Growth in Central Philippines
 28 August 2008

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IN the latest chronicle of achievements of Central Philippines, or Region VII, of which I am the Cabinet Oversight for Regional Development (CORD), one of the bright spots is the considerable progress made in improving health and social services. The prevalence of underweight pre-school children is in steady decline. And the incidence of malnourishment among school-aged children tracks the same dramatic decline.

Furthermore, the infant mortality rate (IMR) in the region is decreasing. From 28 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2004, the infant mortality rate went down to 20 per 1,000 live births in 2006. Most provinces and cities in the region registered lower infant and under five mortality rates in 2006, increasing the likelihood that the Central Visayas shall meet its Millennium Development Goal targets, at least in the IMR aspect. Maternal mortality rates, expectedly, is at a similar decline. Not coincidentally, the Botika ng Bayan outlets in the region played a big part in giving greater access to affordable medicines. There are presently 53 outlets in Cebu, seven in Bohol and two in Negros Oriental. Beyond the social infra, Central Visayas also prioritized and made progress in terms of improving the region’s infrastructure network. Some of the more notable developments in the region were the improvement of the Toledo City Port, the Jagna Port in Bohol, the Cebu Base Port, the Tagbilaran Port, Port of Siquijor, and the ports of Sta. Rosa, Punta Engaño, Hagnaya and Sta. Fe, all in Cebu. Major improvements were also made in the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which will surely facilitate the inflow of investments.

Notable, local executives in the region exerted concerted efforts to enhance the appeal of Central Visayas as an investment destination, implementing on their own initiative streamlined processes. As of 2006, 99 of the 136 local government units (LGUs) adopted the streamlined civil applications system. Another 60 percent of the LGUs established one-stop shops that facilitated the processing of papers and documentary requirements for establishing businesses. With a little less than two years to go for the present administration, the Central Visayas stands more committed than ever to pursue development in the region, along the priorities of President Arroyo, such as economic growth and job creation, improving access to quality basic services and improving infrastructure.

At the helm of all this is Gov. Gwen Garcia, who presently chairs the Regional Development Council. The updated plan regional development, crafted under her watchful eye, gives importance to the educational and other basic needs of children in the region, and addresses the primary challenges to be met in improving access to basic services.

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