central visayas region physical framework plan...

87 Central Visayas Region Physical Framework Plan

Development Challenges and Interregional Concerns 88

Development Challenges and Interregional Concerns

T he use of the land is constrained by physical, environmental and/or man-made factors. The man-made factors can include

government policies that restrict or limit the use of the land. Deforestation of forest and mangrove areas

Data from DENR shows that although 36 percent of the region's area is classified as forestland, much of the area is denuded. Through the years, the situation worsened. Satellite images reveal that the forest cover in Central Visayas has been severely reduced from 137,000 hectares in 1975 (BFD data) and 38,400 hectares in 1988 to a mere 19,000 hectares in 1997, or just 14 percent of its size 20 years ago. (see Figure 10)

Latest data from DENR indicates a reversal in the declining trend of the forest cover. A substantial improvement in forest cover has been reported due largely to the massive reforestation undertaken in upland and watershed areas. About 20 percent of the region�s forest lands (more than 100,000 hectares) are cited to have forest cover. Still, if slope is used as gauge

of optimum forest cover, Central Visayas should have about 58 percent of its land covered with vegetation. Encroachment in forest and upland areas, unsuitable farming practices and unplanned urbanization were cited as the major reasons for the continued denudation of the region's forest land.

Mangrove stands along coastal areas have also declined over the years due to the indiscriminate cutting of these resources for fishpond development and urban expansion. The conversion of mangrove areas into fishponds used to be an area of constant conflict in the region until the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 was enacted, which effectively prohibited the conversion of mangroves into fishponds or for any other purposes. Still, the area of the mangrove has been reduced from 2,700 hectares in 1992 to 2,100 hectares in 2004. There is obviously a need for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, local government units and other concerned agencies and organizations to determine which fishponds have been abandoned, remain undeveloped or underutilized, and to revert these areas to their original mangrove state. (see Map 33) Land degradation

The most common type of land degradation in the Philippines and in the region is soil erosion posing a detrimental effect on soil physico-chemical and biological properties. This makes the land less suitable to crop production or, in some cases of severe erosion, result to total loss of soil productivity.

In Central Visayas, loss of fertile topsoil especially in the uplands is a major problem confronting the region. Presently, Central Visayas is considered one of the more severely eroded regions in the country with more than 70 percent

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1975 1988 1997

Figure 10. Extent of Forest Cover, 1975-1997

DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES


Map 33. Fishponds in Mangrove Areas


of its land suffering from topsoil erosion. While factors like soil texture, structure, consistency, compressibility, permeability, capillarity and density definitely influence erositivity of soils, it is the lack of vegetative cover as a result of the denudation of the uplands, continued cultivation of areas with steep slopes combined with unsustainable farming practices that have worsened the erosion problem in the region. This has resulted to a serious reduction in soil productivity and water retention capacity. This situation will predispose the degraded land to drought and other water availability problems.

The Philippine Land and Soil Management Atlas (1992) shows that more than half or 58 percent of the land in Cebu City is severely eroded. Among the provinces, severe soil erosion is highest in Oriental Negros at 38 percent followed by Siquijor at 29 percent, Bohol at 18 percent, and Cebu at 8 percent. Highest levels of moderate soil erosion are experienced in Bohol and Cebu. (see Figure 11)

Decreasing water availability

A World Resources Institute study (2001) reports that in areas where per capita water supply is below 1,000 cubic meters per year, these areas should already be experiencing water scarcity. Data from NWRB (2003) shows that Central Visayas' per capita water supply has went down to 425 cubic meters per year. This means that the region is on the threshold of experiencing water scarcity.

The World Bank Philippine Environment Monitor (2003) affirms the growing scarcity of water in the region especially in highly populated areas. The report identified Central Visayas particularly Cebu province as one of four critical areas in the Philippines in terms of water quantity and quality. The World Bank study projects that by 2025 water demand will be around 2,226 million cubic meters in the region against a water resource potential of 2,939 million cubic meters at 80 percent dependability. (see Table 15) Critical is the Province of Cebu where the water resource potential is only 708 million cubic meters against a projected demand of around 932 million cubic meters in 2025, or a shortfall of 224 million cubic meters. If the region especially Metro Cebu is to continue to play a significant role in the economic development of the Visayas area, the water supply situation needs to be urgently addressed.

Figure 11. Extent of Soil Erosion in Provinces

Table 15. Water Potential and Demand in MCM/year*

Indicator Year Philippine Total

Central Visayas

Metro Cebu

Demand 1995 2025

1,303 3,955

- 2,226

59 342

Groundwater Availability Average

759

879

60

Surplus/Deficit 1995 2025

-544 -3,196

- -1,347

1 -282

Percent Surplus/Deficit to Total Demand

1995 2025

-42% -81%

- -60%

2% -82%

Source: NWRB, 2003 and JICA Master Plan on Water Resources Management in the Philippines, 1998. Note: MCM/year is million cubic meters per year

Source: DENR-EMB, 2003

0

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M ing lanilla M andaue t oC o nso lacion

Lilo an t oCo mp o st ela

Inab ang a

Lowest Average Highest

DO

(mg/

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Bayswater quality criterion

Figure 12. DO Pollutant Level in Major Bays 1996-2001

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Bohol Cebu Or. Neg. Siquijor Cebu City

No erosion Slight erosionM oderate erosion Severe erosion


Deteriorating water quality

Water pollution is threatening many of the region's surface water. While EMB data shows that the water quality of many of the region's rivers are still considered satisfactory, it took exception to the case of the rivers that traverse the urban areas of Cebu where the large portion of the region's population reside. The water quality of Guadalupe and Cotcot rivers in Cebu City were assessed to be unsatisfactory, indicating organic pollution. The bays along Minglanilla, Mandaue to Consolacion, and Liloan to Compostela in Cebu and Inabanga in Bohol did not also pass the water quality criterion for coastal and marine water (dissolved oxygen (DO) average readings). Suitability of these waters for recreational use is thus questionable. (see Figure 12)

EMB data also shows that many of the wells tested in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol and Oriental Negros did not pass the drinking water criterion for total dissolved solids. (see Table 16)

Salt water intrusion along the coastal areas is another emerging problem in the region. Salt water intrusion is especially prominent in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue. Studies conducted by the Water Resources Center (WRC) of the University of San Carlos from 1975 to 1997 showed that the extent of saltwater intrusion had

already reached approximately 7 kilometers at its farthest point inland. In Cebu City, saltwater intrusion has affected Barangays Lahug, Capitol, Labangon and Banilad where about 10 years ago it was confined only in the downtown commercial business district. Salt water intrusion is caused by over-exploitation or excessive withdrawal of groundwater. This reduces water availability for domestic usage, including drinking and agricultural usage. (see Figure 13)

Recent data (2005) on salt water intrusion offers some hope. The WRC-Cebu Water REMIND Project reported that sea water intrusion appeared to have stabilized in Cebu City and

Table 16. Groundwater Quality Scorecard

Provinces

Wells That Failed Criteria1/

Rating2/

(No.) (%)

Bohol 5 2 40 U

Cebu 15 7 47 U

Oriental Neg. 9 1 11 U

Source: WB-Philippines Environment Monitor 2003

Notes: 1/ Wells tested did not meet standard for drinking water at 500 mg/l (for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)).

2/ Satisfactory (S) - <10% of wells tested did not meet standard Unsatisfactory (U)- >10% of wells tested didn�t meet standard

Wells Tested (No.)

Figure 13. Salinity Map of Cebu City Showing the Comparative Movement of the 50 ppm Chloride Iso-line

Source: University of San Carlos-Water Resources Center

Point Explanation

A Lourdes Parish, Labangon

B Capitol Building, Capitol

C Waterfront Hotel, Lahug

D 50 ppm Chloride Isoline: 1997

E 40 ppm Chloride Isoline: 1975

Mactan Island


Mandaue City. This was the result of the decommissioning of some water wells of MCWD in critical areas. (see Map 34) Encroachment of urban land development in environmentally-critical areas

The rapid growth of the population and increasing economic activity in the urban centers have increased the demand for land. Urban land requirement especially for housing will be a critical issue in the next 30 years. While unproductive lands are the most suitable areas for conversion to urban uses, productive agricultural lands that are located near urban expansion areas have slowly been converted to urban uses. Land development has also been observed to extend to protected, environmentally critical and hazard-prone areas. Declining agricultural land area and low productivity

Agricultural productivity of major crops in the country specifically rice and corn is the lowest among ASEAN countries. In Central Visayas, productivity in rice and corn are way below national averages. Although for the past 3 years (2001-2003), productivity in agriculture has been increasing, this is still way below the national average.

One of the reasons for the lower production is the reduction in the total area devoted to agricultural production. There has been massive land conversion in the region in the last few years. From 1988 up to the present, the Department of Agrarian Reform has approved the conversion of almost 542 hectares of agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses. Most of these lands are found in Cebu province (437.6 hectares). As a result, the region's agricultural land has shrunk to the present area of 644,619 hectares, from 648,290 hectares in 1992. Meanwhile, there has been very little effort to expand the area devoted to agriculture production. The 44,630 hectares under the NPAAAD which are the expansion areas for strategic agriculture and fisheries production have yet to be developed.

Low productivity in fisheries

Productivity of the region's inland, municipal and commercial fishing areas also show declining trends. These fishery ecosystems are noted to have reached their maximum sustainable yields. Studies by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Coastal Resource Management Project (CRMP) show that most of the fishing grounds in the region such as the Visayan Sea and Camotes Sea already exhibit signs of ecological and biological overfishing. Overfishing is also noted in the municipal fishing areas. Weak intra and inter-regional physical and economic integration

Creating an economically, socially and physically integrated region is a challenging task in Central Visayas because of its archipelagic make up. Unlike other regions in the country, Central Visayas' provinces are separated from each other by bodies of water. Intra and inter-regional economic integration is essential for rapid economic growth to take place. Key to the economic integration of the provinces and the region is physical integration. Essentially, physical integration means that the necessary physical infrastructures, notably the transportation and telecommunications linkages, are in place in key areas and are working efficiently.

Sad to say, there is weak physical and economic integration among the island provinces of the region at present. Transportation and communication links among the provinces and within the provinces themselves are not well developed and coordinated. In many instances, it is easier, faster, more convenient and comfortable to travel to other places or call/contact other areas in the Philippines than the neighboring areas/provinces of the region. This lack of physical integration has definitely hampered inter and intra-provincial trade and the movement of goods, services and people among the provinces.

The economic activities of the provinces are likewise not integrated. Problems of poor delivery performance or unmet delivery dates by


Map 34. Salinity Map of Groundwater Situation in Cebu City and Mandaue

Source: University of San Carlos-Water Resources Center


suppliers from other areas/provinces, lack of markets for the rural sector's products, and lack of a steady source of raw materials/inputs for the industries reflect a weak system of production, processing, marketing and trading within the region. Again a large part of the problem is due to poor infrastructure network.

Weak linkage between infrastructure and land use planning

Infrastructure and land use are closely

interrelated. For example, a new road or port project stimulates housing, employment and land development in the project locations. Likewise, an increase in population can strain facilities and require new investments in infrastructure. Despite the obvious link between the two, many implementing agencies continue to implement infrastructure projects independently, seldom taking into account the local land use plans. Concentration of population and economic activities in Metro Cebu

The bulk of the region's economic activities is highly concentrated in Cebu, notably Metro Cebu. It is estimated that Cebu accounts for 80 percent of the region's total output. On the other hand, only about 20 percent of the regional output is contributed by the other provinces.

Most of the important firms and investments are located/gravitate to Cebu. Cebu

is also site of all of the region's Special Economic Zones where export-oriented manufacturing firms are concentrated. It is not surprising, thus, that Cebu also accounts for most of the exports of the region (99% of export earnings).

The primacy of Cebu extends to other areas. With most business and economic activities centered in Metro Cebu, many of the higher order services, facilities and amenities are located in Cebu. Meanwhile, the perception that Cebu, notably Metro Cebu, offers greater economic and employment opportunities has led to substantial migration of people from the other provinces to Cebu. As a result, Cebu's population has been growing more rapidly compared to the other provinces in the region. In 2000, Cebu accounted for the biggest share or 59 percent of the region's total population. On the other hand, Cebu accounts for only 34 percent of the total regional land.

Decision zones

Table 17 summarizes the areas in the region identified as decision zones which include those areas cited earlier as suffering from various forms of pressure. Specifically, a decision zone is an area where actual land use does not conform with the designated function of the area based on the rationality of the present uses of land and is therefore subject to policy interventions to ensure a more rational land use in the future.

Table 17. Summary of Decision Zones

Nature of Land Use Conflict Location Area Covered (in hectares)

Policy Options

Settlements inside declared protected areas (NIPAS areas)

NIPAS areas of the region Demarcate boundaries of NIPAS areas; resettle settlers occupying restricted core zones; evaluate tenurial status of people living inside protected areas prior to the grant of tenured migrant status of occupancy; establish and clearly mark buffer zones around protected areas

Agricultural activities and settlements in forest lands and non-NIPAS protected areas

Regionwide Demarcate forest lands and non-NIPAS areas; evaluate critical non-NIPAS areas for possible declaration as NIPAS areas; discourage growth of settlements; issue tenure certificates to upland farmers in areas zoned for multiple uses; limit provision/ development of infrastructure; promote forest protection and conservation programs; accelerate land surveys and the issuance of land patents


Table 17. Summary of Decision Zones (continued)


Policy Options

Infrastructure located in or traversing protected areas

Cebu:

Transcentral Highway

Dalaguete-Badian Rd

Ronda-Argao Road

Bohol: Danao-Jetafe Road

Loboc-Bilar Road

Oriental Negros: Hi-way 2000

Valencia geothermal plants

180

120

60

80

48

200

150

Ban settlements and development along corridors; provide protection fence around existing facilities

Towns/cities located in protection areas Municipalities (3) in Bantayan Island, Cebu

Municipality of Poro in Camotes Island, Cebu

Municipalities (2) in Panglao Island, Bohol

Canlaon City, Oriental Negros

9,111

6,800

386

16,070

Review, evaluate protection areas for possible redelineation; limit development activities in area; regulate growth of settlements; enforce strict standards of building code

Protection and production forest lands without forest cover (grassland/brushland)

Regionwide Demarcate protection forest lands for conservation; reforest areas / implement reforestation programs; rehabilitate degraded forest lands and open areas; issue tenurial instruments to upland communities to encourage their adoption of conservation practices

Conversion of mangrove areas into fishponds; mangrove areas without mangrove stands

Regionwide Determine which fishponds were abandoned, remain undeveloped and underutilized, and revert these areas to their original mangrove state; reforest denuded mangrove areas; ban development of mangrove areas into fishponds

Conversion of agricultural lands into non-agricultural uses

Regionwide Identify, demarcate, and protect prime agricultural lands (e.g. SAFDZ areas) and agricultural expansion areas from conversion; evaluate existing agricultural lands to determine whether current production activities should be maintained or modified; release marginal lands for non-agricultural uses (more economically viable undertakings)

Tourism development in protected areas

Some protected areas in the region Identify and evaluate areas for ecotourism;

promote collection of user's fees in ecotourism areas to help maintain ecological balance

A & D lands in protected areas Protected areas in the region Review, evaluate protection areas for possible redelineation (to exclude A & D lands)

Settlements threatened by volcanic eruption

Canlaon City, Oriental Negros 14,000 Discourage further growth of settlements (low density settlements); establish early warning systems and evacuation plans for the area

Settlements located along river banks and easements

Urban centers of the region Resettle settlers; strictly implement the law on public easements (PD 705 and 1967)


Table 17. Summary of Decision Zones (continued)


Policy Options

Settlements and infrastructure in landslide-prone areas

Bohol: Loay-Duero Stretch Tagbilaran - Guindulman Road Jagna - S. Bullones - Pilar Rd Candasog, Loboc

Calabacita, Canjulao, Malbog, Mayana, all in Jagna

Cebu: Naga-Uling-Toledo Road

Transcentral Highway

Sirao, Cebu City

Binaliw, Malubog, and Pungot-Sibugay, all in Cebu City

Oriental Negros: Bais-Mabinay Road

Vallehermoso � Canlaon Road

Milagros, Sta. Catalina

Candalaga, Manjuyod

Taboan, Bayawan City

23

20

-

31

-

-

-

150

150

70

Discourage further growth of settlements (low density settlements) or resettle families located in high danger areas; relocate public facilities (e.g. school/school bldgs); limit development activities in area; strictly enforce building code standards; implement mitigating measures

Areas threatened by extensive river flooding Bohol:

Loboc

Inabanga Tabajan, Guindulman

Cebu: Carcar

Cansaga, Consolacion

Sapangdaku, Toledo

Cumbado, Balamban

Liloan

Oriental Negros: Siaton

Bayawan

Sta. Catalina

Manalongon

Pagatban, Bayawan La Libertad

4,516

4,200

210

550

1,000

1,600

1,250

203

660

560

580

350

380

260

Delineate and map out high-risk areas; implement flood control projects; limit growth of settlements; formulate disaster-management programs appropriate to the area

Settlements in salt water-intruded areas

Cebu: coastal areas of Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City; Mactan Island

Siquijor: Lazi

7 kms. at its farthest point inland (Cebu)

Regulate extraction of groundwater; discourage extraction of groundwater 2 kms. from coast lines; closely monitor water wells in threatened areas to check extent of saltwater intrusion; promote rainwater harvesting through construc-tion of gabions/retention dams/ related rainwater structures; implement water conservation programs and urban forestry programs to facilitate recharging of water aquifers; strictly implement water code in urban areas

Severe erosion areas Bohol

Cebu (excluding Cebu City)

Cebu City Oriental Negros

Siquijor

74,800

156,177 18,947

70,839

7,970

Reforest upland areas; plan leguminous cover crops; adopt sustainable farming practices


INTERREGIONAL CONCERNS

Central Visayas has substantial and important linkages with other regions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. For one, it shares with Regions 5 (Bicol), 6 (Western Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), 9 (Western Mindanao), 10 (Northern Mindanao) and 13 (Caraga) the same natural resources, e.g. marine waters. For another, Central Visayas is linked with other regions through the multi-modal transport system (roll-on roll-off system, the various port systems, the Strong Republic Nautical Highway, and air links). Through these physical channels, a continuous stream of communication is carried out between the respective population of these regions. These inter-regional flows take the form of trade and commerce, socio-cultural exchange, migration, exploitation of natural resources, health and educational services, and the like. Each transaction affects the regions involved, either beneficially in some instances or disadvantageously at other times. For this reason, there is a need for inter-regional cooperation and complementation to identify activities that mutually benefit the region with a view to strengthening them and, conversely, mitigate the adverse effect of disadvantageous transactions. Areas of Cooperation

There are five areas where Central Visayas need to coordinate and cooperate with other regions to ensure optimum and sustained use of the natural resources and promote the development of the regions in the country. These are: a) protection and use of natural resources notably fisheries resources, b) physical and economic integration of regions, c) access to specialized services, d) management of hazardous areas, and e) tourism development and promotions.

Protection and Use of Fisheries Resources

Central Visayas shares with a number of

regions the marine waters that surround the region. Visayan Sea, considered the richest fishing ground in the country, is bordered by Cebu and a portion of Leyte (Region 8) to the east; by Negros Occidental (Region 6) to the

south; by Panay (Region 6) to the west; and by Masbate (Region 5) to the north.

The Camotes Sea surrounds the Camotes (Cebu) Group of Islands. Leyte (Region 8) borders the eastern periphery of Camotes Sea, and Bohol and Cebu straddle it at its south and north sides. An area of approximately 4,310 km2 of the sea is within the Central Visayas jurisdiction. The Danajon Bank, a unique double barrier reef, borders the southern periphery of Camotes Sea. Danajon Bank is part of the Asian southward bird migratory pathway.

Tañon Strait separates Cebu and Negros Island. Its peripheral provinces are Negros Occidental (Region 6), Oriental Negros, and Cebu. The Strait is a migration route of the Whalesharks as well as home to some species of whales. Initial oceanographic studies of water and larvae flow suggest that the Visayan Sea is the net supplier of fish larvae to Tañon Strait, suggesting that management of the strait should be closely linked with that of the Visayan Sea fisheries ecosystem.

Bohol Sea, also known as Mindanao Sea, is a large body of water bounded by the islands of Mindanao (south and east), Leyte, Bohol, and Cebu (north), and Negros (west). About 7,968 km2 of Bohol Sea is within Central Visayas' jurisdiction.

Finally, the East Sulu Sea is a continuum of the Sulu Sea. It is located at the southernmost part of Central Visayas. The East Sulu Sea is shared by the following provinces: Oriental Negros and Siquijor (Region 7), Palawan (Region 4), and Zamboanga del Norte (Region 9). The portion of East Sulu Sea under Central Visayas jurisdiction is about 5,587 km2. The East Sulu Sea is one of the major migratory paths of Yellowfin tunas and other economically important large pelagic species in the country. It is part of one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world.

Fishes are mobile. They spawn, feed and move around the different fisheries ecosystems irregardless of the administrative boundaries. If one part of the ecosystem becomes degraded or overfished, other components are affected. This leads to a decrease in food and other benefits for the human population. Conversely, if the fishery resources are properly managed in one province or region but poorly managed in another, the


impact will be the same on the whole ecosystem. Eventually, livelihood and food benefits will be reduced because of what is happening in the unregulated areas of the fisheries ecosystem.

Since the ecosystems cross political jurisdictions and are affected by the activities of all provinces that border these seas, all regions sharing the same ecosystems should cooperate in the proper management of the resources. In particular, joint inter-regional initiatives should be made with Regions 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 in the long term to ensure a sustainable food supply from the sea.

Despite many coastal management interventions in Central Visayas, the larger fisheries situation remains bleak. Studies show that the productivity of the region's fishing areas continues to show declining trends, a sign of overfishing. This affirms the need for all to coordinate and cooperate to protect and properly manage the country's fishery resources. These include the promotion of sustainable fishing practices and the implementation of coastal resource management programs. Physical and Economic Integration of Regions

For rapid economic growth to take place, intra and interregional economic integration is essential. Key to the economic integration of Central Visayas, an island region, is physical integration. Physical integration facilitates the movement of people and services and the exchange of information and ideas.

Essentially, physical integration means that the necessary physical infrastructures are in place in key areas and are working efficiently. These include transportation, telecommuni-cations, and power facilities and services.

Transportation. The regional transportation plan calls for the development of an integrated and intermodal transport system. All modes of transportation, including rail, bus, automobiles, air, and sea traffic will be examined in the light of this objective. The system requires smooth and efficient connections among roads, seaports, airports and related services, thus, facilitating the flow of goods and people among the island provinces, among the region�s urban centers,

between urban centers and rural areas, and between the region and the rest of the country.

Presently, there is weak physical integration among provinces and regions. Transportation links are not well developed and coordinated. Many of the region's existing roads do not connect to the seaports and airports. In areas where Central Visayas shares the same boundaries with another region, e.g. Region 6, the road system in both sides do not necessarily link up with each other. The poor condition of some ports and airports in other provinces and regions also inhibit the interconnection or improvement and upgrading of services in these routes. All of these have made intra and interregional travel and trade tedious as well as costly.

The implementation of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway will facilitate the interconnection of Central Visayas with other regions in the country and improve inter and intra-provincial trade. The major task ahead is to improve the ports and road network that will be traversed by the nautical highway.

Power. The Visayas regions share one power grid. The Visayas grid was formed by interconnecting the island grids of Cebu, Bohol (Region 7), Negros, Panay (Region 6), Leyte, and Samar (Region 8) through submarine cables.

As of June 2003, the total installed capacity of the Visayas grid is 1,647 MW. It is projected that this will not be sufficient in the near term to meet growing demand as a result of increased economic activities in the Visayas region. By 2013, some 1,160 MW of additional capacity is needed to meet the expected increase in power demand in the Visayas grid.

The major sources of additional power is planned to come from the producing fields located in Leyte in Region 8, Oriental Negros in Region 7 and Panay in Region 6. The uprating of the Leyte-Cebu, Leyte-Bohol and Cebu-Negros power interconnection is essential to increase the capacity of the inter-island power link.

Telecommunications. In telecommunications, the region is far from attaining universal access to modern and efficient telecommunications system and services. First and foremost, there is a need


to interconnect the local telecommunication exchange carriers to enable the people located in other provinces to communicate with each other. There is also a need to promote more investments in digital infrastructure to facilitate electronic connectivity of provinces and regions.

Many services as well as trading are increasingly being done through modern telecommunications such as the internet. Distance thus is not a hindrance anymore to increased trade with other areas in the country and in the world. It is therefore essential that all regions modernize their telecommunications systems to enable the people and businesses to communicate and have access to limitless economic and social opportunities.

Trade. Central Visayas has strong trade links with other regions in the Visayas and Mindanao. These regions supply a substantial portion of the raw materials needed by Central Visayas' industries as well as the food requirements of Region 7's population. These regions are also the market of Central Visayas' products.

As in transportation and communication, the economic activities of these regions however are still far from being integrated. Problems of poor delivery performance by suppliers from other provinces, lack of markets for the regions' other products, and lack of a steady source of raw materials for the industries reflect a weak system of production, processing, marketing and trading among the regions in the Visayas and Mindanao. Strengthening the linkage among regions such that there will evolve a countrywide network of production, processing, marketing and trading will definitely boost the regional economies of these areas, mutually benefiting all regions. Access to Specialized Services

A substantial number of people from Eastern and Western Visayas and Mindanao come to Central Visayas for their tertiary education and for specialized medical care. Since obtaining these specialized services in Manila will entail substantial cost, especially travel, for the people, Central Visayas, notably Cebu, is becoming a more popular alternative to Manila for obtaining these specialized services. This is an opportunity therefore for Central Visayas to

enhance its role as the educational and medical center in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The region's educational institutions and hospitals must continually upgrade and modernize their educational and health facilities and equipment to be able to offer the latest technology and services to the people and improve the quality of services. Since the region's clientele include the people from the other Visayas regions and Mindanao, these people must be included in the planning parameters. Management of Geo-Hazard Areas

Region VI and Region VII need to come up with a joint management plan for Mount Kanlaon, an active volcano, situated in Negros Island. Part of the volcano is located in Region 6 (Negros Occidental) and a smaller area is located in Region VII (Oriental Negros). Specifically, both regions need to identify common policies and activities in order to minimize damage to properties and loss of life in case Mount Kanlaon erupts.

Mount Kanlaon, an active volcano, covers Oriental Negros in Region VII and Negros Occidental in Region VI. (Phivolcs)


Tourism Development

Tourism is one of the more promising sectors in Central Visayas and the rest of the Visayas region. All regions in the Visayas expressed a strong desire to vigorously develop their respective tourism industry, hoping this would boost the economy of their regions. Tourism, if properly promoted, can also facilitate the integration of the Visayas economy into the global economy, thus creating more opportunities for the regions.

For a more effective tourism program, there is a need for Central Visayas and the rest of the Visayas regions to link up and cooperate with each other. In order to attract the various segments of both the international and domestic tourist market, for instance, it is imperative that Central Visayas and the other regions diversify their tourism attractions, sights and itineraries. By linking up with each other, the Visayas regions can expand and diversify their tourism products and services to include not only those which they possess or develop. They can also include the different tourist resources of other regions. The region�s tourism products, services and itineraries will therefore cover a wide variety and interests,

Figure 14. Cebu PLUS Tourism Strategy

ranging from heritage/historical sites to religious sites, festivals, eco-tourism, agri-tourism, medical tourism, natural landmarks, shopping, and beaches/diving.

Central Visayas is vigorously promoting the Cebu Plus as the region�s strategy to expand and diversify tourist sights, improve facilities and attract more tourists to come into the region. The Cebu Plus strategy aims to establish a tourism and travel network originating in Cebu in Central Visayas as the hub and going out to some 15 other provincial destinations in the Visayas, northern Mindanao, and southern Luzon. Under the Cebu Plus strategy, tourism industry players, LGUs and the national government will develop and promote LGU-identified tourist destinations and itineraries, develop tourism circuits and introduce cruise tours to come up with an inter-regional tourism and travel loop that will cover the 15 provinces/cities in the Visayas, Mindanao and Luzon. These tourism sites/clusters will be linked through modern, safe, fast and convenient facilities and transport. Central Visayas is looking at strengthening cooperation ties with other regions for the implementation of the Cebu Plus and other similar schemes.

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