DENR Region 1History

 The history of the Department goes back as far as 1863 when, by virtue of a Spanish Royal Decree, an office known as Inspeccion General de Montes was created in the Philippines. In November 18, 1916 under Act No. 2666, the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) was created having “direct execution control, direction and supervision of the Bureaus of Agriculture, Forestry, Lands and Weather Bureau. In 1932, a new reorganization act was passed, renaming the DANR to Department of Agriculture and Commerce (DAC).

 

There were no major changes in the DANR’s structure from 1954– 1974. However, the end of DANR came on May 17, 1974 when PD No. 461 was issued, thus provided for the Department’s split into two (2) namely: the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

 

Under this set– up, the DNR took the following Line Bureaus and attached agencies: Bureau of Forest Development (BFD), Bureau of Mines (BM); Bureau of Lands (BL); Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Committee for Mineral Exploration and Survey Operations (NACOMESCO), Presidential Committee on Wood Industries Development (PCWID), Fishery Industry Development Council (FIDC), Surigao Mineral Reservations Board (SMRB), and the Presidential Action Committee on Land Problems (PACLAP).

 

With the shift to a parliamentary form of government in 1978, the DNR became the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The Natural Resources Development Corporation (NRDC) was created as corporate arm under Executive Order No. 786 in 1982.

 

In 1985, the concerns on fish and fishery agriculture was transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, leaving the MNR with only three (3) Bureaus with the attached agencies. The events of February, 1986 brought changes that altered the name of the MNR. Then, President Corazon C. Aquino issued Executive Order NO. 131 on January 30, 1987 creating the Department of Energy, 

Environment and Natural Resources (DEENR). The DEENR, however, was again reorganized into the present Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in June, 1897 under  Executive Order No. 192. The regional office of the Bureau of Forest Development (BFD) at Dagupan City, Bureau of Lands (BL) at San Fernando City, La Union, Bureau of Mines and Geosciences (BMGS) at Baguio City and the National Pollution Control Commission (NPCC) were integrated which resulted into the creation of DENR Regional Office 1. It held its office at Diego Silang St., Baguio City with Engr. Horacio Ramos as the first Regional Executive Director (RED). 4 PENROs (Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office) and 8 CENROs (Community Environment and Natural Resources Office) as frontline offices replacing the district offices.

Executive Order No. 220 was signed creating the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to implement the constitutional provision— Section 1, Article 10 of the 1987 Constitution— which called for the creation of an autonomous region of Cordillera. The DENR– CAR  eventually organized, and the provinces of Abra, Benguet and Mountain Province which were put under its administrative jurisdiction.

 

In April of 1989, DENR Regional Office 1 (R-1) was transferred from Baguio City to San Fernando City, La Union with the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan as its areas of jurisdiction. With the enactment of RA 7942, otherwise known as the “Philippine Mining Act of 1995” and RA 8749, also known as the “Clean Air Act”, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) became DENR’s line agencies.

Over the years, the DENR Region I officials garnered numerous “Eagle’s Awards” and other recognitions for its exemplary performance and attainment of targets. The DENR-1 began smooth sailing with the reigns of the following dedicated and passionate Regional Executive Directors: Sabado T. Batcagan (1989 to 1992) - who later became Assistant Secretary for Planning and Policy Studies ; Oscar M. Hamada (1992– 1994); Clarence L. Baguilat, CESO IV (1994– 1996); Dominador H. Almogela, CESO III (1996– 1999); Victor J. Ancheta, CESO IV (1999– 2007); Constancio M. Arciaga, CESO IV (2007– 2009); Corazon C. Davis, CESO III (2009– 2010) - now the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Finance; Samuel R. Peñafiel, CESO III (from 2010 to 2015); and Paquito T. Moreno, Jr. (2015 to present).

Located in the northwest of Luzon Island, Region 1 borders to the east the regions of Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Cagayan Valley, and to the south the region of Central Luzon. It has a direct access to international sea lanes as it is bound to the west by West Philippine Sea, and the Central Cordillera Mountain Range on the east.

It is composed of our (4) provinces– Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union , and Pangasinan, nine (9) cities (Laoag and Batac in Ilocos Norte; Vigan and Candon in Ilocos Sur; San Fernando in La Union; and Urdaneta, Dagupan, San Carlos and Alaminos in Pangasinan); 116 municipalities, 3,245 barangayas , and 12 districts .   San Fernando City is the Regional Capital.

Hydrological Features. Region I is drained by   29 river systems, aside from small mountain streams   that sometimes swell up to three times their sizes during the rainy season.   These rivers are valuable means of irrigation source. 

The Agno River basin, with an area of 5,952 sq. km., the third largest river in Luzon,wherein its watershed includes the Pangasinan plain and extends up to the mountainous areas of Mountain Province and Benguet.  Agno River drains into the Lingayen Gulf.   The Amburayan River basin is also one of the biggest covering about 1,386 sq. km. in some parts of  Ilocos Sur, La Union and Benguet.  Laoag River basin covers an area of 1,319 sq. km.   Region I has an extensive coastline and its seacoasts are intended with bays and gulf.  Its discontinuous  coastline has a physical length of 708.165 kilometers , of which  150.18 km. are  stretched in Ilocos Norte, 157.63  km. stretched along Ilocos Sur, while 114.70 kms. in La Union and 285.66 kilometers  stretched in Pangasinan.   Pangasinan shares the longest coastline with about 40.34 percent while in La Union the least with only 16.2 percent.  The region’s total length of coastlines constitutes only about 2.08 percent of the total length of coastlines in the Philippines.

Mineral Resources. Region I is endowed with various mineral  resources both metallic and non-metallic.  The total volume of mineral reserves stood at around 1.37 billion metric tons (MT) in 1992.    Non-metallic mineral reserves comprised about 99 percent of the total mineral reserves .

Copper ore ranked the biggest deposit with about 54.6 percent of the total metallic reserves.  This mineral was abundant in Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan. Iron magnetite sand, which ranked second with about 31 percent, were found only in Ilocos Sur and La Union.

Forest Resources. Forests are efficient watersheds which could regulate the flow of water supply, prevent flash floods and control soil erosion and water pollution.  These are the sources of wood and other forest products of great economic value, power and water.

In the region, the current conditions of forests are adversely critical because majority of its resources were almost depleted.

There were two categories of forest land in Region I: the classified and unclassified forest lands. The classified forest lands consisted of established forest reserves, established timberlands, national parks, military and civil reservations and developed fishponds. In 2008, the classified forest land covered about 41.14 percent of the total public forest land area in the region.  Of this coverage, the established forest reserves ranked the biggest with about 45.96 percent and were found mostly in Ilocos Norte; followed by the established timberlands (43.91%) which were mostly located in Pangasinan. The unclassified forest lands constituted the remaining 10  percent of the total area of public forest land in the region. About 78.95 percent of this was found in Ilocos Sur while the remaining areas were located in La Union and Pangasinan.

Region 2

Cagayan Valley Region has a distinct history.  Long before the coming of the Spaniards into the Valley, fishing villages had been in existence on the banks and at the mouth of the rivers and creeks flowing into the China Sea.  The Spaniards found natives inhabiting the narrow coastal plains of Northern Luzon and flood plains of Cagayan River. These inhabitants were Ibanags who lived on the riverbanks.  “Ban nag a native word for river.  They were of sturdy Indonesian type with a culture of their own.  They maintained their commercial relationship with China, Malaya, Japan and other neighboring countries,  The early Ibanagas kept their writings on barks of trees and bamboos depicting the heroic deeds of their chiefs.  These tales were used as songs and bards during the victories in wars, on weddings and other important events and were thereof handed down from generation to generation.It was in 1567 when Don Juan Salcedo explored Northern Luzon and landed his forces.  It was however in 1581 that the Spaniards headed by Captain Juan Pablo Carreon with his soldiers and their families settled in the Region.  Thereafter, Spanish missionaries gradually penetrated deeper into the valley teaching and converting the natives.  Later, the Americans improved the educational and political system and introduced improvements in infrastructure.Region 02 is considered the “last frontier” of the Philippines being one of the few regions with existing virgin forest.  It is bounded by three (3) mountain ranges, Sierra Madre on the east, Caraballo mountains on the south and Cordillera mountain on the west.Cagayan Valley Region includes all lands east of the Sierra Madre mountain,  west of the foothills of Cordillera mountain, and south of Caraballo mountain, making the region one big watershed area such that all the headwaters from the mountain ridges cascade down the tributaries to the Cagayan River, the second longest river in the country having a drainage area of 27,300 sq. km. and ground water reserve of 47,895 mcm.  The Cagayan River provides the water supply of the region for agriculture, industry, domestic and municipal needs before it drains into the Babuyan channel.  It has three major tributaries; the Elogan River which drains a major portion of the eastern watersheds, the Magat River which drains the southern portions and the Chico river which drains most of the north-western areas.The Pacific Ocean skirts the last coast and rest its waves on the foot of the Sierra Madre on the eastern side.  Temperature is distinctly tropical and the northern portion has a high precipitation due to the exposure of the northeastern air movements.  The region is composed of the distant but esoteric Batanes; the lustrous and fertile valley provinces of Cagayan, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya and the predominantly mountainous but equally promising Quirino.  Cagayan Valley abounds with the natural resources and exudes the development potentials.  It consists of rich agricultural areas, forestlands and grasslands, inland and marine resources.By virtue of Executive Order No. 192 dated June 10, 1987, five (5)  Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) and sixteen (16) Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) were created under the administrative jurisdiction of Region 02. These are:  PENROs Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya; and CENROs Aparri, Alcala, Sanchez Mira, Solana and Tuguegarao, Cagayan; Cabagan, Naguilian, Cauayan, San Isidro, Roxas and Palanan, Isabela; Diffun and Nagtipunan, Quirino; and Bayombong, Aritao and Dupax, Nueva Vizcaya.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had its beginnings in the old Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). In May 1974, the DANR was split into two departments through P.D. 461 in recognition that natural resources and agriculture are broad and differing concerns. As such, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was mandated to ensure the conservation, optimum, utilization, and programmed exploitation of the country's natural wealth including the aquatic resources. With the shift to a parliamentary form of government in 1978, the DNR became the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). In 1984, by virtue of Executive Order No. 697, the management of fisheries

sector through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), was transferred from the MNR to the Minitry of Agriculture.

The events of February 1986 brought social awareness among the Filipino people that altered the character of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The creation of DENR under Executive Order No. 131 on January 30, 1987 and the issuance of Executive Order 192 on June 10, 1987 better known as the "Reorganization Act of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources" brought a radical shift in the Department's structure and functions. Pursuant to the Executive Order, the DENR became the primary government agency responsible for the conservation, development and optimum use of the natural resources as well as the protection and development of a sustainable environmental management system for the benefit and welfare of the Filipino people.

The approval of the Philippine Mining Act or R.A. 7945 and implementation of DAO No. 97-11 brought changes to the structure of the Regional Office, relieving Mines and Geo-Sciences Sector from the Region and authorizing this Sector to perform line function.

Changes brought by the passing and approval of the Clean Air Act or R.A. 8749 mandating the Region's Environment Sector to operate as line Bureau. To date, an interim structure has been organized to cater to the needs and demands of constituents in the Mainland Provinces and Island Provinces.

Implementation of DAO 99-14 dated May 05, 1999 provided for the redefinition of functions and realignment of administrative units in the Regional and Field Offices. DAO 99-52 dated December 15, 1999 prescribed a detailed defenition of functions for the realigned regional divisions that finally spelled-out the development and reforms initiatives.

DENR Region 2 is presently located at #14 Dalan Na Pagayaya corner Angicacua, Regional Government Center, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City. It covers five provinces (Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and the island province of Batanes), four (4) cities (Tuguegarao in Cagayan and Ilagan, Cauayan and Santiago in Isabela) and 89 municipalities and 2,311 barangays. Bounded by three mountain ranges, the Sierra Madre Mountains on the east, Cordillera Mountains on the west, and the Caraballo Mountains on the south, it is criss-crossed by the historical Cagayan River, the longest river and the largest basin in the country. The Cagayan River has a total stretch of about 410 kilometers, a drainage area of 2,811,000 hectares and 1,200,000 ha of major ground water resources.

The province of Cagayan, with 28 municipalities and one city is served by one Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and four Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) located in  Solana, Alcala, Aparri and Sanchez Mira.

Its nearby province, Isabela, has 35 municipalities and three cities which are served by one PENRO and five CENROs located in Cabagan, Naguilian, San Isidro, Cauayan, and Palanan.

The province of Nueva Vizcaya, served by one PENRO and two CENROs located in  Aritao, and Dupax Del Norte has 15 municipalities.

Quirino province with six municipalities has one PENRO and two CENROs in Diffun and Nagtipunan. And the island province of Batanes, with six municipalities is being served by a PENRO only.

 

Region 3

Regional Profile

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Central Luzon is a combination of towering mountains, extinct and active volcanoes, lush, verdant farmlands, and natural sea harbors. It is one of the leading growth regions in the Philippines, strategically located at the heart of Asia. Region III lies between Manila and Northern Luzon. It is composed of seven provinces, twelve cities and 118 municipalities. Its 7 provinces are Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales. Its 12 cities are Balanga from Bataan, Malolos and San Jose del Monte from Bulacan, Cabanatuan, Gapan, Muñoz, Palayan and San Jose from Nueva Ecija; Angeles and San Fernando from Pampanga, Tarlac from Tarlac; and Olongapo from Zambales.

It includes all land area north of Manila Bay from the tip of Bataan peninsula on the west, and all the lands north of the Caraballo mountains on the east. It is the longest contiguous area of lowlands, and is otherwise known as the Central Plains of Luzon. The region produces one third of the country’s total rice production, thus is also called the Rice Granary of the Philippines.

Located adjacent to the National Capital Region (NCR), it has benefited from the “spillover” from Metro Manila. It is a part of the National Industrial Core Region, together with NCR and Region IV or the Southern Tagalog Region. The Core Region contributed 70% of manufacturing value added in 1988. It has emerged as an alternative area for investment to Region IV, but is still overcoming the effects of the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991.

Only 66 kilometers away from Metro Manila, Central Luzon contains the largest plain in the country and is the gateway to the Northern Luzon regions. It covers a total land area of 21,470 square kilometers. The City of San Fernando, in Pampanga, is the regional center. Aurora was transferred from Region IV to Region III through Executive Order No. 103 in 2002.

In terms of population, Region III was the third largest region, containing 10.50 percent of the 76.5 million human beings of the country as recorded in Census 2000. Located at the crossroads of Asia-Pacific, Central Luzon is one of the dynamic and vibrant regions in the Philippines. It caters to European and American business organizations desiring to penetrate Asia.

HISTORY

Central Luzon also has its share of colorful history. Malolos, Bulacan was the place where the first constitution of an independent Philippines was promulgated on January 21, 1899. Tarlac town became the seat of the Philippine government for one month in March 1899, when Pres. Aguinaldo left Bulacan to escape approaching US forces.

TRAVEL TIME

The travel time to Malolos by land from Metro Manila is 42 minutes. The travel time to Clark Special Economic Zone is one hour and 44 minutes by land from Metro Manila. The City of San Fernando in Pampanga, is one hour and six minutes by land from Metro Manila. Olongapo City and its adjacent Subic Bay Freeport Zone by land from Metro Manila is two hours and five minutes.

POPULATION

The population of Central Luzon Region on January 1st 2010 is approximately 9,793,184. (Extrapolated from a population of 8,204,742 on May 24th 2008 and a population of 9,720,982 on February 28th 2010.) The region has the highest urban population ratio (60.3%) to total population.

There are three areas of urban population concentration: (a) areas in Bulacan along highways leading from Metro Manila; (b) San Fernando-Angeles City-Mabalacat corridor area; (c) Subic - Dinalupihan area. The total urban population in these areas is over 2 million, over half of the total urban population in Central Luzon.

Human resources in the region are better prepared in terms of a higher participation rate at the primary and secondary levels of education. The participation rate of Central Luzon is 94.2% and 86.1%, respectively, as compared to the national average of 85.7% and 66.1% in SY 1992- 93. There are comparatively more non-government organizations, cooperatives and people’s organizations in the region.

CLIMATE

Dry season in the Region is from November to May. Rains normally occur during the months of July to October.

LAND USE AND FORESTRY

Region III covers a total land area of 2,147,036 hectares. Of this, 1,204,649 hectares are alienable & disposable lands (A&D) and 942,387 hectares are forest lands. Forty-one percent (41%) of the A&D lands are agricultural plains, with rice as the major crop. The region also produces corn, banana, fruits, and vegetables.

Forest land comprises 43.89% of the region’s total land area. Based on the 2011 Philippine Forestry Statistics, the region has a total forest cover of 589,495 hectares, mostly concentrated in the provinces of Aurora and Zambales.

As of 2012, a total of 120 Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Agreements have been issued by the DENR in Region 3 placing under community stewardship 66,822.63 hectares of forestland, benefitting 120 people’s organizations and 10,454 households.

The CBFM is a government strategy which “gives the management of forests back to the people.”  It offers long-term security of tenure to partner-communities and promotes an integrated approach to sustainable forest resource management.

The Region also implements the National Greening Program (NGP), a flagship program of President Benigno S. Aquino III which aims to plant 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of denuded areas in the country from 2011-2016. 

In 2012 alone, Region 3 was able to rehabilitate 15,751 hectares of open and denuded lands through massive tree planting involving business and industry groups, socio-civic and people’s organizations, academe and other government agencies, including media and faith-based organizations.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Central Luzon is rich in timber and mineral resources (both metallic and non-metallic). Aurora is known for its timber; Zambales for its refractory chromite, copper and nickel deposits; Tarlac for Manganese; Bulacan for marble; Pampanga for sand and gravel; and Nueva Ecija for feldspar. 

Fertile rice lands, melon patches and fishponds can also be found along rivers and tributaries.  Region III accounts for the third largest aquaculture production in the Philippines. Aurora’s 332-kilometer coastline and Zambales’ 272 kilometers are teeming with marine resources. 

WILDLIFE

The three-layered virgin forest of Subic Bay and Bataan is home to the world's largest bats: the giant flying fox (Acerodon jubatus) and the golden crown flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus). Over the years, these two species of giant fruit bats have roamed the 10,000-hectare Subic Watershed and Forest Reserve, which is among the world’s largest roosting sites for bats.  An ordinary giant flying fox weighs up to 2.5 pounds (1.1 kilograms) which is heavier than the golden crown flying fox. The golden crown, however, is the largest of all bats with wingspan measuring up to six feet. In Zambales, the 17,000-hectare Mt. Tapulao is home to species of murrid rodents, the Rhyncomys tapulao and Apomys brownorum. These rodents can only be found in Mt. Tapulao.

Seven insectivorous bats were recorded in Mt. Tapulao, three of which are endemic to the Philippines -- the yellow-faced horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus virgo), large-eared horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus philippinensis), and the orange-fingered myotis (Myotis rufopictus).

PROTECTED AREAS

Central Luzon has 24 sites included in the initial components of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), consisting of eight national parks, one bird/fish sanctuary, and 15 watershed forest reserves.

Of these, the following have already been proclaimed as protected areas: Roosevelt National Park (Bataan), Dinadiawan River (Aurora), Amro River (Aurora), Talaytay River (Aurora), Simbahan-Talagas River (Aurora), and Masinloc & Oyon Bays Marine Reserve (Zambales).

FACILITIES

Region III is an important trading center and transportation terminal for products. Land travel is facilitated by a network of well-paved and extensive highways and roads linking all municipalities within the region. An extensive railway system is planned to be built linking Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Pampanga and Manila. The two former U.S. bases, the Clark Air Force Base in Pampanga and Subic Naval Base in Zambales, are now special economic zones. There are two international airports in the region: Clark International Airport (now Diosdado Macapagal International Airport) and Subic International Airport. Port facilities facilitate trade with other areas in the Asia-Pacific region such as Hongkong, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Central Luzon is well provided with communication facilities. Its provinces have adequate supply of electricity and potable water. Big markets, recreational facilities, and educational and financial institutions service the needs of the populace.

URBAN CENTERS

The major trading centers in the region are Olongapo in Zambales, Angeles City and San Fernando in Pampanga; Cabanatuan and San Jose in Nueva Ecija; Balanga in Bataan province, Tarlac City, Tarlac and Malolos, Bulacan.

DENR JURISDICTION

Seven Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) and sixteen (16) Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) are serving the mandate of the DENR in Region 3. These are: PENROs Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales; and CENROs Casiguran, Baler, Dingalan, Dinalupihan, Bagac, Tabang, San Rafael, Cabanatuan, Talavera, Munoz, Arayat, Tarlac City, Camiling, Olongapo, Botolan, and Masinloc.

Region 4a

Physical and Socio-Economic Profile

 

 LOCATION AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISION 

The region is

located in south-western part of Luzon, just south and east of Metro Manila, on the east by the Philippine Sea and Bicol Region, on the south by Verde Island Passage, and on the west by Luzon Sea. It is practically accessible via all types of land transportation.

CALABARZON consists of five (5) provinces, 21 congressional districts, 17 cities, 125 municipalities, and 4,011 barangays. The thirteen (13) cities of the region are: Bacoor City (Cavite); Cavite City (Cavite); Imus City (Cavite); Trece Martirez City (Cavite); Tagaytay City (Cavite); Dasmariñas City (Cavite); City of Biñan (Laguna); Cabuyao City (Laguna); Calamba City (Laguna); San Pablo City (Laguna); Sta. Rosa City (Laguna); Batangas City (Batangas); Lipa City (Batangas); Tanauan City (Batangas); Antipolo City (Rizal); Lucena City (Quezon); and Tayabas City (Quezon). Quezon province has the most number of municipalities and barangays while Rizal province has the least.

 

 TOPOGRAPHY AND SLOPE 

CALABARZON has varied land forms, consisting of flat coastal areas, upland interior areas of slightly moderate rolling or undulating plains and hills, and mountains. Almost sixty percent of the region’s land area has a slope ranging from 0-18. Slope distribution by province is presented below.

 DISTRIBUTION OF SLOPE RANGE BY PROVINCE (IN HECTARE)       

Province

Level to nearly level

(0-3%)

Gently sloping to undulating

(3-8%)

Moderately sloping to

rolling

(8-18%)

Strongly sloping to

moderately steep

(18-30%)

Steep hills and

mountains

(30-50%)

Very steep hills and

mountains

(>50%)

Total

 Region 248,356   189,330  531,583   47,658  215,538    390,396  1,622,861  

 Batangas 25,253   54,624   118,490   12,810  17,750    87,654  316,581  

 Cavite 26,603   30,438   40,330   7,644  6,154    17,586  128,755  

 Laguna 47,194   24,460   50,487   10,558  18,658    24,616  175,973  

 Quezon 141,976   73,360   289,044   16,314  139,026    210,940  870,660  

 Rizal 7,330   6,448   33,232   332  33,950    49,600  130,892  

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF REGION IV-A

Province Provincial CapitalNumber

Congressional Districts Cities Municipalities Barangays

 Cavite  Trece Martirez City  7  6  17  829 

 Laguna  Sta. Cruz 4  5  25  674 

 Batangas  Batangas City 4  3  31  1,078 

 Rizal  Antipolo City 1  1  13  188 

 Quezon  Lucena City 4  2  39  1,242 

  Total  21   17   125   4,011 

 % to Total Land Area

 15%   12%   33%   3%  13%    24%  100%  

 Source: NEDA-CALABARZON, Regional Physical Framework Plan

Batangas’ lands are mostly elevated; rolling hills, small low flat lands with scattered mountainous areas. Cavite province is characterized by rolling hinterlands punctuated by hills, with shoreland fronting Manila Bay at sea level, and rugged portion at the boundary of Batangas where Dos Picos mountains are located.

Situated at the southern end of the province of Rizal, Laguna is considered as an inland province, as most of its northwestern portion is along Laguna de Bay. It is characterized with rugged terrain, from level to steep slope. The province of Quezon, on the other hand has a rugged terrain with few plains, valleys and swamps. The undulating lowlands along the coast are well drained. The province is very narrow, with average width of about 30 kilometers.

Rizal province’s topography is a combination of valleys and mountains, with flat low-lying areas on the western portion, rugged ridges and rolling hills which form part of the Sierra Madre ranges in the eastern portion.

 

 

 DEMOGRAPHY AND ECONOMIC PROFILE 

POPULATION AND POPULATION GROWTH RATE IN CALABARZON FROM YEAR 2000-2007

Province Land Area Population Population Growth Rate

 Region 1,622,861  11,757,755  3.25 

 Cavite 128,755  2,856,765  4.59 

 Laguna 175,973  2,473,530  3.22 

 Batangas 316,581  2,245,869  2.29 

 Rizal 130,892  2,298,691  2.03 

 Quezon 870,660  1,882,900  4.19 

 Source: NSO CY 2007 Census of Population

Based on 2007 Census of Population, CALABARZON now has 11.7 million residents, the largest in the country. It is the second most densely populated region with 709 people per square kilometer. Among the five provinces, Cavite has the biggest population, followed by Rizal province. In terms of population growth rate, the region has 3.25% from the period of 2000-2007. The province of Batangas has an average population growth rate of 2.29%, Cavite with 4.59%, Laguna with 3.22%, Quezon has an average of 2.03%, and Rizal with 4.19%. As projected by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), it is expected that by year 2025, the population within Region IV-A will increase up to 16 million.

Per 2009 Gross Regional Domestic Product, CALABARZON’s economy suffered a reversal of 1.6% in Year 2009 from a 1.9% growth in Year 2008 as the Industry and Agriculture, Fishery, and Forestry (AFF) sectors laid-out negative growth rates while services decelerated. The largest share of the region’s economy in 2009 was from the Service sector with 42.9%, even higher than its share of 41.5% the previous year. The share of the Industry sector, on the other hand, was 38.3% , lower than its previous

share of 39.7 percent. The AFF’s share of 18.8% was a slight increase of its 18.7% share the previous year.

 

 CLIMATE 

Intense variability in climate is currently being experienced all over the country. As a general information, Region IV-A has all the four (4) types of climate: Type I-with two pronounced seasons, dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year; Type II-no dry season with a very pronounced rainfall from November to April and wet during the rest of the year; Type III-seasons are not very pronounced, relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year; and Type IV-rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. The province of Cavite has two (2) distinct seasons: wet from May to November and dry from December to April. Laguna is relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year, specifically in the small portion near the southern boundary. The eastern and southern portions of Laguna province have no distinct season but with evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year.

The province of Batangas also has two (2) distinct seasons: dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. On the other hand, the province of Rizal is relatively dry from December to May and wet during the rest of the year.

Quezon province has three (3) climatic types: no dry season with very pronounced rainfall from November to January and wet during the rest of the year; not very pronounced season and relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year; and more or less evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year.

State of Region's ENR

 

  ENVIRONMENT  

On Air Quality

It is the DENR’s mandate to ensure good condition of air relative to the requirement of all biotic species. There are three (3) classifications of sources of air pollution: a) stationary source-any building or immobile structure, facility or installation which emits or may emit any air pollutant; b) mobile source-any vehicle/machine propelled by or through oxidation or reduction reactions including combustion of carbon-based or other fuel, constructed and operated principally for the conveyance of persons or the transportation of property or goods that emit air pollutants as a reaction product; and c) area source-relatively large areas of specific activities that generate significant amounts of air pollutants (DENR-EMB, 2009).

Air pollution seems not to be a problem in the Region, except on few areas with industries, heavy vehicular traffic, and some open dumpsites.

Under the Linis-Hangin Program, vehicles are being

tested for emission. A number of establishments/industrial firms with Air Pollution Source Equipments (APSE) are being inspected yearly. Also, more than 30 Private Emission Testing Centers (PETC’s) are being monitored in close coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Based on the 2009 National Air Quality Status Report of the EMB, from the period of 2004 to 2007, the Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) level, particularly in Cavite was within the standard for ambient air quality, which is below 230 ug/Ncm and even experienced a decreasing trend: 84 ug/Ncm (2004); 62 ug/Ncm (2005); 59 ug/Ncm (2006); and 46 ug/Ncm (2007). In CY 2010, there exist two (2) sampling stations for ambient air quality monitoring. These are located in Batangas City, Batangas and Lucena City in Quezon. The sampling station in Cavite back then was damaged. The recorded TSP level in Batangas and Quezon were within the standard for ambient air quality. For Batangas, TSP is at its peak on January 2010 while Quezon is on July 2010.

 

  NATURAL RESOURCES  

Water Resources

Water is an essential element of life. Every ecosystem depends on water for survival. There are critical links in improving water resources management, access to water supply and sanitation, poverty reduction, hunger mitigation, improved health and education, gender equality and environmental sustainability (NWRB, 2006).

Rivers, Lakes

CALABARZON is endowed with abundant water resources. It has nine (9) lakes, of which seven (7) are found in San Pablo City, Laguna: the Bunot; Calibato; Mohicap; Palakpakin; Pandin; Sampalok; and Yambu. Almost 12% of the total Lake area of these seven lakes is utilized for aquaculture. The two (2) other lakes are Laguna and Taal Lakes. Laguna Lake is the country’s largest lake with a total area of 3,813.2 sq km and is also one of the largest lakes in Southeast Asia.

Pursuant to DENR Administrative Order No. 1990-34 and in accordance with the Manual of Procedure for Water Classification, several rivers within the Region were already evaluated and classified. Table-1 provides for the lists of evaluated and classified water bodies with corresponding descriptions of classification.

Several environmental reports revealed that the main source of water pollution in the Region is domestic wastes. To ensure that major water bodies are in safe and satisfactory condition

according to their best usage, seven (7) lakes were assessed by the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) from the period of 1996 to 2005 (see Table-2).

In support to the reduction of pollution within Taal Lake, dismantling of illegal structures along the said Lake has started since CY 2009. The Pansipit River has been cleared of all existing illegally established aquaculture structures. In CY 2010, continuous inventory of existing aquacultures has been conducted. It was noted that there were 7,093 floating structures (bamboo, steel, PVC) within municipalities of San Nicolas, Talisay, Laurel, and Agoncillo in Batangas.

Also, during CY 2010, four (4) major rivers have undergone assessment under the Sagip-Ilog Program of the EMB: the Imus River; Cañas River; Ylang-Ylang River; and Pansipit River. These rivers were classified under the Class C category of water bodies. Per assessment, Imus and Ylang-Ylang Rivers were no longer suitable for fishery purposes and need immediate rehabilitation.

On the other hand, Cañas and Pansipit Rivers passed the criteria for Class C in terms of BOD, DO, and pH concentrations. Under the Beach Watch Program, it is unfortunate that all beaches monitored in CY 2010 within the province of Cavite failed the standard fecal coliform requirement.

Bays

There are also Bays in the region; the Manila Bay covering the province Cavite; the Balayan and adjacent Bay in Batangas; Laguna de Bay covering the province of Laguna and portions of Rizal; and the Tayabas Bay in Quezon. Based on December 2010 Monthly Water Quality Report of LLDA, there were improvements in the status of water quality within Central West, East, Central, and Northern West portions of Laguna de Bay and within Bay, Tanay, and Morong Rivers. On the other hand, worse cases were noted within Marikina, Mangangate, Tunasan, San Pedro, Cabuyao, San Cristobal, San Juan Rivers, and Sapang Baho Rivers.

Watersheds

To date, there are fourteen (14) Proclaimed Watershed Forest Reserve (see Table 3)and twenty-four (24) critical watersheds supporting the National Irrigation System (NIS).

Figure 1 provides the groundwater availability within

CALABARZON. Portions that receive water from some of the Kanan and Infanta Watershed tributaries, specifically covering the municipality of Infanta, Quezon are characterized with extensive and highly productive aquifers while portions that receive water from watershed areas covered by Proclamation 1636 and from some of Umiray, Kanan, Upper Marikina River Basin, Pamitinan, Hinulugang Taktak, Masungi Rock, and other major watershed tributaries covering municipalities of Rodriguez, Antipolo, San Mateo, Baras, Tanay, Pililia, and Jala-jala in Rizal and Talim Island, Mauban and Atimonan in Quezon, Cuenca, Lipa, and Nasugbu in Batangas, Bay, Los Baños, and Victoria in Laguna municipalities have no significant groundwater productivity.

 

Land

Land is considered as the principal instrument in fostering social justice, development, provision of decent dwellings, and health conditions (UN, 1976).

CALABARZON has a total land area of 1,622,861 hectares or 5.4% of the country’s total land area. Per available data, 64.82% is certified Alienable and Disposable, 33.88% is classified forest land, and 1.30% is unclassified forestland (Table 4). As of CY 2010, more than 100,000 hectares have been distributed to qualified individuals for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes under the Land Distribution Program of the DENR.

Land resource quality in the Region has been decreasing due to erosion, deforestation, and land conversion. Moreover, the changing weather patterns during the past years have brought prolonged droughts and excessive rains. These certainly affect productivity of the land, including quality of surface water. Lower yields in crops and poor survival of plantations are to be expected.

The Bureau of Soils and Water Management came up with Land Degradation Assessment and identified soil erosion hotspot covering a total of 238,153.84 hectares within the Region. Per Landslide Susceptibility Map produced by the Decision and Support Services Office (DSSO) of DENR Region IV-A in January of CY 2011, large portion of Rizal is highly susceptible to landslide, while bigger portions of lands within Cavite and Batangas have low susceptibility (see Figure 2).

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture -Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (DA-BAS) CY 2010 database provides a total of 438,673 hectares of land or 27% of the total land area of the Region are planted to coconut. Out of this, 74% is within the province of Quezon. The establishment of coconut plantations increased by 28% since 2005. With increasing trend, this could in turn limit the so-called ecological productivity of the land.

The DENR Region IV-A is currently conducting an Inventory of CARP Scope (ICS) in order to come-up with the latest status of land within the Region. This information will be very useful in the identification of potential sites for developmental and land management and distribution programs of the Department.

 

Forests

Forests are vital for the well-being of all living organisms. They serve as habitat for biodiversity and source of livelihood for human beings. It is not possible to mention in just few words the importance of forests in order to justify the need for their proper management.

Forestlands cover a total of 570, 913 hectares or 35% of the total land area of the Region. The CY 2009 Philippine Forestry Statistics provides that the total forest cover of the Region is 289,673 hectares, of which 56% is Open Forest, 40% Closed/Broad-leaved, and 4% Mangrove Forest (Table 5).

Since 2001, a total of 5,769.67 hectares were already reforested under the Community-Based Forest Management, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management, Protected Area Management, and Coastal and Marine Resources Management Programs of the Department . Meanwhile, a total of 37,743.91 hectares or 7% of the total forestlands are under the management of various Peoples Organizations and Associations per issued tenurial instruments such as Community-based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA), Socialized Industrial Forest Management Agreement (SIFMA), Industrial Forest Management Agreement (IFMA), Private Forest Development Agreement (PFDA), Forestland Grazing Management Agreement (FLGMA), Tree Farm Lease Agreement (TFLA), and Industrial Tree Plantation License Agreement (ITPLA).

 

Biodiversity

"Biological diversity" means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part: this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems (UN-CBD, 1992). It plays an important role in ecosystem functions and in the many services that ecosystems provide such as water and nutrient cycling, soil formation and retention, resistance against invasive/alien species, plant food production and pollination, climate, including pests and pollution control. It enriches ones lives in ways that are not easy to quantify. Biodiversity loss is a significant issue not just for scientists but also for planners and policy-makers.

CALABARZON is a home to diverse flora and fauna. Some endemic species that can be found in the region include the following: Philippine Teak (Tectona philippinensis); Malabayabas (Tristanopsis decorticata), Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys), Maliputo (Caranx ignobilis), Tawilis (Sardinella tawilis), and Mouse-like mammal. Among the dominant forest tree species are Kamagong (Diospyros blancoi), White Lauan (Shorea contorta), Red Lauan (Shorea negrosensis), Guijo (Shorea guijo), and Pili (Canarium ovatum). A study conducted by the Professional Environmental Management Company (PEMC) in 1995 revealed that there are 123 species of wildlife within the Region; (76) birds; (21) reptiles; (16) mammals ; and (10) amphibians.

In 2004, a total of 35 animal species were classified as threatened. As part of ecosystem management and habitat restoration, nine (9) protected areas covering a total of 104,997.85 hectares were already proclaimed as Protected Landscapes. These PA’s are being developed/reforested and monitored in terms of the number of biodiversity species and occupants . As targeted in CY 2010, Mts. Palay-Palay/Mataas na Gulod Protected Landscape exhibited a decrease in number of some wildlings of flora species. In Quezon Protected Landscape, report revealed that there was a significant increase in the number of wildlife species as compared to CY 2009. More than 50% of some species emerged per observation on established Transect Routes.

The Region is fortunate to cover portions of

the Verde Island Passage Marine Biodiversity Conservation Corridor, one of the richest fishing grounds and top tourist destinations in the country (see Figure 3). Per survey in 2006, several cetacean species were identified thriving in the area with the Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) having the highest number of sightings. The following species were also identified: spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) spotted dolphin (S. attenuata), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and Fraser’s dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei). Skeletal remains of a stranded dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) were also found which may indicate the presence of the species in the area (Conservation International). In its effort to properly manage and conserve this biodiversity hotspot, the DENR Region IV-A crafted and finalized a Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor Management Plan, for adoption by the concerned local government units (LGU’s). Moreover, the conduct of surveillance and inventory of illegal structures revealed that there were informal settlers (Badjaos from Mindanao), dumpsites, and proliferation of residential and commercial establishments in the area.

The Region also has varied and diverse coastal resources that provide food and employment for a majority of its populace. Table 6 provides the latest inventory of coral reefs in selected sanctuaries and fish reserves within CALABARZON. The presence of coral reefs is vital to the survival of fish and other marine creatures. Per DA-BAS database there is a relatively increasing trend in the aquaculture production from 2005 to 2010.

 

Minerals

The Region has a variety of mineral resources, both metallic and non-metallic. Among the metallic minerals are gold, copper, chromite, iron, manganese, and nickel while non-metallic includes andesite, basalt, clay, gravel, sand, marble, limestone, feldspar, and rock aggregates.

As provided by the MGB-Region IV-A in 2008, Batangas province has the highest potential for copper ore, gold, lead, and clay. Moreover, Batangas is the only province with barite and gypsum. On the other hand, Rizal province reportedly has the highest potential in terms of iron, limestone, shale/silica, and concrete aggregate/sand gravel,

The probability of occurrences of mineral deposits with economic potentials within Cavite is considered unlikely. The only mineral deposits of commercial value in the area are volcanic rocks such as basalt and andesite. Quezon province is the second highest in terms of availability of copper ore, gold, and limestone.

As of July 2011, more than 30,000 hectares are being excavated for sand and gravel, and explored for gold, copper, silica, zinc, basalt, andesite, limestone, etc. content within Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, and Laguna provinces.

Region 4B

REGIONAL PROFILE

 

MIMAROPA Region (Region IV-B) is comprised of five (5) island provinces of Southern Luzon, namely: Mindoro (Occidental and Oriental), Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan. Carved out of the former Southern Tagalog Region, MIMAROPA was created through Executive Order No. 103 promulgated on 17 May 2002.

The Region has a total land area of 2,745,601 hectares, broken down into 992,317 hectares of Alienable and Disposable (Agricultural) Lands and 1,753,284 hectares of Classified Forestlands. The total forest area regardless of land classification for the entire Region is 1,195,144 hectares (CY 2003 Forestry Statistics).

MIMAROPA is probably the most biologically significant region in the country in terms of richness in both terrestirial and marine species diversity. Located in the Region are nineteen (18) National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) sites occupying a total land area of 1,614,578.63  hectares.  It is home to a number of wildlife species found only in the islands including the Tamaraw, Calamian deer, Palawan flying fox, Mindoro imperial pigeon, Mindoro bleeding heart, Palawan hornbill, Mindoro hornbill, Black hooded coucal, Scarlet collared flowerpecker, Palawan peacock pheasant, among others.

MIMAROPA boasts of a long coastline totaling 6,428 kilometers which is 17.7% of the country’s total coastline of 36,289 km. It is made up of twelve (12) main islands, namely: Marinduque, Mindoro & Lubang, Romblon, Tablas & Sibuyan, Palawan, Dumaran, Coron, Culion, Balabac & Linapacan,  It is one of two (2) Regions sharing no land border with another Region, the other one being Region VIII (Eastern Visayas). The entire MIMAROPA area is also part of the Coral Triangle Initiative (Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia)

MIMAROPA is also rich in mineral resources. Important metallic minerals that can be found include copper, gold, silver, iron, lead, zinc, molybdenum, pyrite, manganese, nickel, chromite, cobalt, mercury and chromium. Non-metallics are: coal, asbestos, guano and phosphates, red and white clay, marble, barite, jade and silica.

The Regional Office of DENR-MIMAROPA is presently situated at the L&S Bldg, 1515 Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila. DENR-MIMAROPA has five (5) Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) located in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro; Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro; Boac, Marinduque; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Odiongan, Romblon. Its Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) are found in Mamburao, Sablayan and San Jose (Occidental Mindoro); Calapan City, Socorro and Roxas (Oriental Mindoro); Boac (Marinduque); Puerto Princesa City, Roxas, Taytay, Coron, Narra, Quezon and Brooke’s Point (Palawan); and Odiongan (Romblon).

Region 5

BICOL REGIONAL PROFILE

 Region 5 (Bicol Region) is best known for being the home of the world's largest fish - the butanding (whale shark) and the majestic Mayon Volcano. It also has the other beautiful natural features like mountains, waterfalls with lush vegetation, and beaches that have grown famous for water sports activities.

The region is located in the southermost tip of Luzon Island. It is bounded by Lamon Bay to the north, Pacific Ocean to the east, and Sibuyan Sea and Ragay Gulf to the west. The northernmost province, Camarines Norte, is bordered to the northby the province of Quezon, thereby connecting the region to the rest of Luzon.

The Bicol Region is composed of six (6) provinces: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, and the island-provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate. It has one (1) independent component city - Naga City, and six (6) component cities: Iriga, Legazpi, Tabaco, Ligao, Masbate City, and Sorsogon City.

POPULATION

Per 2010 census, Region 5 has a total population of 5,109,798. The region's population density in 2010 was 299 persons per square kilometer.

LAND USE AND FORESTRY

The Bicol Region has a total land area of 1,763,250 hectares, of which 541,189 hectares are established as forestland and 1,238,091 hectares are alienable & disposable lands. Per 2011 Philippine Forestry Statistics, it has a total forest cover of 156,476 hectares.

As of 2011, a total of 83 Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Agreements were signed by the DENR in the region involving 47,926 hectares of forestland, and benefitting 12,328 households and 83 people's organizations. The CBFM is agovernment strategy which "gives the management of forests back to the people." It offers long-term security of tenure to partner-communities and promotes an integrated approach to sustainable forest resource management.

The region also participated in the National Greening Program, a flagship program of President Benigno S. Aquino III which aims to reforest the entire Philippines within 2011-2016. In 2011 alone, Region 5 was able to rehabilitate 6,080 hectares of open and denuded lands by conducting massive tree planting activities involving its citizens, thereby expecting to increase the region's forest cover. 

Bicol Region has a large amount of rich flat land, and agriculture is the largest component of the economy, followed by commercial fishing. Coconuts, abaca, banana, coffee and jackfruit are the top five permanent crops in the region. Rice and corn are among the chief seasonal crops. Mining is also one of the contributors to the region's economy.

GEOLOGY

Bicol Region is volvanic in origin and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Volcanism is evident by the number of hot springs, crater lakes, and volcanoes that dot the region starting from Mount Labo in Camarines Norte to the Gate Mountains in Matnog, Sorsogon. Mayon Volcano is the most prominent of the volcanoes in the region, famous for its perfect conical shape and for being the most active in the country. Other volcanoes include Bulusan Volcano, Mount Isarog, Mount Iriga, Mount Malinao, Mount Masaraga, and the Pocdol Mountains.

MINERAL RESOURCES

The region is endowed with rich mineral resources, which include gold, copper, guano, rock phosphate, marble, silver, lead and manganese.

WILDLIFE

The Bicol Region is home to both the world's largest and smallest fishes.

Donsol, a fishing town in Sorsogon province, serves as a sanctuary to a group of 40 whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), which are considered as the largest fish in the world. Locally known as "butanding", whale sharks visit the waters of Donsol from November to May. They travel across the oceans but nowhere else have they been sighted in a larger group the in the waters of Sorsogon. They measure between 18 to 40 feet in length and weight about 20 tons.

Despite the enormous size and the popular misconceptions about all sharks being "man-eaters", this species does not pose any significant danger to humans. In fact, they are quite gentle and can be playful with divers. Divers and snorkellers can swim with this giant fish without any risk apart from unintentionally being hit by the shark's large tail fin.

The world's smallest commercial fish, sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis), can be found only in Lakes Bato and Buhi in Camarines Sur province. Sinarapan is a goby which grows to an average length of 1.25 centimeters, just slightly longer than the dwarf goby. Today, unabated fishing in teh two lakes threatens the population of sinarapan.

Another species endemic to the region is the Isarog shrew-mouse, which inhabits in Mt. Isarog, Camarines Sur.

PROTECTED AREAS

The following sites in the region have been declared by law as protected areas and components of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS): the Malabungot Protected Landscape and Seascape (Garchitorena, Camarines Sur), Chico Island Wildlife Sanctuary (Cawayan, Masbate), Naro Island Wildlife Sanctuary (Cawayan, Masbate), Lagonoy Natural Biotic Area (Lagonoy, Camarines Sur), Abasig-Matogdon-Mananap Natural Biotic Area ( Camarines Norte), Bongsalay Natural Park (Batuan, Masbate), Mayon Volcano Natural Park

(Albay), Bicol Natural Park (Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur), Bulusan Volcano Natural Park (Sorsogon), and Mt. Isarog Natural Park (Camarines Sur).

DENR JURISDICTION

Six (6) Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) and eleven (11) Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) are serving the mandate of the DENR in Region 5. These are: PENROs Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Catanduanes; and CENROs Daet, Naga City, Iriga City, Goa, Sipocot, Legazpi City, Guinobatan, Sorsogon City, Mobo, San Jacinto, and Virac.

Region 6

Regional Profile

1.  Historical Background of the Region

Western Visayas covers the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz,  Guimaras,  Iloilo and Negros Occidental.  Except for Aklan and Guimaras, the four (4) provinces were created by virtue of Republic Act No. 2711 on March 10, 1917.  The province of Aklan was created on April 25, 1956 under Republic Act No. 1414 and Guimaras as a sub-province of Iloilo since 1966 became a province after the referendum on May 11, 1992.

Aklan is associated with a Datu Bendahara Kalantiaw who is believed to be the country’s first lawgiver.  The name of the province is also linked with the famous Ati-Atihan Festival held in the provincial capital of Kalibo.  This festival                commemorates a peace pact held in the 13th century between the aborigines and the early Malay immigrants.

Antique was considered as the “Home of the Sacadas” because it was a major source of migrant labor for the sugar cane fields of Negros Occidental.  Its name was derived from the word “Hamtic” after “hantic-hantic” meaning large ants that are abundant in the place.

The province of Capiz derived its name from the Visayan word “Kapid”   meaning twins,  which were born in the area.

Guimaras was formerly called Himal-us from the word "paghimud-us", meaning a struggle for survival.  In the early part of the Spanish regime, the name Himal-us was changed to Guimaras.

Iloilo was formerly called “Irong-irong” under Datu Paiburong in the confederation of Madiaas, first known organization of the barangays.

The province of Negros Occidental used to be called “Buglas” but the Spaniards changed it to Negros due to the predominant presence of Negritoes.

2.  Administrative Jurisdiction

The Western Visayas Region is located in Central Philippines and composed of six (6) provinces namely: Aklan,  Antique,  Capiz,  Iloilo,  Guimaras and Negros Occidental.  It is subdivided into 18 congressional districts.  The provinces of Aklan,  Antique and Guimaras each has one district; Capiz is composed of two districts; Iloilo Province has five districts; Negros Occidental has six districts; and the highly urbanized cities of Iloilo and Bacolod are distinct congressional districts.

Region 6 has sixteen (16) cities, one hundred seventeen (117) municipalities and four thousand fifty (4,050) barangays.  The Province of Negros Occidental has the highest number of cities at 13 including its capital, Bacolod City.  The province of Iloilo has two (2) cities including its capital, Iloilo City.  The lone city of the  Province of Capiz is its capital, Roxas City.

 3.  Physical Characteristics

a.  Land Area

The region has a total land area of 2,022,311 hectares or approximately 35.7 percent of the total land area of the Visayas and 6.7 percent of the Philippines.  The Province of Negros  Occidental is the biggest in terms of land area with 792,607   hectares which is almost 40% of the total area of the region.  Iloilo comes second with 471,940 hectares or 23%: Capiz with 263,317 hectares or 13%:  Antique with 252,201 hectares or 12%: Aklan with 181,789 hectares or 9% and Guimaras with 60,457 hectares or 3%.

Land Area Graph of Western Visayas

 b.  Land Classification 

Region 6 has a total land area of 2,022,311 hectares.  It is classified into Forestland covering an area of 656,539.22 hectares equivalent to 32% and Alienable and Disposable lands covering 1,365,771.78 hectares or around 68%. The Province of Aklan has a total area of 181,789 hectares of which 59% or 106,795 hectares are classified as A & D while 41% or 74,994 hectares are classified as Forestland. 

 

 For the Province of Antique, 133,566 hectares or 53% of its  total land area of 252,201 hectares are classified as A & D while 118,635 hectares or 47% are classified as Forestland. The total land area of the Province of Capiz is 263,317 hectares, of which, 64% or 169,547.27 hectares are classified as A & D and 36% or 93,769.73 hectares classified as Forestland. The Province of Iloilo has a total land area of 471,940 hectares.  Of this, 76% or 357,857 hectares are classified as A & D while 24% or 57,620.89  hectares are classified as Forestland. The Province of Negros Occidental has a total land area of 792,607  hectares of which 68% or 540,385.62 hectares are classified as A & D, while 32% or 252,221.38 hectares are classified as Forestland. c.  Forest Cover Based on 2005 data of Land Evaluation Party (LEP) – DENR 6, the forest cover is measured at 260,642.74 hectares or equivalent to 12.89 percent of the total land area of the region.  5.27% of the forest cover is classified as closed forest; 5.11% as open forest; 0.28% as plantation forest and 2.23% as mangrove forest. 

 Among the 6 provinces, Antique has the highest percent forest cover at 28.58% of its total land area or 72,022.25 hectares, followed by Aklan with 26.54% or 48,254.00 hectares. Capiz comes next with 11.47% or 30,208.27 hectares, Iloilo with 8.73% or 41,190.35 hectares, and Negros Occidental with 8.69% or 68,857.87 hectares.  Guimaras has the lowest percent forest cover at 0.18% of its total land area or 110 hectares.

 d.  Production and Protection Forests Of the total forestland area of 656,539.22 hectares of the region, 376,380.38 hectares or 57% accounts for production forest and 280,158.84 hectares or 43% are for protection forest. Province of Negros Occidental has the largest area for both protection and production forest at 104,877.06 and 147,344.00 hectares, respectively.  Province of Aklan has 46,650 hectares of protection forest and 8,344 hectares of production forest. Antique has 69,008.79 and 49,626.21, Capiz has 22,267 and 71,502, and Iloilo has an area of 37,355.99 and 76,727.01 hectares of protection and production forest respectively.  The province of Guimaras has 2,836.11 hectares only for production forest. e.  Watershed Areas At present, there are nine (9) proclaimed    Watershed Forest Reserves (WFRs) in the region, covering an aggregate area of 131,777 hectares. The Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve in Aklan has an area of 23,185 hectares located in the municipalities of Madalag and Libacao. 

 The proclaimed watersheds In the Province of Antique are the Mau-it-Tipulu-an River Watershed Forest Reserve and Dalanas River Watershed Forest Reserve with a  total area of 16,295     hectares located in the municipalities of Sibalom and Barbaza. 

 

  For the Province of Capiz, the Pan-ay River Watershed Forest Reserve is located at the Municipality of Tapaz with an area of 4,350 hectares. Two proclaimed watersheds are in the Province of Iloilo namely: Maasin Watershed Forest Reserve and the Jalaur River Watershed Forest Reserve with a total area of 15,378   hectares and located in the Municipalities of Maasin and Calinog.  The Province of Negros Occidental has three (3) watersheds namely: Bago River Watershed Forest Reserve, Ilog-Hilabangan Watershed Forest Reserve, and  Kabankalan Watershed Forest Reserve covering a total area of 72,569 hectares and  located in the Cities of Bago and San Carlos, Kabankalan and Himamaylan 

 

 

   f.  Protected Areas With the implementation of RA 7586 or the NIPAS Law of 1992, the region identified  twelve (12) areas as initial components that may be legislated into NIPAS.  These areas are being assessed and/or will be   assessed to determine the current biodiversity status as to their suitability into the new system and reclassified into different categories provided by the law or will be disestablished and placed under the different management regime. Among the twelve  (12) sites identified as initial components, three (3) were proclaimed following the procedures provided in the law, covering an approximate area of 62,059.07 hectares. Two (2) of these were enacted in CY 2001 namely: the Sagay Marine Reserve (Republic Act No. 9106 dated April 14, 2001) in the City of Sagay, Province of Negros Occidental  covering an area of 32,000.00  hectares and the Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park (Republic Act No. 9154 dated August 11, 2001)     located in the  Cities of Bago, La Carlota, and San Carlos and in the Municipalities of La Castellana and Murcia, Province of Negros Occidental, and in the City of Canlaon and Municipality of   Vallehermoso, Province of Negros Oriental and covers an area of 24,557.60 hectares. Additional NIPAS sites proclaimed were Northwest Panay

Peninsula found in Buruanga, Malay, Aklan and Pandan, Libertad, Antique covering an area of 12,009.29 and North Negros Natural Park located in the cities of Talisay, Victorias and Cadiz and in the municipalities of Murcia, Don Salvador Benedicto and Calatrava with an area of 80,454.50 while the designated buffer zone covers 169.00 hectares.

Region 7

 

Region 7 also called Central Visayas Region is composed of the islands of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor. Look for these provinces on the map of the Philippines. Central Visayas region is at the center of our country. It is bordered by the Visayan Sea and the province of Masbate in the north, Mindanao Sea in the south, Negros Occidental in the west and the island of Leyte in the east.

Location. As a whole, the region is hilly and mountainous. The famous Chocolate Hills looks like mounds of chocolate in the summer. Mt. Bolinsasayao and Kanlaon Volcano are but two of the mountains and volcanoes in the region. The flatlands of the region serve as the land for farming and other cottage industries. The region experiences little or no rainfall at all because of the mountains that serve as protection against the strong typhoons that other parts of the country get. But there are times that the region gets affected by strong typhoons.

Products and Livelihood. The land used for farming in the region is not as big as the other regions. Aside from palay, the farmers also plant corn, sugarcane, abaca, coconut, tobacco and root crops. They also subsist on fishing because most islands are surrounded by water. There are also a number of home industries in the region. The people manufacture bags, fans, placemats and other household things. The food industry is alive and well in the region; an assortment of biscuits and bread, chicharon and other food items that only the region can produce.

Do you know of food products that you can buy in the region?The mangoes of Cebu are also famous for its sweetness and size. Mangoes are harvested all year round These fruits are exported to other countries.

The center of commerce in the southern part of the Philippines is Cebu. Many foreigners establish their businesses there. This is one reason why the Mactan International Airport was constructed. Tourism plays a big part in the economic development of the region. The tourists flock to see the Shrine of Magellan's Cross in Cebu. Bohol's pride is the Chocolate Hills.

Oil is also being tapped in the region. It is believed that in the years to follow, the progress in the region would be greater if oil is properly drawn out and it will help in the needs of the country.

There are other natural resources waiting to be nurtured and used properly. Businessmen, both local and foreign, would be more than willing to put up their trade. The local and national economies would be a lot better if these plans would push through.

Quick Facts

GeographyCentral Visayas, or Region 7 is located at the center of Philippines, between the two main islands, Luzon and Mindanao. It comprises the islands of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor and the smaller Camotes group of islands, Bantayan and Panglao. Its borders are the Visayan Sea on the north, Bohol sea on the south, Leyte on the east and Negros Occidental on the west.

TopographyThe terrain is characterized by highlands with narrow coastal strips of arable land. Bohol, however, has a level plateau upon which its agricultural areas are concentrated. The region's total land is 14,951.5 sq. kms.

1. Negros Oriental Cebu Region VII Bohol Guimaras 2. Located in the center of the Philippines, between the two main islands, Luzon and Mindanao. It includes the islands of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor and the smaller Camotes group of islands, Bantayan and Panglao. The region also encompasses the cities of Bais, Cebu, Canlaon, Danao, Dumaguete, Lapu-Lapu (Opon), Mandaue, Tagbilaran and Toledo. Its borders are the Visayas sea on the north, Bohol sea on the south, Leyte on the east and Negros Occidental on the west. The terrain is characterized by highlands with narrow coastal strips of arable land. Bohol, however, has a level plateau upon which its agricultural areas are concentrated. The region’s total land area is 14,951.5 sq.kms. 3. POPULATION The region had a total population of 5,404,000 in 2000. Urbanization is highest in Cebu and lowest in Siquijor. The male numbered 2,291,637; the females 2,290,892. The region is predominantly rural with 2,730,972 residing in rural areas and 1,851,557 living in urban centers. CLIMATE The region has no pronounced climate. It has a short dry season from March to May. The rest of the year is relatively wet.

4. NATURAL RESOURCES Most of the region’s timberlands are denuded. Mineral resources, however, are abundant and account for one of the largest revenue sources of the region. These include silver, manganese, copper, gold, limestone, clay, silica and coal. Major crops are sugarcane, coconut, palay, corn and cassava. The waters surrounding the island provinces are well- known fishing grounds.

REGION 8

Eastern Visayas or Region VIII is composed of three main islands, Biliran, Leyte and Samar, connected by the famous San Juanico Bridge.  It consists of six provinces (Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar,  Leyte, and Southern Leyte) and seven cities

(Ormoc City, Baybay City, Maasin City, Calbayog City, Catbalogan City, Borongan City, and the regional center - Tacloban City).   

Region VIII lies on the east central part of the Philippine archipelago, directly facing the Pacific Ocean. 

POPULATION

Per 2010 census, the Eastern Visayas Region has a total population of 3,912,936.  Its population density in 2010 was 176 persons per square kilometer. 

LAND USE AND FORESTRY

The region has a total land area of 2,143,169 hectares, of which 1,118,214 hectares are established as forestland and 1,024,955 hectares are alienable & disposable lands.  Per 2011 Philippine Forestry Statistics, the region has a total forest cover of 519,848 hectares.

As of 2011, a total of 132 Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Agreements were signed by the DENR in the region involving 116,739 hectares of forestland, benefitting 14,405 households and 132 people’s organizations.  The CBFM is a government strategy which “gives the management of forests back to the people.”  It offers long-term security of tenure to partner-communities and promotes an integrated approach to sustainable forest resource management.

The region also participated in the National Greening Program, a flagship program of President Benigno S. Aquino III which aims to reforest the entire Philippines within 2011-2016.  In 2011 alone, Region VIII was able to rehabilitate 10,869 hectares of open and denuded lands by conducting massive tree planting activities involving its citizens, thereby expecting to increase the region’s forest cover.

Eastern Visayas is an agricultural region with rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, and banana as major crops.

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 a year round distribution of rainfall and a short period of dry season that is observed from February to May.  This type of climate is well exhibited in the western half of Leyte island and some portions of Northern Samar.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Region VIII is one of the fish exporting regions of the country.  Its sea and inland waters are rich sources of salt and fresh water fish and other marine products.   The region has abundant geothermal energy and water resources.  There are also substantial forest reserves in the interiors of the islands. Mineral resources that abound in the region are chromite, uranium (in Samar), gold, silver, manganese, magnesium, bronze, nickel, clay, coal, limestone, pyrite, and sand and gravel. 

PROTECTED AREAS

The following sites in Region VIII were declared by law as protected areas and components of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS): the Calbayog-Pan-As Hayiban Protected Landscape (in Samar), the Guiuan Protected Landscape/Seascape (in Eastern Samar), the Calbiga Caves Protected Landscape (in Samar), the Cuatro Islas Protected  Landscape/Seascape (in Leyte), the Biri Larosa Protected Landscape/Seascape (in Northern Samar), the Jicontol Natural Park (in Eastern Samar), the Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park (in Leyte), the Lake Danao Natural Park (in Leyte), the Samar Island Natural Park (in the Provinces of Samar, Eastern & Northern Samar), and the Taft Forest Philippine Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary (in Eastern Samar).

DENR JURISDICTION

The Regional Office of DENR-REGION VIII  has six (6) Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) located in Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar.  Its Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) are in Palo, Albuera, Baybay, Maasin, San Juan, Catbalogan, Sta. Rita, Borongan, Dolores, Catarman, and Pambujan.

                                                                                       POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

Major Islands - Samar, Leyte & Biliran

Provinces - Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran

Cities - Tacloban, Ormoc, Maasin, Calbayog,

Baybay, Catbalogan & Borongan

 

No. of Towns - 139No. of Barangays - 4,390Population as of Aug. '07 - 3,912,936

Annual Pop. Growth Rate - 1.12

Population Density - 183 person/sq. km.

No. of Congressional Districts - 12

REGION 9

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA

      It takes 1-1/2 hours ride by plane from Zamboanga City to Manila, 1-1/2 hours to Sabah, Malaysia, less than 2 hours to Brunei and less than 3 hours to Indonesia.

    In view of the inclusion of the province of Basilan under the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Region IX has been reorganized to be known as Zamboanga Peninsula by virtue of Executive Order  No. 36 composing three (3) provinces, namely:  Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay; five (5) cities – Dapitan, Dipolog, Pagadian, Zamboanga and Isabela; and sixty seven (67) municipalities (Figure 2).  The biggest land component, consisting of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City, is continuous with the mainland of Mindanao.  All other land masses are dispersed.

   Region IX has a total land area of 1,413,753.84 hectares, broken down as follows: Zamboanga del Norte with 624,444.02 hectares; Zamboanga del Sur with 373,027.50 hectares; Zamboanga Sibugay with  251,439.32 hectares; Zamboanga City with 141,470 hectares and Isabela City with 23,373 hectares.

Zamboanga del Norte

    Zamboanga del Norte became an independent province in the Zamboanga Peninsula on June 6, 1952 through Republic Act No. 711.  Zamboanga del Norte is located at the western border of Mindanao. It is bounded on the north by Misamis Occidental, on the east by Zamboanga del Sur, on the southern tip by Zamboanga city; and by the Sulu Sea on the northwest.

   One potential advantage of the province is its good climatic condition. It belongs to the third and fourth types of climate. The southern part enjoys the third type which is dry from the months of February to April and wet during the rest of the year while the northern part enjoys the fourth type where rainfall is more or less evenly distribute throughout the year except for the month of February which is hot season. The province is not within the typhoon belt.

    The only province in Western Mindanao that has two (2) cities, Dapitan, as the Shrine City, where the famous Dr, Jose Rizal was exiled and Dipolog its  capital city. The province also boasts of the exotic and breathtaking panoramic views of its tourist spots. It has 25 municipalities and 691 barangays.

    The topographic condition of the province ranges from plain, slightly rolling, rolling to hilly to mountainous. Most plain to nearly level lands are evident at the outskirts of every municipality and the neighboring coastal barangays. Some small patches of level lands are found along rivers.

    The province is also bounded by high mountain ranges from the north to the south. Its highest peak is Mt. Dabiak with an elevation of 8,420 ft asl. It is also endowed with many wide rivers and creeks emanating from the easterly mountain ranges and drain at the Sulu Sea. Such important drainage system of the province are the Siocon, Sindangan and Dipolog rivers. Its irregular coastline extending from the north to the south covers a distance of 400 kilometers with occasional limited stretches of beaches and coral reefs or mangrove areas with tidal channels. Some parts are ideal sites for ports and harbors because of its deep waters.

Zamboanga del Sur

    Zamboanga del Sur is situated in the eastern section of the Zamboanga Peninsula. It is geographically within longitude 122°13' and latitude 7°15'.  It is bounded in the north by the Province of Zamboanga del Norte, on the east by the Provinces of Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Panguil Bay, in the south by Moro Gulf, and in the southwest by Zamboanga City.

    To the north and east portion of the province, topography is flat to gentle undulating with mountainous area running along the northern boundary. The northern portion is characterized by lowlands, hilly lands, and thickly forested mountain ranges stretching across the entire province, while the coastal portions are linked with mangrove trees.

    The province is primarily agricultural. Its rich soil considerably low; rolling hills are ideal for production of variety crops. Fishing is among the important industry of Zamboanga del Sur, offering relatively unlimited opportunities due to the presence of major fishing grounds in four (4) marine bays namely: Panguil Bay, Illana Bay, Maligay Bay and Dumanquillas Bay embracing 766 kilometers of coastline. 

    Zamboanga del Sur has substantial reserves of primary metals like gold, copper, chromite, iron, lead and manganese, including non-metallic minerals such as clay and marble.

    There are potential sources of non-conventional energy like the waters of Lakewood, Lake Dasay, Lake Maragang, Tuburan Springs of Mahayag and the rivers of Salug Duit in Josefina and Salug Daku in Molave.

     The province is composed of 26 municipalities, 779 barangays and one (1) city-Pagadian City.

    Zamboanga del Sur has a relatively high mean annual rainfall that varies from 1,599 mm. in drier areas to 3,500 in the wettest. This is associated with its seasonal distribution, which shows a short but quite dry period in the first quarter of the year. The temperature is relatively warm and constant throughout the year ranging from minimum temperature of 22 °C to a maximum day temperature of 35 °C.

Zamboanga Sibugay

    Zamboanga Sibugay is formerly the Third Congressional District of Zamboanga del Sur, and created pursuant to R.A. No. 8973 dated November 7, 2002 and Executive Order No. 36 dated September 19, 2001.  The province is named after Sibugay River which travels through several municipalities.

   Zamboanga Sibugay is situated in the southern portion of the Zamboanga Peninsula and its geographical location is longitude 123° 04’ 49.75” and latitude 7° 42’14.89”.  It is bounded on the North by the Province of Zamboanga del Norte; on the South by Sibuguey and Dumanquillas Bay; on the East, by the Province of Zamboanga del Sur and on the West, by Zamboanga City. The province is composed of 16 municipalities, 388 barangays.

  The province boasts of metallic and non-metallic mineral resources; chromite is found in Palomoc, Titay ;manganese ore in Titay and Tungawan Gold in Guinabucan, R.T. Lim; clay ore in Sulitan, Naga; Limestone in Olutangga; coal in Malangas, Siay, Diplahan, Imelda and Payao.

   The province’s water resources are from Sibuguey River along the municipalities of Diplahan, Imelda, Siay and Payao.

   There are five (5) major bays in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, namely: Dumanguillas Bay, portion is in Buug, Alicia, Siay, Kabasalan, Naga and Ipil; Sibuguey Bay along Siay, Kabasalan, Naga and Ipil; Busan Bay in Tungawan; Moro Gulf in Olutangga Island.

Zamboanga City

     Zamboanga City is located on the western-most tip of the Zamboanga peninsula. Before it became a chartered city, it was the governing Capital of the Moro Province under the United States rule, encompassing the entire island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago Zamboanga was the first locality of the vast Moro Province to become a chartered city status on October 12, 1936, reflecting its historical and strategic importance as a center of government and commerce.

    Zamboanga City is a busy international port strategically located on the Basilan Straight. The city is bounded by the Sulu Sea to the West, the Moro Gulf and Celebes Sea to the East, and is also surrounded by Tungawan Bay, Taguiti Bay, Malasugat Bay to the East, Tictabon Channel and Basilan Straight to the South, and Caldera Bay to the West. In physiography, it is bounded by the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte to the north and by Zamboanga del Sur to the east, and also the Basilan Island to the south. It is sheltered geographically from typhoons by the mountainous Basilan Island, Sulu Archipelago, Palawan Island, and the main island of Mindanao.

    The city's immediate coastal lowlands are narrow, with low, rugged hills located a short distance inland. It's highest peak is Batorampon Point, measuring 1,335 meters high (4,380 feet). It has an international seaport which can accommodate local inter-island shipping and international ocean-going vessels and ferries. The city exports rubber, pearls, copra, mahogany, and other fine hardwoods, fish, abaca, and fruit products; rice is still imported. Situated in the southernmost terminus of the Pan-Philippine Highway, it provides vital land transportation access to all the major cities of the country. It also has an international airport that is serviced by daily flights from three major national airlines, and is increasing its international air traffic within the participating

REGION X

 

The administrative jurisdiction of Northern Mindanao covers five (5) provinces: Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and the island province of Camiguin.  It has two (2) urbanized cities, Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City.  It also has seven (7) component cities: El Salvador City, Gingoog City, Malaybalay City, Oroquieta City, Tangub City, and Valencia City; and a total of 84 municipalities and 2,022 barangays.  Its regional center is Cagayan de Oro City.

 

It is bounded on the north by the Mindanao Sea, Western Mindanao on the west, CARAGA Region on the east, and on the south by Regions 11 and 12.  It geographically lies within Latitude 7º15′ to 9º15′ North and Longitude 123º30′ to 125º30′ East.

 

POPULATION

According to the 2007 National Statistics Office Census, Region X has a total population of 3,952,437, broken down as follows: Bukidnon with 1,190,284 inhabitants; Misamis Oriental with 748,885; Lanao del Norte with 538,283; Misamis Occidental with 531,680; and Camiguin with 81,293.

Northern Mindanao is the ninth most populous region in the Philippines and the second in Mindanao (after Davao Region) based on Census 2007.  Its major urban area is Metro Cagayan de Oro, which includes Cagayan de Oro City and some municipalities and cities of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.  The region’s population density in 2010 was 210 persons per square kilometer. 

LAND USE AND FORESTRY

The region has a total land area of 1,714,803 hectares, of which 897,134 hectares are established as forestland and 817,669 hectares are alienable & disposable lands.  Per 2011 Philippine Forestry Statistics, the region has a total forest cover of 337,493 hectares, distributed as follows:

Bukidnon with 172,595 hectares; Lanao del Norte with 68,625; Misamis Occidental with 43,880; Misamis Oriental with 45,026; and Camiguin with 7,367 hectares of existing forests.

 

As of 2015, a total of 294 Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Agreements were signed  in the region involving 20,922.05 hectares of forestland, and benefitting 28,122 households and 294 people’s organizations.  The CBFM is a government strategy which “gives the management of forests back to the people.”  It offers long-term security of tenure to partner-communities and promotes an integrated approach to sustainable forest resource management.

 

The region also participated in the National Greening Program, a flagship program of President Benigno S. Aquino III which aims to reforest the entire Philippines within 2011-2016.  In 2015 alone, Region X was able to rehabilitate 77,784 hectares of open and denuded lands by conducting massive tree planting activities involving its citizens, thereby expecting to increase the region’s forest cover.

Province Municipality A & D Timberland Total Area

BUKIDNON Baungon             13,360.18

                       19,473.82                   32,834.00

Libona             14,971.93

                       22,465.07                   37,437.00

Talakag             37,567.63

                       41,072.37                   78,640.00

Malitbog               7,237.00

                       50,948.00                   58,185.00

Sumilao             10,241.00

                         9,454.00                   19,695.00

Manolo Fortich             30,358.00

                       11,002.00                   41,360.00

Impasug-ong             18,838.00

                       86,279.00                105,117.00

Malaybalay City             39,714.32

                       57,204.68                   96,919.00

Cabanglasan             10,490.09

                       13,839.91                   24,330.00

Lantapan             18,524.57

                       14,310.43                   32,835.00

San Fernando               7,676.91

                       62,829.09                   70,506.00

Valencia City             37,436.64

                       21,292.36                   58,729.00

Don Carlos             12,958.30

                         8,413.70                   21,372.00

Kitaotao               6,917.08

                       71,960.92                   78,878.00

Quezon             29,960.32

                       32,725.68                   62,686.00

Dangcagan               5,043.51

                       37,225.49                   42,269.00

Kibawe               7,511.30

                       22,901.70                   30,413.00

Damulog               5,556.12

                       18,862.88                   24,419.00

Kadingilan               6,500.74

                       10,693.26                   17,194.00

Kalilangan             15,260.99

                         9,882.01                   25,143.00

Pangantucan             21,241.00

                       24,931.00                   46,172.00

Maramag             22,967.12

                       21,758.88                   44,726.00

SUB-TOTAL          380,332.75

                    669,526.25            1,049,859.00

                                 -  

MISAMIS ORIENTAL Cagayan de Oro             

17,207.27                       24,072.73                   41,280.00

Alubijid             10,345.00   -                    10,345.00

Claveria             21,204.00

                       35,695.00                   56,899.00

El Salvador City               8,713.00                     8,713.00

Gitagum               4,340.00                     4,340.00

Initao             10,133.00

                             994.00                   11,127.00

Jasaan               7,702.00                     7,702.00

Laguindingan               1,674.00                     1,674.00

Libertad               2,398.00                     2,398.00

Lugait               1,784.00

                             961.00                     2,745.00

Manticao             12,301.00                   12,301.00

Naawan               3,474.00

                         5,376.00                     8,850.00

Opol               8,057.00

                         9,456.00                   17,513.00

Tagoloan               5,258.00

                         6,515.00                   11,773.00

Vilanueva               4,880.00                     4,880.00

Balingasag             14,356.00

                             355.00                   14,711.00

Balingoan               4,314.00

                         1,466.00                     5,780.00

Binuangan               3,043.00                     3,043.00

Gingoog City             36,460.00

                       20,384.00                   56,844.00

Kinoguitan               4,256.00                     4,256.00

Lagonglong               6,012.00

                         2,366.00                     8,378.00

Magsaysay             14,770.00

                             456.00                   15,226.00

Medina             14,829.00                   14,829.00

Salay               5,731.00

                         3,548.00                     9,279.00

Sug-bongcogon               2,651.00                     2,651.00

Talisayan             11,079.00

                         2,954.00                   14,033.00

SUB-TOTAL          236,971.27

                    114,598.73                351,570.00

                                 -  

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL Bonifacio              

8,517.10                         6,984.90                   15,502.00

Clarin               5,417.00

                         3,033.00                     8,450.00

Ozamis City             15,342.00

                         1,653.00                   16,995.00

Don Victoriano                        28,460.00                   28,460.00

Sinacaban               5,899.00

                         4,010.00                     9,909.00

Tangub City             10,491.75

                         5,786.25                   16,278.00

Tudela               8,396.00

                         1,456.00                     9,852.00

Aloran               6,612.00

                         5,194.00                   11,806.00

Baliangao               4,208.00

                         3,964.00                     8,172.00

Calamba               4,143.54

                         6,320.46                   10,464.00

Concepion                          6,160.00                     6,160.00

Jimenez               5,456.96

                         2,686.04                     8,143.00

Lopez Jaena               7,895.45

                         1,574.55                     9,470.00

Oroquieta              10,112.00

                       13,676.00                   23,788.00

Panaon               3,860.04

                             819.96                     4,680.00

Plaridel               7,014.26

                             985.74                     8,000.00

Sapang Dalaga               3,168.61

                         6,224.39                     9,393.00

SUB-TOTAL          106,533.71

                      98,988.29                205,522.00

                                 -  

LANAO DEL NORTE Bacolod              

6,308.98                         4,101.02                   10,410.00

Baloi               5,087.94

                         4,010.06                     9,098.00

Kauswagan               5,997.69

                               39.31                     6,037.00

Linamon               1,586.83

                         6,051.17                     7,638.00

Maigo               9,296.40

                         2,848.60                   12,145.00

Matungao               9,927.03

                       (5,353.03)                     4,574.00

Pantao-Ragat               5,660.11

                         6,769.89                   12,430.00

Pantar               2,998.57

                         4,041.43                     7,040.00

Poona-Piagapo               3,712.26

                       22,294.60                   26,006.86

Tagoloan               6,520.22

                             449.78                     6,970.00

Iligan             33,210.00

                       48,127.00                   81,337.00

Kolambugan             10,909.83

                         2,545.17                   13,455.00

Tubod             17,224.31

                         7,455.69                   24,680.00

Baroy               7,207.79

                               27.21                     7,235.00

Lala             10,496.19

                         3,528.81                   14,025.00

Kapatagan             10,734.64

                       13,554.16                   24,288.80

Sultan Naga Dimaporo

            10,786.23

                       (3,674.23)                     7,112.00

Nunungan                   136.00

                       47,192.00                   47,328.00

Salvador               7,230.25

                       (1,930.25)                     5,300.00

Magsaysay               6,760.99

                         8,422.01                   15,183.00

Tangkal               1,624.00

                       16,238.00                   17,862.00

Munai               5,024.00

                       14,726.00                   19,750.00

Sapad               9,296.40

                       (6,722.40)                     2,574.00

SUB-TOTAL          187,736.66

                    194,742.00                382,478.66

CAMIGUIN Catarman               6,732.00

                             710.00                     7,442.00

Guinsiliban               1,810.00

                             262.00                     2,072.00

Mahinog               4,476.00

                             302.00                     4,778.00

Mambajao               7,111.00

                         3,372.00                   10,483.00

Sagay               3,594.00

                             818.00                     4,412.00

SUB-TOTAL            23,723.00

                        5,464.00                  29,187.00

                                 -  

GRAND TOTAL          935,297.39

                1,083,319.27            2,018,616.66

 

 

CLIMATE

Generally, rainfall in Northern Mindanao is evenly distributed throughout the year.  It has abundant vegetation, natural springs, and a high elevation which contribute to the region's cool, mild, and invigorating climate.

 

WILDLIFE

The wild bird species Mcgregor's cuckoo-shrike (Coracina mcgregori) can be found in Mt. Malindang, Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Bliss, and in Daggayan, Misamis Oriental.  Efforts to conserve this species are ongoing, considering its vulnerable status.

 

PROTECTED AREAS

The following sites in the region have been proclaimed by law as protected areas and components of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS):

1. Mimbilisan Protected Landscape (Misamis Oriental)

2.Baliangao Protected Landscape/Seascape (Misamis Occidental)

3.Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape/Seascape (Misamis Oriental)

4.Mt. Kitanglad Natural Park (Bukidnon)

5.Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park (Bukidnon)

6.Mt. Malindang Natural Park (Misamis Occidental)

7.Timpoong & Hibok-hibok Natural Monument (Province of Camiguin)

8.Bacolod-KauswaganProtected  Landscape/Seascape (Lanao del Norte)

9. Mt. Inayawan Natural Park  (Lanao del Norte)

10. Mt. Balatukan Range Natural Park (Bukidnon)

 

DENR JURISDICTION

The Regional Office of DENR-REGION X has five (5) Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) located in Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental.  Its Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) are to be found in Don Carlos, Valencia City, Manolo Fortich, Talakag, Iligan City, Kolambugan, Oroquieta City, Ozamis City, Initao, and Gingoog City.  

Region 11

Regional Profile

Davao is said to have derived its name from the word, Daba-daba, a region of flames or fire as recorded in the books of the early Jesuit priests. Some sources say this word is of Bagobo origin which is the name of the sacred brush that belonged to the chieftain of the early Bagobos named Datu Duli who lived in the rolling hills of Sandawa Mountain. As was the custom during the ancient times, the Bagobos kept the fire burning twenty four hours a day throughout the year. And the fire was supposed to be burning at the foot of the Sacred Brush called Daba-daba. It was said that Datu Duli, the Bagobo chieftain was kind and just in his decision over an accused person. Other Bagobos then pronounced the word Daba-daba with the sound of "o" at the end. It was said it had been practiced by Datu Duli when he rendered decisions in settling cases. As time went on the Bagobos of the succeeding generation changed the word Daba-daba to just Daba and added the letter "o" to justify the actuations of Datu Duli in rendering his decisions. Thus the ancient Bagobo word Daba is now pronounced Davao by both native and immigrants.

Some also say that Davao was derived from the name of a Manobo rebel Dabao. Others maintain that the name Dabaw was derived from the word dabahan, a big basin for laundering used by the natives. Still another derivation of the name was form the word daba meaning earthen pot or palayok which the early natives made and sell as their means of livelihood. When mountain dwellers got down to the lowlands the first things they looked for and bought was the daba.

But many native Dabawenyos prefer to believe that Davao derived its name from the great river which the early Tagabawa tribe called Dabu. The Guingans called Duhwow and the Obo called Davoh. Later, the three names given to the river by these early natives were incorporated into what is now DAVAO.

Davao, in its beginning was peopled by different races and groups from different regions and countries. The waves of migration into the Philippines from the Asian countries of Borneo, Malaysia, Indonesia and Persia via Celebes Sea, first landed in Mindanao, then pushed their explorations toward the North. On their way, some of them probably weary and tired from the voyage, settled and lived in Sarangani Island, then later found their way to what is now Davao. Among these groups were the little people known as the Dawn Man of the Australoid Sakai type, Proto-Malays, Indonesian B types of the late Neolithic period. These ethnic indigenous groups are of varied cultures and racial tribes.

During the Spanish Period Davao first loomed in history as a Moro settlement in the banks of Tagloc river (name, pioneer settlers say, given to Davao river by the early Bagobos). But the real history began in 1848 when Don Jose Oyanguren, A Spanish Lawyer-turned-trader sent by the Spanish Governor-General Narciso Claveria, launched an expedition composed of his own Spanish soldiers with their families and volunteers soldiers, defeated the Muslims under Datu

Bago.

Christianity was introduce in the Davao Gulf Area when Oyanguren with his group of Spanish soldiers and their families and the native volunteers from Caraga and Surigao settled in Davao in 1848 after defeating the Muslims at the banks of the Davao River under Datu Bago. A priest was sought by the group of Oyanguren to help them build a Christian community in the area since one of the objectives in the conquest was to establish the Christian Religion.

By the time the Americans came to Davao as a new colonial power at the turn of the 20th century, Davao was already peopled by indigenous ethnic tribes found in the interior or hinterland; by Muslim settlers found along the coast of Davao River; by Christian Filipino descendants of Davao's first Filipino Christian settlers in 1848, by Christian Filipino migrants from Luzon and Visayas who migrated to Davao to escape political persecution in their provinces in the late 1800s, by army deserters, by few fugitives, and by the foreign migrants who inhabited the cabecera or town proper.

With long years of existence, full of determination and visionary insights to attain prestige and identity, Region XI, through its struggles, zoomed high like the eagle in the sky.

REGION 12

REGIONAL PROFILE

 Background Information

Presidential Decree No. 461, dated 17 May 1974, created the Department of Environment and Natural resources (DENR). It was reorganized pursuant to Executive Order  No. 192, dated 10 June 1987. The geographical coverage of Region XII has been reconfigured five times through various legal issuance since the creation of the Autonomous  Region  in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 1989. The present configuration of the region under Executive Order No. 36 issued by Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on  September 19, 2001 comprises 6 congressional districts consisting 4 provinces, 2 chartered cities, 3 components cities and 45 municipalities.

Location/Jurisdiction.  Region XII is situated in the central part of Mindanao. Bounded on:

the north: by provinces of Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon; the northwest by Maguindanao; the southwest by Mindanao Sea; the east by Davao del Sur and Davao City.

It lies between 6º 32’ and 7º 33’ latitude, between 124º 01’ and 125º 17’ longitude.It spans the geographical zone covering major portion of the Cotabato River  Basin Area and Allah River Basin Area comprising the provinces of Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato extending to the large coastal areas on the  southern tip portion of Mindanao comprising the province of Sarangani and the City  of General Santos.

List of Provinces and Municipalities by Congressional Districts

Province of CotabatoGovernor  –  Hon..Emmylou T. Mendoza

First District Representative - Hon. Jesus N. Sacdalan Second District Representative - Hon. Nancy A. Catamco

Third District Representative - Jose I. Tejada

SoCCSKSarGen is a region of the Philippines, located in central Mindanao, and is officially designated as Region XII. The name is an acronym that stands for the region's four provinces and one of its cities: So uth C otabato , C otabato , S ultan K udarat , Sar angani and Gen eral Santos City. The regional center is Koronadal City located in the province of South Cotabato. Cotabato

City, though geographically within the boundaries of the province of Maguindanao, itself is part of SOCCSKSARGEN, and is independent of that province. Maguindanao province is a part of another special region called the ARMM which has its seat in Cotabato City.

CLIMATE Heavy rain during the months of June to October. There are dry spells from February to June. The two provinces are seldom visited by typhoons.

NATURAL RESOURCES Fishing is a major economic activity because of the rich fishing grounds of Iligan Bay, the Moro Gulf and the Celebes Sea. Its water resources include the Maria Cristina Falls, large and numerous rivers, lakes and streams.

It has rich mineral resources such as gold, copper, iron, chromium, silver, zinc, clay gypsum, limestone and phosphate. It is also the main source for hydroelectric power for Mindanao.

ECONOMY The major earners in the region are fishing, agriculture and forest- related products. Hydroelectric power is provided by the Maria Cristina Falls. Steel, cement and coconut oil are some of the important products of the region. Coconut, pineapple, rubber, sugarcane, rice, corn, banana and other fruits are the main agricultural produce.

Central Mindanao is part of three Area Development Zones (ADZs): Cagayan – Iligan Industrial Corridor, the Greater Cotabato – Illana Bay ADZ and the Panguil Bay- Mt. Malindang ADZ. The Cagayan – Iligan Industrial Corridor will be the center for heavy industry and bulk supplier of industrial inputs and finished industrial products. It is envisioned to be a trade center for processed agri-based products as well as for intermediate and finished products.

URBAN CENTERS The city of Iligan in Lanao del Norte serves as the urban center of Central Mindanao. Light to heavy industries, tourist facilities, and institutions of higher learning can be found in the area.

FACILITIES Maria Cristina Falls and other tourist attractions are found in the region. Electricity, water systems, transportation, telecommunication and postal facilities are also available.

GeographyThe region has extensive coastlines, valleys and mountain ranges. Known for its river system, the region is the catch basin of Mindanao. The system is a rich source of food, potable water and energy production. Cotabato contains the Rio Grande de Mindanao, which is the longest river in Mindanao and the second longest in the Philippines.

NCR

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

LOCATION

The National Capital Region (NCR), also known as Metropolitan Manila, is the capital region of the Philippines. It is located in the southwestern portion of Luzon, directly below Central Luzon. Lying along the flat alluvial and deltaic plains draining the Pasig River and Laguna de Bay, its territory extends eastward and up the rolling hills of Marikina Valley and stops short at the lowlying edges of Rizal province. It is bounded by the fertile plains of Central Luzon in the North, the sweeping Sierra Madre Mountains in the East, and Laguna de Bay in the South. Manila Bay, on the other hand, spreads out perfectly on the West, providing a great canvass for the famed sunsets of Manila.

Latitude: N 14O 33’ 41.7298”

Longtitude: E 121O 2’ 0.636”

 

LAND AREA

The political and administrative boundaries of the National Capital Region has not changed since its formation in 1975 as a public corporation under Presidential Decree No. 824. Under said edict, Metro Manila is composed of the cities and municipalities of Manila, Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Makati, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, Quezon, Muntinlupa, Marikina, Las Pinas, Malabon, Navotas, San Juan, Taguig and Valenzuela. In 1995, Congress enacted into law Republic Act No. 7924, reconstituting Metro Manila as a “special development and administrative region” subject to direct supervision of the President of the Philippines. No significant changes however were made in the geopolitical boundaries of the region under RA 7924. The only notable changes that has happened since then was the reclassification of some municipalities into cities. To this day, only the town of Pateros remains classified as a municipality out of the 17 Local Government Units (LGUs) comprising the region. The region has a total land area of 63,600 hectares, more than half of which are classified as residential/commercial. The largest of the cities in terms of land area is Quezon City while the smallest is San Juan, with 17,171 and 595 hectares respectively.

<<< NCR Land Area Distribution

GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Based on its geological features, Metro Manila may be subdivided into four (4) zones: the Coastal Margin (including the reclaimed areas in Manila Bay), the Guadalupe Plateau, the Marikina Valley, and the Laguna Lowlands. About 69 percent of the region rests on the Guadalupe Plateau and Marikina Valley, an area with high elevation and solid geographical foundations. The remaining 31 percent on the other hand are situated on the so-called Coastal Margins and Laguna Lowlands which are flood-prone. The flood-prone areas is comprised of the cities of Manila, Navotas, Malabon and parts of Caloocan. Land subsidence and rising sea levels are seen as the cause of flooding in these areas, particularly in Navotas and Malabon City. On the eastern part, the flood prone towns are Pasig City, Marikina City, Municipality of Pateros and Taguig City. Heavy flood damage is experienced in these areas due to recurrent flooding caused by the overflow of Pasig and Marikina rivers. The town of Pateros and parts of Taguig City, specifically, can remain flooded for months.

CLIMATE

Owing to its proximity to the equator, the Philippines features a tropical monsoon climate. In general, the country has a distinct, relatively short dry season which run from January through April and a long wet season, usually starting in May and ending in December. The wettest months are July, August, and September, when thunderstorms are especially common. As for Metro Manila, its climate is categorized as Type I according to the Modified Coronas Classification (see box). That is, dry months usually run from November to April while rains are experienced throughout the year. Already however, erratic changes in the climate patterns of the country are experienced and is expected to become more unpredictable in the coming decades or so, especially as world leaders today continue to ignore the issue of global warming and climate change. Recent evidence, in fact, suggests a tendency for wetter conditions during the dry season, as the frequency of heavy storms during this period has increased. This dynamic is most notable during La Niña periods. Truth be told, a World Bank study has noted that “the number of rainy days in the Philippines has increased since the 1990s, as has the inter-annual variability of the onset of rainfall.” The Mean Annual Temperature of the region is 30.8°C while its Mean Annual Rainfall is 152.42 mm.

POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

As of 1 May 2010, the total population of NCR stands at 11,855,975 persons. This represents a 20 percent increase in the total population count from the 2000 Census of Population and Housing. By now, Metro Manila takes up almost 13 per cent of the entire country’s population, making it the most densely populated among all the 17 administrative regions of the country. With an annual growth rate of 1.78 per cent however, its share of the total population is expected to double in less than four decades.

NCR Population 1990-2010 >>>

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