas, and on the
south by the Bohol Sea with the Surigao Strait separating Leyte Island from northwestern
Mindanao. It has a total land area of 2,156,285 hectares (5,328,300 acres) or 7.2% of the
country’s total land area.[4] 52% of its total land area are classified as forestland and 48% as
alienable and disposable land.

Climate
There are two types of climate prevailing in the region under the Corona system of classification:
Type II and Type IV. Type II climate is characterized by having no dry season but a pronounced
maximum rainfall from November to January. Samar Island and the eastern part of Leyte Island
fall under this type of climate. Type IV on the other hand has an even distribution of rainfall the
year round and a short period of dry season that can be observed starting February up to May.
This type of climate is well exhibited at the western half of Leyte Island and some portion of
Samar which covers the municipality of Motiong up to San Isidro of Northern Samar.

In November 2013, the region was hit with the highest death toll in the country by Typhoon
Haiyan, the second deadliest typhoon ever to hit the Philippines.

Natural resources

The region’s sea and inland waters are rich sources of salt and fresh water fish and other marine
products. It is one of the fish exporting regions of the country. There are substantial forest
reserves in the interiors of the islands. Its mineral deposits include chromite, uranium (in Samar),
gold, silver, manganese, magnesium, bronze, nickel, clay, coal, limestone, pyrite and sand and
gravel. It has abundant geothermal energy and water resources to support the needs of medium
and heavy industries.

PROFILE OF REGION 9

Location

Region 9, also known as the Zamboanga Peninsula Region lies at the Southernmost portion of
the Philippine archipelago. Located at the western tip of the island of Mindanao, Zamboanga
Peninsula is strategically situated in close proximity to Sabah, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and
Indonesia. Thus, its appellation as the Philippines’ gateway to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-
Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA.

Composition and Land Area

Region 9 occupies a land area of 17,046.64 sq. km and is composed of three provinces –
Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Sur; and five cities – Dapitan,
Dipolog, Pagadian, Zamboanga, and Isabela.  It has 8 congressional districts and 67
municipalities.

Zamboanga City is the industrial and commercial center of the region while Pagadian City is
now the acknowledged regional center following the transfer of most government regional
offices there from Zamboanga City. The region prides itself as one of the centers of trade and
commerce in Mindanao.

Demography

Region 9’s population as of 2010 stood at 3,407,353 with an average annual population growth
rate of 1.87%. Zamboanga del Sur has the largest population with 959, 685 persons, followed by
Zamboanga del Norte with 957,997 persons, Zamboanga City with 807,129, Zamboanga
Sibugay with 584,685, and City of Isabela with 97,857.

Region 9 has a relatively young population, the bulk of whom are 15 years old and below. Men
also slightly outnumber women.

About a third of the region’s population is composed of ethnic people. These groups, usually
erroneously classified under the general heading of “Muslims”, are actually culturally distinct
from each other. They are generally divided into the Tausugs, Yakans, Badjaos, Samals, and the
Subanens of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

The first settlers of Zamboanga Peninsula are the Subanens (People of the River), occupying it
long before the arrival of the Spaniards.

Filipino, English and Chinese are the predominant languages spoken in the region. Visayan-
Cebuano, spoken by about two-thirds of the population is the predominant dialect. Chavacano on
the other hand is the main dialect spoken in the City of Zamboanga.

Roman Catholicism is the major religion practiced in the region. The other major religions are
Islam, and Born-Again Christianity.

Climate and Topography 

The region’s topography is relatively rugged. Roughly 51% of its area are hilly; some having
steeped slopes and within the elevation range of 100 to more than 1,000 meters above sea level.
In terms of land classification, about 51 per cent is considered alienable and disposable and the
remaining 49 per cent is classified as forest land. Almost 60,000 hectares of land that can be
developed for planting crops still remain idle, while around 310,000 hectares of coconut land can
be utilized for multi-cropping and pasture purposes.

The region’s climate is generally classified as type 3 and 4. It has no pronounced rainy seasons,
but has relatively dry season from December to May. There is a relatively uniform rainfall
distribution throughout the year. The annual average rainfall is 2,372 millimeters which is highly
suitable for agricultural production.

Economy

Zamboanga Peninsula’s economy is basically rooted in agriculture with farming and fishing as
the main economic activities of families.

As measured by the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), the region’s economy in 2008
stood at PhP 35.806 billion (at constant 1985 prices), growing at an average of 2.2% for the
period 2007-2008.

By industrial origin, the Agriculture/Fishery/Forestry Sector contributes about 50% of the

GRDP, followed by the Services Sector at 35%.  The Industry Sector meanwhile, contributes the
remaining 15% of the regional economy.

The industry sector of region 9 is characterized by a proliferation of micro, small and medium-
scale companies. Most manufacturing activities are based in the cities of Zamboanga, Dipolog,
and Pagadian.

Resources

The region has vast forest resources.  Logs, lumber, veneer and plywood are once among its
major export products. It is also richly endowed with mineral deposits both metallic and non-
metallic. Metallic reserves include gold, silver, copper, chromite, iron, lead, and manganese ore.
The non-metallic minerals consist of coal, clay, asbestos, limestone, quartz, silica, phosphate
rock and marble.

Comparative Advantages 

Situated outside the typhoon belt and surrounded by five of the Philippines’ richest fishing
grounds, the region enjoys several distinct advantages:

It is the no. 1 commercial marine fish producing region in the country, contributing 16.48% of
the national fish production and 37% of Mindanao’s total production (BAS 2004 data). The
whole industry employs approximately 35,000 workers not counting those employed in the allied
industries such as shipping, stevedoring, cold storage, etc. It has also extensive areas developed
as aqua farms for brackish water and freshwater fishes.

It supplies 70% of the Philippine domestic requirements for dried fish. There are to date a total of
104 big dried fish processors in the region.

It supplies 75% of the country’s total domestic requirements for canned sardines. Hence, its
appellation as the Sardines Capital of the Philippines. To date, there are eight major canning
factories based in Zamboanga City.

Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte, meanwhile, is renowned for pioneering the production of
in-glass or bottled sardines in the country. With concerted support from DTI, DOST, DOLE,
TESDA and other government agencies, this budding industry has rapidly grown over the years
and is now making inroads into the export market. As of last count, there are now 34 bottled
sardines’ processors based in the region.

Region 9 ranks third in terms of seaweeds production contributing roughly 12% of the total
national output. It produces and exports dried seaweeds and semi-refined and refined carageenan.
Carageenan, derived from seaweeds is a major ingredient in the cosmetics and food processing
industries.

Coconut is one other crop extensively grown in the region. Coco-based products such as coco-
oil, pellets and others remain the region’s biggest traditional export. It is also a major producer of
VCO and edible oil for the domestic market. In 2006, 363,530 hectares of coconut farms
produced 1,723,659 metric tons of harvest.

Zamboanga Peninsula is Mindanao’s second biggest producer of mango next to Southern

Mindanao. In 2006, 16,091 hectares were planted to mango in the region producing 53,932
metric tons of harvest.

Its huge deposits of precious minerals include gold, silver, copper, chromite, iron, lead,
manganese, coal, clay, asbestos, limestone, quartz, silica, phosphate rock and marble.

It is home to ZAMBOECOZONE, the only economic zone and freeport in all Visayas and
Mindanao. On top of generous incentives granted to investors and locators, ZAMBOECOZONE
also guarantees free flow, entry and movement of machineries and other good tax free within its
jurisdiction.

It has state of the art banking and communications facilities; modern educational and healthcare
services; world class hotel and convention centers; abundant water; and stable power supply.
Nature also endowed it with so much natural attractions such as white sand beaches, spectacular
waterfalls, dive spots, caves for spelunking, marine sanctuaries and awesome coral formations,
among others.

Above all, much of Zamboanga Peninsula’s strength lies on its people – hospitable, warm and
proud of their rich cultural heritage. Its workforce – highly educated, skilled and multi-lingual.

PROVINCIAL PROFILE

Isabela City

Isabela City in the province of Basilan was named after a former Queen of Spain. Once the
premier municipality of Basilan, her status changed on March 5, 2001 when Republic Act No.
9023 “An Act Converting the Municipality of Isabela, Province of Basilan into a component city
to be known as the City of Isabela” was signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. On April
25, 2001 Isabeleños ratified the new status of Isabela.

Sailing into the channel that leads to Isabela gives the visitor the first glimpse of the beauty of
the city. Mangrove areas giving way to houses on stilts on the waters itself, the sight of an old
mosque at Kaun Purna, sailboats in the distance silhouetted against the morning or afternoon sun
– all combine to give a preview of what is come.

Isabela’s Malamawi Island is truly spectacular for its beach, sunsets, and the wild ducks that give
the place a special flavor of its own. Sumagdang Beach on the mainland has its own charms. And
the rubber plantations with row upon row of trees providing a canopy of green over the land are a
pleasure to behold.

The wealth of the sea can be seen at the Isabela public market were. Exotic species of food fish
can be had at the fraction of the process they command in some other places. Isabela is an island
city worth visiting, along with Yakan natives whose woven cloth has made a name in the world.

Zamboanga City

City of Flowers, Asia’s Latin City, Preciosa Perlita Orgullo de Mindanao, these are Zamboanga
of the many names in legend and song. Beaches, mountains, gardens, culture, people – all are
part of Zamboanga’s beautiful face to the world. Named by early Malay settlers as Jambangan
for the flowers that bloomed in profusion, Zamboanga’s history is rich and the envy of many. As
early as the 13th and 14th centuries, she was already a known trading center for the Malay,
Chinese and natives.
Spain came to her shores in 1593 and on June 24 1635, the most enduring landmark of Spanish
heritage was built –Fort Pilar. Today, it still stands as a shrine to the Lady of the Pilar. The
largest and most exuberant fiesta of the city centers on the Lady – October 12, Fiesta Pilar –
around which the annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival revolves. The legacy of Spain is also the
city’s unique language – Chavacano – a Spanish patois that is kept vibrant by locals today.

From 1903 to 1913 of the American eras, Zamboanga was the center of the whole of Mindanao,
capital of the Moro province. As such, it was once the largest city in the world.

Zamboanga today continues to be the center of trade, commerce, transportation, communication,

education, technology, tourism, and religion in the Zamboanga peninsula. She is simply living up
to tradition. As alluring as ever, Zamboanga City shines out … as she has always done

Zamboanga del Norte

Zamboanga del Norte shared Zamboanga del Sur’s birth but ever before the province existed
separately; its Shrine City of Dapitan was already renowned as the home of the country’s most
famous exile, national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal just before his martyrdom. Today, Dapitan retains
much of the old-world ambiance and charm, succeeding in retaining the delicate balance the
progress of the times and the heritage of a city with a special niche in Philippine history. Its
rustic character blooming with the reminders of an age long gone makes it a must for every
visitor. Dapitan also hosts a world-class and the region’s leading resort – Dakak Beach Resort.

Dipolog City, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte, and known as the Orchid City has a charm all
its own, tracing roots from a Spanish settlement in 1634. While it is the urban and commercial
center of Zamboanga del Norte, it has also managed to preserve the air of a countryside village
that endears it too many seeking the conveniences of modern life with the ease and peace of
countryside living.

Zamboanga del Norte also abounds with natural beauty – lush forest parks and falls, scenic
beaches and coves plus historical landmarks that take the visitor on many nostalgic trips to the
past.

Zamboanga del Sur

Zamboanga del Sur came into her came into her own on June 6, 1952, becoming a separate
province carved out of Zamboanga City along with sister province Zamboanga del Norte.

Once the Zamboanga Peninsula’s largest and most populous province, she in turn gave way in
2001 when her southern end become the new province of Zamboanga Sibugay.
With Pagadian City as her capital and now the regional government center of the peninsula,
Zamboanga del Sur’s beauty and bounty are undeniable. The four bays of Sibuguey,
Dumanguilas, Maligay, and Pagadian are perfect foils to the coastal plains and verdant mountain
hinterlands of the province.

Numerous waterfalls dot the provincial landscape and lakes such as Lakewood and Dasay
provide oasis experiences. Add to them caves, beaches, and scenic mountains that make for a
hard-to-beat nature package. Get a preview by standing at high point in Pagadian City and take
in the sweeping vista down to where the wharf is. It is easy to see why Pagadian is called the
Little Hongkong of the South.

Add in the native color and mystery of the Subanens, the dominant tribe in the province. The
attraction of Zamboanga del Sur is undeniable indeed.

Zamboanga Sibugay

Zamboanga Sibugay is the peninsula’s newest province. There had been many attempts to carve
up the large province of Zamboanga del Sur as far back as the ‘60s.

In 1993, businessman turned politician Jose Cabaral Tiu, started the Zamboanga Occidental
Movement. This created a wave of political consciousness in the then 3rd District of Zamboanga
del Sur that swelled until the momentum for a separate province become inexorable.

During the May 1997 barangay elections, a People’s Initiative on the issue of a separate province
was conducted. The result was an overwhelming majority of voters coming out in favor of the
new province.

The process for Zamboanga Sibugay’s birth began with House Bill No. 1311 authored by
Congressman George T. Hofer, which was approved in November 2000, and culminated with the
issuance and signing into law of Republic Act 8973 by the President Joseph E. Estrada. In
February 2001, the province of Zamboanga Sibugay came into existence with Ipil leading 15
other towns in composing the Zamboanga Peninsula’s newest province. Zamboanga Sibugay is
beautiful. One only has to see sites such as Looc Labuan Beach in Tungawan, Litayon Island,
Baluran Falls in Imelda, the Moalboal Caves, and the intriquing sea snakes in Olutanga among
others to realize that it is a gem of a province.

PROFILE OF REGION 10

 
Strategically located in the southern part of the Philippines’ resource-rich island of Mindanao,
Northern Mindanao or Region 10 is a highly-diversified region that enjoys quality living and
sustained economic growth. It is home to the Phividec Industrial Estate, the country’s largest
industrial estate that hosts light to medium industries. The region is also a site to big multi-
national corporations which existed for decades.

Northern Mindanao Quick stats

INDICATORS DATA REFERENCE

 Region 10 Total Population 4,689,302 August 2015
  Land Area 20,186 sq km 2010
  Average Annual Family Income P221,000 2015
  Average Annual Family Expenditure P161,000 2015
  Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold (in Php) P22,345 2015
  Poverty Incidence (among Families) 30.3% 2015
  Poverty Incidence (among Population) 36.6% 2015
  GRDP (in thousand pesos; at Constant 2000 Prices) P283,238,432 2015
  GRDP Growth Rate 5.5% 2014-2015
  Consumer Price Index (2006=100) 156.8 Dec. 2016
  Inflation Rate 2.4% Dec. 2016
  Purchasing Power of Peso 0.64 Dec. 2016
  Labor Force Participation Rate 67.2% Oct. 2016
  Employment Rate 95.9% Oct. 2016
  Unemployment Rate 4.1% Oct. 2016
  Underemployment Rate 26.9% Oct. 2016

It is an ideal business location. The international seaport and container terminals, serving the
region and the rest of Mindanao, are considered the most efficient outside Metro Manila.
Electricity is reliable and relatively cheap; water is abundant and telecommunications are
modern. There is a large pool of skilled, English-speaking and highly-trainable workforce. In
summary, the region prides the following advantages:

 Presence of power generation service

 Vast agricultural lands and rich natural resources

 Strategic location

 Huge potential for industrial development

  Peace-loving people, and skilled and literate workforce

Provincial Trade and Industry Profiles

Northern Mindanao has five provinces, namely, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental,
Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte and Camiguin. It comprises two (2) highly-urbanized cities, seven
(7) constituent cities, 84 municipalities and 2,022 barangays.

PROVINCIAL PROFILE

Misamis Oriental

Among the five provinces under Northern Mindanao is Misamis Oriental. Based on Philippine
Statistics Authority’s records in 2015, Misamis Oriental already has a population of 889
thousand, excluding the population of Cagayan de Oro. The highly-urbanized city of Cagayan de
Oro alone has a population of 602 thousand.

Misamis Oriental’s strategic location allows it to qualify as a centre of industry, trade and
commerce in the region. To date, there are already 37 major industrial and manufacturing firms
that are based in Misamis Oriental.

Misamis Occidental

Rich in aquamarine and agricultural products, Misamis Occidental is seen to get more economic
opportunities in the future. The province is also open to eco-tourism investments since its
location is efficient to most ports in Northern Mindanao and since it also has a wide range of
pristine natural grandeur.

The province boasts off its long coastline where one of the country’s shrimp spawning grounds is
located. Aside from shrimps, Misamis Occidental also offers other aquamarine resources such as
shellfishes, prawns and crabs which will eventually pave its way to become the aquamarine
centre of the Philippines.

Camiguin

Camiguin – also known as the “Paradise Island” of Mindanao – boasts off its scenic sea and
mountain views, natural hot and cold springs and white beaches.  Camiguin is located 90
kilometres north of Cagayan de Oro. Anyone coming from Cagayan de Oro can take a 45-minute
boat ride through the Benoni Port to reach the province of Camiguin. The province has a
population of around 88 thousand and has a land area of 292 square kilometre.

Bukidnon

Bukidnon, the province which sits at the heart of Mindanao, gets a taste of every benefit each
province in region 10 enjoys. The province has a good road system that is very accessible for
those who are travelling by land through Cagayan de Oro and through other entry points in
Mindanao. It is also located in an area where the climate is very ideal for foreign and local
dwellers. Bukidnon’s vast land of pineapple and other produce allows it to perform remarkably
in the agri-business industry. In fact, two of the country’s biggest pineapple companies – Del
Monte Philippines and Dole Philippines – have been operating in the province for years.
Meanwhile, several adventure and eco-tourism parks have also added to the province’s
popularity, making it one of the top go-to places for tourists visiting the Philippines.

Lanao del Norte

The province of Lanao del Norte vaunts its 153,738 hectares of developed agricultural land, a
rich coastline for aquamarine produce, and some private fishing grounds. Coming along the
launching of the Cagayan-Iligan Industrial Corridor is the support from downstream and major
industrial plants. The province also has a lot of potentials in the agri-business sector and can
push through its global aim to become one of the top agro industries in the province.

PROFILE OF REGION 11

Davao Region, your business and leisure destination

If you are looking for a place where you can pour in your resources, or simply to enjoy a
worthwhile vacation, Davao Region is definitely a must-visit destination.
The place-to-be, which is also known as Region XI, occupies 6.6% of the Philippines’s total land
area, or 20% of Mindanao’s, making it capable of offering several business and investment
opportunities while providing you a perfect haven for your leisure needs.  

The region’s 19,671.8 square kilometers land area is blessed with vast natural resources, reliable
facilities, a conducive business environment, and home to highly competitive human resources.

Its expanded infrastructure and telecommunication capabilities have strengthened further its
position as the Philippines’s gateway to the East ASEAN Growth Area and as Mindanao’s
transshipment hub, favorite convention site in the island-region and a fast-growing ICT hub in
the country.

PROFILE OF REGION 12

Region 12 or SOCCSKSARGEN Region is located in South Central Mindanao. It is composed

of 4 provinces namely: SOUTH COTABATO, COTABATO, SULTAN KUDARAT and
SARANGANI as well as 5 cities namely: GENERAL SANTOS, COTABATO, KORONADAL,
TACURONG AND KIDAPAWAN.
 
General Santos and Cotabato are chartered cities whereas Koronadal, Tacurong and Kidapawan
are component cities. South Cotabato has 11 municipalities and 1 component city. Cotabato has
17 municipalities and 1 component city. Sultan Kudarat has 12 municipalities and 1 component
city.
 
Region 12 has a total of 45 municipalities and 1,192 barangays. It has 7 congressional seats, 4
gubernatorial and 4 vice-gubernatorial seats, 40 provincial board membership, 50 mayoral and
vice-mayoral seats, 415 city/municipal councillorships and 1,192 seats for barangay captainship.
(COMELEC WEBSITE)

DEMOGRAPHICS:

LOCATION & COMPOSITION

Region 12 or SOCCSKSARGEN Region is located in South Central Mindanao. It is composed
of 4 provinces namely: SOUTH COTABATO, COTABATO, SULTAN KUDARAT and
SARANGANI as well as 5 cities namely: GENERAL SANTOS, COTABATO, KORONADAL,
TACURONG AND KIDAPAWAN.
General Santos and Cotabato are chartered cities whereas Koronadal, Tacurong and Kidapawan
are component cities. South Cotabato has 11 municipalities and 1 component city. Cotabato has
17 municipalities and 1 component city. Sultan Kudarat has 12 municipalities and 1 component
city.
LAND AREA and CLASSIFICATION LAND AREA
Based on the NSCB's "2012 Regional Social and Economic Trends SOCCSKSARGEN Region",
Region 12 has a total land area of 22,436.51 square kilometers (sq.km) which is approximately
23.61% of Mindanao’s land area (95,000 sq.km). Sultan Kudarat has 5298.34 sq.km or 23.61%
of the region's total land area, (North) Cotabato has 9008.90 sq. km or 40.15% of the region's
total land area, South Cotabato has 3935.95 square kilometers or 17.54% and Sarangani at
3524.46 or 15.70% of the region's total land area.

Economic Profile
The Economic Profile of Region 12 is categorized into four levels: One is the regional level
which tells us about the socio-economic situation of SOCCSKSARGEN as a region. Second is
the provincial level which will help us see the socio-economic situation of the four provinces of
SOCCSKSARGEN. Third is the city level and fourth is the municipal level which will help us
take a bird’s eye view of Region 12’s cities and municipalities respectively.

PROFILE OF CARAGA

Caraga is an administrative region of the Philippines, on the northeastern portion of the island of
Mindanao, designated as Region XIII. The Caraga Region was created through Republic Act No.
7901 on February 23, 1995. The region is composed of five provinces: Agusan del Norte,
Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands; six cities: Butuan City,
Cabadbaran, Surigao, Tandag, Bislig and Bayugan; 67 municipalities and 1,311 barangays.
Butuan City is the regional administrative center.

From 2001 to 2003, Caraga Region consistently maintained its performance vis-à-vis other
regions in Mindanao. Caraga posted a 0.9% growth rate compared to the 9.5% growth rate of
Region 12 and the 2.6% growth rate of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Caraga’s growth rate in 2001-2002 and the 2002-2003 period was the same (0.9%). This was
much less than the growth of the population. This performance was better however than the
region’s performance in the 2000-2001 period, where the region’s economy declined by 1.4%.
The region’s contribution to Mindanao’s domestic product is 7.58% in 2003. Caraga has the
second lowest per capital income among Mindanao regions and nationwide. In 2003, the region
accounted for 1.35% of the country’s GNP.

SWOT ANALYSIS

National Capital Region

Strengths
Has International airports, and is considered the primary gateway
Has the greatest number of tourist facilities and services in the country
Weaknesses
Has a severe traffic problem
Opportunities
Modern infrastructure is being built to address the traffic problem
Threats
High level of pollution.
Poor sanitation which may cause highly infectious diseases.
High crime rate.

Region 1 – Ilocos region

Strengths
Has numerous cultural and historical attractions.
Generally, good roads that provide easy access to major cities and destinations
Weaknesses
Located a great distance from NCR
Opportunities
Pagudpud – Bangui area in Ilocos norte is being developed.
All the component provinces are part of North Quad Growth area
Threats
Earthquake prone.
High level of salt intrusion in many parts of coastal zone