Chapter III.pdf - NEDA-RDC VI

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