Chapter III.pdf - NEDA-RDC VI

Chapter III
Increased Job Creation Through Economic Growth
A. DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
There are many factors relevant to the strategic theme of job
creation. Some of them exhibit negative effects that they should aptly
be treated as challenges. These factors include costly inputs in agriindustries
and fisheries, poor/inadequate infra, hampered performance
of agrarian reform program, inadequate tourism promotion and
institutional support, low investment level, underutilized research and
technology and inadequate employment opportunities.
There are also factors that define positive relationship with the
strategic theme and such factors should be looked at as opportunities.
These include the rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, presence
of export winner industries, products and services, rich natural
resources, major producer of rice, fish and sugar, and skilled and
trainable human resources.
The interrelationships of these factors led to the identification of
the major outcome for the theme of job creation which is inadequate
employment opportunities especially in the rural areas.
The Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the National Statistics Office,
showed that in Region VI, the labor force totaled 2.7 million in 2001, 2.8
million in 2002 and 2.9 million in 2003, representing 66.4 percent, 67.7
percent and 67.7 percent, respectively, of the total population 15 years
old and above in these years. Employed persons, on the other hand,
increased from 2.3 million in 2001, to 2.5 million in 2002 and 2.6 million
in 2003.
While the employment situation in the region improved
considerably from 2001-2003, the situation is still regarded as
inadequate. There are more underemployed persons (469,000 in 2001
and 534,000 in 2002) than those who are unemployed (305,000 in 2001
and 283,000 in 2002). Underemployed persons are those who work less
than 40 hours a week and still looking for additional work. This suggests
that the region was not only able to generate enough jobs but also
failed to generate jobs requiring full time work.

Table 1
Labor Force and Employment
Region VI, 2001 – 2003
(‘000)
Indicator 2001 2002
Percent
change
2001-2002
2003*
Percent
change
2002-2003
Population (15 years old
and above)
4,056 4,167 2.7 4,263 2.3
Labor Force 2,694 2,821 4.7 2,888 2.4
Labor Force Participation
Rate (%)
66.4 67.7 - 67.7 -
Urban 1,017 1,094 7.6 - -
Rural 1,676 1,727 3.0 - -
Employed 2,388 2,538 6.3 2,596 2.3
Urban 876 971 10.8 - -
Rural 1,512 1,567 3.6 - -
Unemployed 305 283 (7.2) 293 3.5
Urban 141 123 (12.7) - -
Rural 164 160 (2.4) - -
Underemployed 469 534 13.8 - -
Source: National Statistics Office – Labor Force Survey
*No rural / urban disagregation starting in 2003
Employment opportunities are contributed by the services sector,
industry sector and agriculture sector. Among the services sub-sector,
hotels and restaurants posted the largest number of employed persons.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region VI,
reported that the number of establishments that retrenched their
workers increased from 109 in 2001 to 122 in 2002 and 188 in 2003.
The number of employees affected increased from 2,167 to 2,973 in
2001 and 2002 respectively, and decreased slightly to 2,633 in 2003.
In terms of the number of establishments that closed shop due to
economic reasons, the number rose from 165 to 239 (2001-2003).
In the rural areas, especially in agricultural communities,
employment opportunities are very limited due to the seasonality of
agricultural crop production. It is probable that there is comparable
underemployment among agricultural labor force for several months of
the year. However, it is difficult to record the extent of
underemployment in the rural areas.

During off-season, most of the farmers are self-employed with
economic activities limited to swine raising, poultry, vegetable
gardening and/or alternative crop production. Non-agriculture offseason
activities include pedicab operation, carpentry and others.
Retail stores/food peddling are some of the more popular off-season
livelihood activities of women in the rural areas.
The private sector investments are lesser in the rural areas since
these tend to locate more in the urban areas, where critical
infrastructure facilities such as communication, power, and water
supply are available.
The decreasing trend in investments for capital-intensive
businesses/establishments as reflected in the 2001-2003 Business
Name Registration (BNR) and the slow growth of the tourism industry,
among others, are the contributory factors to the inadequacy of
employment opportunities in the region.
Development Challenges
1. Costly Inputs in Agri-Industries and Fisheries
The major outcome (inadequate employment
opportunities) was attributed to the identified key factors or
drivers which include costly inputs in agri-industries and
fisheries. The high production cost in agri-industries and fisheries
is a result of an inter related web of socio-economic factors. On
the economic side, the natural push of inflation estimated at an
average 4.3 percent (2003 to mid-2004) for the country and
about 2.4 percent for the region certainly contributed to the
spiraling prices of requisite inputs.
In addition, data from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority
(FPA) for the period 2000-2003 showed an average price
increase of about 36 percent for all types of fertilizer. This is
exacerbated during peak months when supplies of raw materials
are held down with the prospect of artificially increasing prices.
In a general perspective, as gleaned from studies under
the Western Visayas Agri-industrial Development Project,
liberalization of banking, shipping, port services, electric power
and communications have the most significant effects for price
distortions in the region. Compared to other regions, the cost of

doing business in Region VI is considered “high” whether by
small farms or by major corporations’ standards.
Moreover, the apparently stable and probably collusive
networks of middlemen/traders, who have built up and protected
their access to Manila, Cebu and foreign contacts, have
contributed in lower profit margins, less diverse sources of
inputs and destinations of outputs, curtailed options for each
enterprise unit, and lesser intelligence and feedback for new
entrants of region-based entrepreneurs. These local industry
players need low entry costs, lower transaction costs, and
excellent reliable service from ships, ports, communications and
so on to better compete in the commercial fields, whether as
individuals with maximum flexibility, or as cooperatives and
corporations with more market weight.
2. Poor/Inadequate Infrastructure
Infrastructure support facilities in WV require further
development and improvement. Development of these
infrastructures are essential components in employment
generation and economic growth.
The critical infrastructure facilities include power
generation and supply, roads, shipping and port services, and
water supply and irrigation. (Refer to Chapter VI on Improved
Infrastructure and Logistics Support).
3. Inadequate Tourism Promotion and Institutional Support
Tourism industry is a job generating industry. However,
due to the inadequate tourism promotion and institutional
support, the full employment generation potential of the industry
has not been fully tapped.
Although the number of tourist arrivals increased from
2001 to 2003, it fell short of the targeted one million arrivals.
Total receipts slightly increased by 24.84 percent from PhP11.5
billion in 2001 to PhP15.3 billion in 2002 and PhP16.8 billion in
2003. Most of the tourists are Korean nationals.

Table 2
Tourist Arrivals and Receipts
Region VI, 2001- 2003
Indicator 2001 2002 2003
Percent
Change
2001-2002
Percent
Change
2002-2003
Arrivals 629,243 836,395 904,566 24.76 7.53
Foreign 101,693 108,393 115,550 6.18 6.19
Domestic 524,282 714,918 761,840 26.66 6.15
OFWs 3,268 13,084 27,176 75.02 51.85
Receipts P11.5 B P15.3 B P16.8 B 24.84 8.93
Source: Department of Tourism, Region VI
The Department of Tourism (DOT), Region VI, found it
hard to implement identified strategies or introduce new ones in
the light of the challenges posted not only by internal and
external development, like the US-led war against Iraq and the
SARS scare, but more especially because of inadequate
promotion activities due to financial constraint and the lack of
public recognition that “tourism means jobs”.
The lack of logistical resources likewise, has hindered the
launching of an intensive marketing and promotion campaign to
attract more visitors to the region and encourage tourism
investment activities.
Notwithstanding the above-stated hindrances, the DOT
Region VI, with the concerted efforts of the local government
units, national government agencies, nongovernment
organizations, academe and the media, was able to promote and
instill a culture of tourism among the people of Western Visayas.
The private sector groups started initiating activities in mid
2002 relative to the promotion of Western Visayas as tourist,
convention and meeting destination. Strong collaboration among
the non government organizations, LGUs and the private
sector groups contributed to the successful implementation
of the “WOW Philippines” especially the “Pasundayag sang
Western Visayas” which showcased food, arts, crafts, dances,
fiestas of Region VI in Intramuros, Manila in October 2003.

4. Low Investment Level
Another factor contributing to the job generation problem
is the low investment level in the productive sectors. The
increasing prices of oil in the world market, the continuous
decline of the peso to the dollar, the uncertain political
conditions, and others, have adversely affected and reduced
the level of investments.
Data on investments from the Business Name Registration
(BNR), showed that there was a decreasing trend in the level of
investments from PhP7.2 billion in 2001, PhP6.4 billion in 2002
and only PhP4.9 billion in 2003. The combined BNR investments
from 2001-2003 amounted to only PhP18.6 billion compared to
PhP22.27 billion in 1998-2000. These data however, do not
reflect the true investment profile of the region because
household investments or numerous investments in small
businesses are not captured since these are not registered. The
number of firms registered however, increased from 6,582 in
2001, 6,777 in 2002 and 8,097 in 2003.
Investments through the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) decreased by 8.4 percent, from PhP140
million in 2001 to PhP123 million in 2002. However, in 2003, an
increase of 84 percent or PhP236.5 million was realized.
Private construction on the other hand, slightly increased
over the three-year period
Investments
(P M)
Table 3
Private Investments
Region VI, 2001-2003
CY
2001
CY
2002
CY
2003
Percent
Change
2001-2002
Percent
Change
2002-2003
Business Name
Registration
7,213.0 6,446.5 4,977.7 (10.6) (23.8)
Firms registered 6,582 6,777 8,097 3.0 19.5
SEC Registration
(paid up)
140.1 128.3 236.5 (8.4) 84.3
Private Construction
(value)
2,152 P 2,639 2,744 22.6 5.1
Source: Department of Trade and Industry, Region VI and National Statistics Office,
Region VI

Total sales generated during the Regional Trade Fair
(Panublion) conducted in Manila exhibited a decrease from
PhP7.6 million in 2003 to only PhP3.3 million in 2004. This was
due to the absence of major buyers and booked orders, as well
as the “wait and see attitude” of the buyers/exporters.
While the Local Government Units have vital roles in
promoting and attracting investments, some Local Chief
Executives have varying priorities, with investment promotion
having low priority. Added to this, is the inadequate LGU
incentive packages to attract investors.
5. Other Factors
There are other issues and challenges that were identified
under the theme of Job Creation, but their contribution to the
employment problems of Region VI are considered negligible.
These include the hampered performance of Comprehensive
Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), and underutilized research
and technology.
The hampered performance of the CARP is partly due to
the resistance of landowners to the Program, limited funding for
acquisition and distribution of lands and compensation of
landowners and for support services among others.
Underutilized research and technology is due to the low
dissemination of appropriate technology and the weak budgetary
support for Research and Development, among others.
Development Opportunities
1. Major Producer of Rice, Fish and Sugar
Despite the inadequacy in employment opportunities in
Western Visayas, the region excels in other development
aspects.
Traditionally, the region is a major producer of rice, fish,
and sugar. As of 2003, it ranks second in rice production in the
whole country, contributing 13 percent to the national output. In
fishery production the region ranks fourth in commercial, second
in municipal and fifth in aquaculture in the entire country in the
same year. In terms of sugarcane production, Region 6 always

ank first in the whole country. (See Table 4 for production of
major agricultural products).
Among the traditional markets of these major agricultural
commodities are Cebu and Manila.
Mango is one of the major agricultural crops that have big
potential for export. In 2001, production volume totaled 40,000
metric tons which increased by 57.5 percent to 63,000 metric
tons in 2002. However, a slight decrease of 3.2 percent was
realized in 2003 due to unfavorable weather condition.
Production
(‘000 MT)
Table 4
Selected Production Indicators
Region VI, 2001-2003
(‘000 MT)
2001 2002 2003
Percent
Change
2001-2002
Percent
Change
2002-2003
A.Crops
Palay 1,589 1,732 1,768 8.9 2.1
Corn 76 87 129 14.5 48.3
Sugarcane 14,161 14,361 12,209 1.4 (14.9
Banana 256 255 254 (0.4) (0.4)
Mango 40 63 61 57.5 (3.2)
Coconut 435 604 506 38.8 (16.2)
B. Livestock and Poultry
(Liveweight)
Carabao 11 13 17 0.2 30.8
Cattle 20 22 26 10.0 18.2
Swine 124 122 124 (1.6) 1.6
Goat 8.4 8.1 7 (3.6) (13.6)
Chicken 89 68 56 (23.6) (17.6)
Duck 6.1 5.7 5 (6.6) (12.3)
C.Fishery Production
Commercial 122 118 121 (3.3) 2.5
Municipal 135 127 130 (5.9) 2.4
Aquaculture 101 105 118 3.9 12.4
Source: Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, Region VI and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources, Region VI
Percent Change2001-2002 Percent Change2002-2
With the region’s arable land and generally favorable
climate, there is a vast potential to produce wide range of
commodities for agri-industrial enterprises, both for export and
for the domestic market.

2. Export Winner Industries and Products
Export winner industries and products of the region include
those assisted by DTI (non-traditional exports) such as
loomwoven products, bamboo furniture and furnishing, giftware
and holiday décor. The three products have a combined export
sales of US$ 9.4 million from 2001-2003. Major export markets
are USA, Europe and Japan. Other industries for the export
market are muscovado, horticulture, processed food, mango and
aqua-culture.
Table 5
Non-Traditional Exports
Region VI, 2001-2003
(US$ M)
Industry/Commodity CY 2001 CY 2002 CY 2003
Loomweaving 0.747 0.451 0.407
Muscovado - 1.928 0.004
Horticulture 0.0004 0.0004
Food Processing - - 18.61
Mango - 0.160 0.675
Bamboo 0.609 0.742 0.880
Marine and Aqua-Bangus - - 0.030
Giftware and Holiday Decor 1.410 1.933 2.256
Total 2.77 5.21 22.86
Source: Department of Trade and Industry, Region VI
stry/Commodity CY 2001 CY 2002 CY 2
In 2003, the Bureau of Customs reported that the region
was able to export to other countries commodities (traditional
exports) worth US$13.78 million such as raw sugar, mollases
and copra.
3. Rich Natural Resources
The judicious use of rich natural resources of the region
can result to economic growth which will eventually lead to more
jobs. Western Visayas is endowed with large tract of agricultural
lands with rich and good quality soils that can be grown with
practically all kinds of crops.
The region has a total agricultural area of around
1,310,481 hectares or about 63 percent of its total land area. Of

the total agricultural area, about 61 percent have been identified
as Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zones
(SAFDZ). It has an estimated coastline of about 1,300
kilometers that provides the population with abundant supply of
fish and fishery products. A big portion of one of the richest
fishing grounds in the country, the Visayan Sea, is also located
in Region VI.
Region VI has vast mineral deposits, both metallic and
non-metallic. Some areas show the presence of copper, gold,
sulphides and chromite. Gemstones can be found in some parts
of Antique, Capiz and Iloilo. Other non-metallic deposits are
guano and phosphate, dolomite and others. Chapter V, Improved
Physical Planning and Sustainable Management of the
Environment, of the Plan document discusses more details on
mining in the region.
The region is gifted with several water divides or basins
anchored on large watershed systems that provide sufficient
ground water for agriculture, industrial and household use.
Based on the 1998 survey of Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA) on ground water availability, Region VI will have
sufficient ground water supply to meet the demands in the next
20 to 30 years or even beyond.
Western Visayas is also a rich repository of genetic
resources because of its high biodiversity level. Aside from a
host of exotic flora and fauna, it is home to endemic species of
plants and animals such as the white spotted deer and the warty
pig, among others. A total of 10 natural parks, marine reserves,
landscapes/seascapes were declared and/or proposed to be
declared as protected areas to preserve their biological
importance.
4. Skilled and Trainable Human Resources
With the availability of skilled and trainable human
resources who were products of state universities and colleges
(SUCs) and technical and vocational institutions, the increasing
manpower needs of the different sectors in the region have
been adequately responded.
Private tertiary graduates in Region VI for SY 2001-2002
totaled 31,162 while graduates in SY 2002-2003 totaled 33,630

or an increase of 8 percent . Majority of the graduates finished
courses in Business Administration, Teacher Education, Medical
Related courses and Engineering and Architecture.
A total of 10,867 new professionals were registered with
the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in Iloilo City for
the year 2000. Of these, 76 percent were teachers and the rest
of the majority were into marine profession.
Skills trainings conducted by TESDA and other concened
institutions include metalworking and construction especially
welding and frame cutting, kiln drying, tile making etc.
Due to the massive training and retraining on
metalworking conducted since in 2002, the number of skilled
workers exceeded targets by 109.6 percent.
Trained workers (mostly women) on cutflower growing and
bamboo production also increased by 20 percent over the 3year
period.
The number of individuals trained on aquaculture
technologies increased by an average of 6 percent from 2001-
2003. The continued increase in the number of persons trained
on aquaculture technologies was a result of the implemented
special projects on fisheries.
A total of 732 workers or an average of almost 50 percent
annually, were trained in the making of gifts, toys and holiday
decors.
5. Rich Cultural Heritage and Natural Attractions
Another potential identified was the rich and cultural
heritage and natural attractions. However, this factor has a low
contribution to the employment problems of the region.
The rich cultural heritage and natural attractions of the
region include history, sights, nature and festivals. The famous
Boracay, a white sand-fringed island in the province of Aklan,
has been regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the
world. Other attractions include caves, centuries old edifices,
churches and many others. (Figure 11, Chapter 5)

Iloilo and Bacolod cities are well known for their antiques
and centuries old edifices like the old steam engines that still
haul wood and bagasse (cane residue) in Negros Occidental, the
more than a hundred years churches of Miag-ao and Sta.
Barbara, and Asia’s largest bell in the Province of Capiz.
B. STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
The key factors and drivers identified in the situational analysis
were subjected to options development and evaluation of alternatives
vis-a-vis macro objectives. As a result, the following elements of the
strategic framework were established:
1. Strengthen Cooperatives and Encourage Bulk Buying
Cooperatives will be strengthened through sustained
capability building and skills development and encourage them
to purchase agricultural inputs in bulk to avail of lower prices.
To foster the creation and growth of cooperatives as a
vehicle for promoting self-reliance and to ensure their viability as
instruments of equity, social justice and economic development,
cooperatives should be strengthened and bulk buying as a
strategy to avail lower prices must be encouraged. This can be
achieved by accelerating capital build-up and savings
mobilization among cooperatives through alternative and
innovative credit schemes, creating viable structures conducive
to greater productivity and higher incomes, and enhancing the
provision of technical assistance to cooperatives by government,
financial institutions and non-government organizations.
To further strengthen the cooperatives, continuing
education and assistance in funds sourcing, training and
marketing should be in place.
Local government units should designate a Cooperative
Development Officer out of the existing positions in the
Agriculture Office. Women cooperatives will likewise be
strengthened and assisted for them to fully participate in
economic growth and development.

2. Complete Construction of Critical Infrastructures,
Generate Additional Power for the Entire Region,
Develop Small Water Impounding Projects for Irrigation
and Immediate Repair of All Major Road Networks
Completion/construction of critical infrastructures will
facilitate and hasten the development of existing and proposed
industries and other economic activities. It will also invariably
contribute to lowering the costs of doing business in the region.
(Refer to Chapter VI on Improved Infrastructure and Logistics
Support).
3. Local Tourism Councils to Implement Tourism Projects
and Triple A Strategy to Tourism Development
Local Tourism Councils together with the private sector
and the Department of Tourism should focus on how to attract
tourist through eye-catching promotional materials concentrating
on the natural and man made attraction sites, among others.
Advertising in the local, national and if possible, international
media and hold special events and business promotions are
other ways to attract tourists.
Implementation of Triple A (Attract, Assure, Account)
Strategy should be pursued. Attract includes the standardized
pricing in all tourism sites and tourism products made available
at prices competitive with that of neighboring Asian economies,
continued capability building, and matching of tourism products
and services to ensure world-class quality facilities and services.
Assure is putting of signages and billboards in strategic areas,
ensure the safety of foreign and domestic tourists via visible
tourist police and local community support, and rapidly respond
to any tourist-related incidents. Account means prioritizing
tourism and infusing the culture of tourism in every resident of
the region, enforce tourism standards through licensing,
eliminate opportunity losses and monitor tourism statistics via
satellite account.
Tourism means jobs and as visitor arrivals expand and
give rise to demand for diverse goods, services and facilities, the
micro, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will be actively
engaged in the production and delivery of a wider range of
tourism products and services to generate employment and
income.

If tourism potentials really exist in their areas, the local
government units should define and refocus on tourism as their
major product, and define their target markets, their strategies
and how much tourist receipts and arrivals they expect in a
certain time.
The LGUs are likewise encouraged to designate/appoint
tourism officers to be included as member of the composite
team/task force that conducts the inspection of, among others,
tourism oriented establishments applying for license and permit
with the mayor’s office. This is to ensure that the tourism
facilities, amenities and services are maintained in accordance
with acceptable local and international norms in the operation of
tourism-oriented establishment.
Private sector participation in tourism investments should
be encouraged.
Safety nets, including employment opportunities, should
be in place so as to stop women falling into the trap of
prostitution and other social problems brought about by tourismrelated
activities. Tourism promotion collaterals should refrain
from using women as advertising materials.
4. RDC and LDCs to Identify and Promote Focus Areas for
Investment and Private Sector to Lead in Investment
Promotion
The RDC and the LDCs shall identify focus areas for
investment and encourage different sectors to exert all efforts to
promote the particular focus areas. Sectors to be promoted
should be those in which the region has a comparative
advantage rather than competing hopelessly to promote sectors
in which other regions have an advantage.
Better promotion of the region for both potential domestic
and foreign investors would include the use of informative
brochures or collaterals and increased degree of liaison and
coordination between and among concerned agencies and
institutions, political leaders among others.
LGUs should provide local incentives and facilities to
business locators and remove disincentives. Efforts should be

done to eliminate or minimize administrative delays and
bottlenecks including licensing and zoning problems to project a
business-friendly image.
The private sector should be encouraged to actively
participate in investment promotion by making them as partners
in all the activities of the government, through the local councils.
They should be provided with an efficient institutional support to
cater to and facilitate their needs.
Infrastructure projects critically affecting investments
should be implemented with greater speed and decisiveness.
5. Promote and Assist SMEs and Leading Industries
Promotion and assistance to SMEs and leading industries
shall be vigorously pursued to generate employment and
alleviate poverty. Improving access to financing, training,
markets and technology will be the joint top priority of DTI and
DOST. The TESDA, SUCs, and private universities through their
Extension Offices will continue to assist in skills development
training.
Women entrepreneurs especially those engaged in leading
industries such as gifts, toys and housewares, loomweaving, will
be given equal opportunity in terms of access to credit facilities,
skills training, product development and the like.
Concerned agencies and the LGUs shall continue to focus
on improving the business environment, including the reduction
of the cost of doing business to attract more investments in the
region. Once operationalized, approved ecozones in the region
including the identified growth centers are expected to increase
regional employment opportunities by attracting more investors.
The DTI will continue to facilitate the conduct of
investment fora to promote private sector initiatives and
projects. Other activities that must be given due importance are
investment missions, foreign and local inbound missions,
investment opportunity seminars, assistance both local and
foreign investors and others.

Prospective entrepreneurs will be encouraged to make use
of the Knowledge Emporium, a one-stop web portal to promote
greater productivity in industry, farming communities and SMEs.
The SUCs and private universities, in collaboration with the
Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI), should establish an electronic onestop
shop business enterprise to identify and promote
investments.
6. Judicious Use of Natural Resources and Co-management
of Natural Resources
Through the judicious use and co-management of natural
resources there will be increased participation of the
communities in conservation, rehabilitation and protection
efforts. In this regard, there is a need to strengthen upland and
forest dwellers and indigenous people’s organizations to enhance
their meaningful participation in the development of the sector
and in the management of natural resources.
The promotion of strategic alliance between the private
sector and farmers, fisherfolks and/or their cooperatives on
various productive enterprises shall be sustained. (Chapter V,
Improved Physical Planning and Sustained Management of the
Environment.)
7. Strengthen Multisectoral Collaboration between the
Academe, Government Agencies and Industries
Collaboration between the academe, government agencies
and industries should be focused on the matching of manpower
requirement by the industries. Enterprise-base training system
will be vigorously promoted to strengthen the linkages between
the academic and industry participation in training of workers in
all areas.
The government will continue to provide scholarships to
encourage deserving individuals to go into science and
technology, agri-business and entrepreneurship. Moreover,
research and development will be closely linked with agriculture
and industry to enable research and development activities to be

C. TARGETS
more focused. The technologies developed shall be promoted to
pave the way for their commercialization and improve
productivity.
Government shall provide funds to strengthen multisectoral
collaboration.
The major indicators with corresponding targets for the
strategic theme on job creation is presented in Table 6.
a. The region is estimated to generate a total of 756,948 jobs for
the plan period or an average of 126,158 jobs per year. This will
be generated through the implementation of the programs and
projects identified under the strategic themes on Increased Job
Creation through Economic Growth, Enhanced Social
Development with Direct Poverty Reduction Measures, Improved
Physical Planning and Sustainable Management of the
Environment, Improved Infrastructure and Logistics Support and
Good Governance.
b. Total number of cooperatives strengthened and assisted will
reach 1,140 by 2010. Skills training will be provided to all
cooperatives including negotiation arrangements for bulk buying
of agricultural inputs such as fertilizer.
c. Value of investments generated from the Business Name
Registration (BNR) and leading industries will increase from
Php4.6 billion in 2004 to Php7.4 billion in 2010 or a total of
Php40.2 billion for the plan period. Leading industries would
include loomweaving, horticulture, muscovado, gifts toys and
housewares, and others.
d. A total of 6,179 SMEs/entrepreneurs will be assisted by 2010.
Assistance will include product development, skills upgrading,
market promotion, consultancy services, among others.
e. Total exports (non-traditional and traditional) for the period will
reach US$135.42 million.
Exports for non-traditional commodities will increase from
US$3.81 million in 2004 to US$36 million by 2010.

Traditional exports will increase from US$13.78 million in 2004
to US$14.63 million in 2010 or a total of US$99.41 million for
the plan period.
Traditional exports include assorted marine products, dried
mangoes, bamboo craft, and ceramic products while nontraditional
exports include commodities of leading industries
such as loomweaving, horticulture, muscovado, gifts, toys and
housewares, and others.
f. A total of 275 technology interventions, 15,831 technology
services and 490 training programs for SMEs will be realized at
the end of the plan period. This will encourage the private sector
to further invest or expand their business.
g. Scholarships for college students will be provided to 3,528 poor
and deserving students by 2010. The focus of studies will be
science and technology.
h. Tourist arrivals are projected to reach 1.02 million in 2004 and
1.73 million in 2010 or a total of 9.44 million for the plan period.
This will result from the intensified promotion of the region’s
tourism sites, natural attractions, and other tourist destinations.
i. With the increase in the number of tourists, tourist receipts will
also increase from Php18.82 billion in 2004 to Php32 billion in
2010. Tourists are expected to stay at an average of 6.3 days
with average daily expenditures for both domestic and foreign
tourists at Php2,918 per person.
j. The number of CARP beneficiaries (with livelihood projects in the
Agrarian Reform Communities) will increase by 34 percent from
2004 to 2010. This will facilitate employment in the ARCs.
k. The number of livelihood projects (in the Agrarian Reform
Communities) will increase by at least 60 percent from 2004 to
2010. Livelihood projects would include swine raising, cattle
raising, food processing, vegetable production, and cottage
industries Rural agro-industries include mat weaving,
loomweaving, vine craft, and others.

l. Production volume
INDICATORS
TOTAL NUMBER
OF JOBS
GENERATED IN
REGION 6
i. Total production volume of major agricultural crops from
CY 2004 – 2010 will reach 126,113,880 MT by 2010.
ii. Livestock Production in terms of liveweight will reach
1,618,077 MT for the whole plan period.
iii. Fishery production from commercial, municipal and
aquaculture will reach 2,384,942 MT by 2010.
m. Expansion areas for agri-business will reach a total of 141,144
hectares. by 2010. This will include expansion of areas for rice,
corn, coffee, mango and banana, among others.
Table 6
Selected Indicators and Targets
TARGETS
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 TOTAL
92,893 88,711 94,336 103,469 89,856 287,680 756,948
a. Increased Job
Creation
through
Economic
Growth 63,923 64,586 67,977 83,028 70,006 86,835 436,358
b. Enhanced
Social
Development
with Direct
Poverty
Reduction
Measures
c. Improved
Physical
Planning and
Sustainable
Management
of the
Environment
( no annual
breakdown) 116,691 116,691
(no annual
breakdown) 49,115 49,115
d. Improved
Infrastructure
and Logistics
Support 28,970 24,125 26,359 20,441 19,850 24,309 144,054
e. Good
Governance
(no annual
breakdown) 10,730 10,730
Number of Coops
assisted/strength
ened 120 150 158 165 174 182 191 1,140

Value of
investments 4,603 4,655 5,071 5,577 6,137 6,754 7,431 40,228
BNR (PM) 4,554 4,600 5,010 5,510 6,060 6,670 7,340 39,744
leading
industries (PM) 49.36 54.85 60.52 67.44 76.6 83.65 90.95 483.37
Number of SMEs
/ Entrepreneurs
404 525 650 800 1,000 1,200 1,500 6,179
Exports ( US$ B) 17.59 18.16 18.73 19.59 19.95 20.63 20.75 135.42
non-traditional 3.81 4.24 4.69 5.39 5.61 6.15 6.12 36.01
traditional 13.78 13.92 14.06 14.20 14.34 14.48 14.63 99.41
Technology
Intervention 34 35 36 38 40 44 48 275
Scholarships
(college) 728 640 530 420 390 360 360 3,528
INDICATORS
TARGETS
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 TOTAL
Tourist Arrivals
('000) 1,024 1,079 1,187 1,394 1,436 1,580 1,738 9,438
Tourist Receipts
(PB) 18.8 20 22 24 26 29 32 171.82
CARP
Beneficiaries with
livelihood
projects in ARCs 5,952 6,150 6,565 6,900 7,250 7,600 8,000 48,427
Livelihood
Projects in the
ARCs 52 56 60 65 70 78 85 466
Agri Production
(MT)
a. Crops 16,027,003 16,667,044 17,291,369 17,962,620 18,656,580 19,379,083 20,130,181 126,113,880
Palay 1,820,556 1,875,173 1,931,428 1,989,371 2,049,052 2,110,523 2,173,839 13,949,942
Yellow
Corn 92,846 96,560 100,422 104,439 108,617 112,961 117,480 733,325
Banana 261,767 289,620 277,709 288,040 294,621 303,460 312,564 2,027,781
Mango 62,678 65,185 67,792 70,504 73,324 76,257 79,307 495,047
Sugarcane 13,265,445 13,796,063 14,347,906 14,921,622 15,518,893 16,139,443 16,785,020 104,774,392
Coconut 512,988 533,508 554,846 577,040 600,121 624,128 649,091 4,051,722
Pineapple 10,723 10,935 11,266 11,604 11,952 12,311 12,880 81,671
b. Livestock 215,710 217,867 224,669 229,362 236,274 243,411 250,784 1,618,077
cattle 26,250 27,563 28,941 30,388 31,907 33,502 35,178 213,729
swine 130,560 133,171 137,166 141,281 145,520 149,885 154,382 991,965
chicken 58,900 57,133 58,562 57,693 58,847 60,024 61,224 412,383
c. Fishery 329,706 329,832 334,756 339,803 344,873 350,271 355,701 2,384,942
commercial
(MT)
121,828
126,395 129,327 132,328 135,398 138,539 141,753 925,568

municipal
(MT) 129,672 129,672 129,672 129,672 129,672 129,672 129,672 907,704
aquaculture 78,206
(MT)
Expansion Areas
(for Agri-
73,765 75,757 77,803 79,803 82,060 84,276 551,670
business) 25,224 25,862 28,033 24,099 9,629 12,524 15,773 141,144
rice (has) 21,384 21,600 23,321 18,851 2,738 4,090 3,836 95,820
corn 3,742 4,158 4,603 5,134 6,771 8,307 11,804 44,519
coffee 40 42 44 46 48 51 53 324
mango
(carabao) 48 50 52 55 58 61 64 388
Banana
(lakatan) 10 12 13 13 14 15 16 93
D. PRIORITY PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS
�� Land Tenure Improvement
�� Program Beneficiaries Development
�� President Diosdado Macapagal Scholarship Program
�� Basic Social Services Development
�� Ginintuang Masaganang Ani-Rice Program
�� Ginintuang Masaganang Ani-Corn Program
�� Ginintuang Masaganang Ani-High Value Crops
�� Ginintuang Masaganang Ani-Livestock and Poultry
�� Integrated Agricultural Indigenous Peoples’ Community
Development Program
�� Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund
�� Diversified Farm Income and Market Development Project
(DFIMDP)
�� Efficient Registration
�� Effective Regulation
�� Cooperative Development
�� Mangrove Eco-tourism Project
�� Land Re-classification of Boracay Island
�� Aklan Center for Weaving and the Arts
�� Rehabilitation of Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training
Center
�� Frontline Services Training (Tour guides, bartending, waitering ,
front office, housekeeping)
�� Homestay Program
�� Tourism Development Planning/Investment Promotion
�� Development of tour packages

�� Accreditation of tourism-oriented establishments, Tourist
transport services
�� Development /assistance/implementation of tourism
events/fiestas/festivals
�� Continuing support programs/ projects for the leading industries
in Region VI
�� Support to Panay Area Business Development Project
�� SME Promotion and Development
�� Productivity Programs
�� Marketing Assistance
�� Capiz Resource Mapping and SME Profiling
�� Entrepreneurship Program for Women
�� Entrepreneurship Development Program for Manufacturers
�� SME Promotion and Development
�� Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) and
Technical and Consultancy Services
- Technology Upgrading /Acquisition
- Technical Consultancy Services
- Calibration and Testing Services
- Packaging and Labeling Assistance
- ��������������������� � �
�� Science and Technology Scholarship
�� Production Support Services
- Fingerling Production and Dispersal
- Establishment & Maintenance of Seaweed Nurseries
- Establishment of Techno-Demo Projects
- Productivity Enhancement
- Assistance to Fish Culture Project
�� Distribution of Post-harvest Equipment
�� Extension support, Education and Training Services