Anatomy Of A Province

PGNS NSO DA VSO

BEYOND THE VISIONS AND MISSIONS OF DEVELOPMENT in THE PROVINCE of NORTHERN SAMAR, PHILIPPINES

Welcome to a look at the statistics that make up an isolated and impoverished province that faces the ‘typhoon’ nurseries of the Pacific Ocean and that lacks the ability to feed itself from its own resources.

Welcome to the land of the “Nortehanons”, where nearly 600,000 souls [including O’King, a celibate ostrich] live. In 2005, the population of Northern Samar grew by 42 persons a day and twenty years from now (in 2025) the population is expected to grow even faster at 76 persons a day. The next two decades will see the provincial population hit the 1 million mark. It will almost certainly alter the imagery of Northern Samar; a land of simple tastes, quiet lives, and beautiful scenery, of contrast and diversity, where Liberal politics exist side by side with a conservative culture. I am a Voluntary Service Overseas [VSO] volunteer based in the province, who worked in the Southern island of Mindanao for two and a half years [Digos, Davao del Sur and Iligan City] before moving to Samar after conducting a baseline survey of the Caraga Region and Region V111, for VSO during 2003. This book is partly a result of that baseline survey. The province is friendly to its occupants, even if it is probably 20 years behind most of the urban areas of the Philippines. It boasts no Jolibee food chain, cinema, or mall. There is not a single taxi, nor traffic lights. In fact, although attempts are being made to improve the situation, electricity is so unreliable in the province that it is probably one of the restraining factors to development in the province. What it lacks in modernity it compensates with its scenic beauty that appeals to everyone who visits.

[Typical view of Northern Samar’s beautiful, but tsunami prone coastline, reef laden with shallow waters] To reach the Northern Samar capital of Catarman, a traveller can take a bus from Manila; the journey will last between 18 and 30 hours. An alternative would be to take the luxury of a 50 minute plane journey with Asian Spirit on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays. Other than this, there is a route through to the regional Welcome

capitol of Tacloban, some 300 kilometres away, although those of fragile nature should carry ample cushions for the journey, as the coastal highway is severely damaged between the towns of Calbayog and Catbalogan In many ways the province of Northern Samar differs from the rest of the region. It has a much higher population expansion rate. Land tenure varies across crops and areas. It has increased its livestock and poultry flock population greater than other provinces. It has the lowest percentage of irrigated rice land. It has the highest change from temporary crops to permanent crops, and has the highest percentage of land used for agricultural cropping. The province is also subjected to several months of typhoons weather every year.

Education: In terms of education the province has the worst achievement and diagnostic figures of the region. Like many areas, this province has failed its youth and with strong competition for every work opportunity, there are few jobs to satisfy the need of those that have managed to find the resources to complete an education. The dream of many young people in the province is to live in America and they are trying to join the professionals that are headed that way. The ‘private sector’ or activities within micro, small, medium, or large scale businesses and services are quite limited. They are comprised of domestic helpers and labourers, with low skills, mainly employed in stores and other services, casual labour in farms and marine activities, and agricultural tenants on land. Like other poverty stricken areas in the countryside, many people are employed in the civil service, which is already packed with those aspiring to achieve a pension. The school dropout rate is high, and there are serious aptitude and attitude problems within the teaching and academic community. The weakness of the educational system carries over into a generally weak and ineffective non-formal and/or adult education system, which fails to provide even the most basic information on livelihood, health, and other fundamental needs. For example, in this day and age it astonishes many that, very few of the highschool, college students or adults know [a] of HIV AIDS and [b] that HIV AIDS is a deadly disease that affects ‘straight’ and ‘gay’ communities alike. The few that do know anything about it often have serious misconceptions and often associate it with mysticism. This also demonstrates the lack of media access for all ages as ignorance becomes more pervasive with the absence of useful information, which in turn strengthens the conservatism of the mostly rural communities. For example, hidden promiscuity is a critical issue that rarely gets discussed. It does not merit attention and produces the typical ‘head in the sand response’: “if it doesn’t affect us, why do we need to know of it”?

Agriculture:

Welcome

In other cultures the tillers of the land in Northern Samar would be called ‘farmers’, be they owners, tenants or leaseholders. This is so because for generations, Samar’s ‘farmers’ have taken and used the natural assets of the soil, without giving anything in return. The culture of ‘stewardship’ is not as pronounced in Samar as in other parts of the Philippines such as the Cordillera highlands, where taking care of the environment is a responsibility that comes with farming. Rural producers often blame the soil, the weather, their poverty and the government, yet there are poorer countries with worse conditions, which regularly harvest two or three crops, in one year and alternate crops for seasonal income. The tillers of the soil complain about the high cost of inorganic fertilisers and the lack of irrigation, neither of which would resolve the basic situation. In fact, the use of both, will hasten the depletion. The constant planting and harvesting of mono crops and the failure to incorporate the crop residues, has destroyed their very livelihood and the soils are no longer suitable for growing the traditional temporary crops. It is probably too late to begin the use of inorganic fertilisers, as the high nitrogen content of these fertilisers will only create greater acidity. The use of ‘balanced’ fertiliser is only suitable in soils that are stable and contain humus that will aid the stability.

It is of little wonder that more and more tillers of temporary crops are changing to permanent crop production. It will probably take at least a century for the soil to start to recover. Nature is inflicting a just sentence. Major crops such as coconut do not fare any better than the general state of agriculture in the province. Coconut plantation owners and tenants have little use for the hybrid varieties of coconut, knowing that these do not thrive in the province but, refuse to improve the local variety.

Fishing: Either through a simple fishing pole used from the beach, or the rugged deep-sea boat that plies the sometimes dangerous ocean, fishing is an important livelihood in an island surrounded by once rich fishing grounds. However, despite the potential wealth from the sea fishing, incomes are in decline and will soon be unable to support even the food needs of an average coastal-based rural family.

Welcome

Like agriculture, the marine sector produce is dwindling. This is exacerbated by the steady increase of part-time fishermen who have been pushed off their farmlands and illegal fishermen who use destructive fishing practices. Many out of season farmers are taking opportunities to try their hand in inshore waters which add to the depletion. Although a coastal province, Northern Samar now ‘imports’ 80% of its table fish from Calbayog in Western Samar. In turn, Northern Samar exports mudcrabs and squid to other places in the country. Reports on national television claim that 90% of the fish stocks have gone, yet it is not known from which point of time this is measured. Indeed, for many months in a year, the dry clean air, fresh sun and simple lifestyle makes Northern Samar an ideal place to visit. But dangerous clouds are in the horizon and, as the information in this book suggests, the time to make meaningful changes has come.

Again, welcome and enjoy a journey through the statistics that make this a most interesting province, in which to work and play.

Welcome

An Introduction to Northern Samar: The Province of Northern Samar

The province sits atop the island of Samar between co-ordinates 124’07’20 and 125’20’18 east and 12’43’0 north and has 24 municipalities made up of 569 barangays, many of which hug the 240 kilometres coastline. One of six provinces within Region VIII, Northern Samar accounts for 13.87% of the regional population, with 15.68% of the regional land. However, Northern Samar has 24.83% of the usable farmland, although the area used for palay production, accounts only for 5.13% of this. The population expansion rate of Nortehanons’ is the highest in the region and one of the highest in the nation at 2.6972% per annum, although the population density in 2005 was a low 164.0 per square kilometre. Regional statistics show the importance of coconut and abaca to this province, with 32.36% of the coconut trees and 19.89% of the abaca trees in the region. At one time, banana and pineapple featured high in agricultural production terms, but the amount of land for these has declined, being replaced by increases in coconut and abaca production.

Introduction to the Province of Northern Samar

Likewise, both regional and provincial statistics show that permanent crop [coconut and abaca] production is increasing at a much faster rate than temporary crop [rice and corn] production, although vegetable production is increasing, albeit a higher percentage at backyard level. Under the stewardship of Governor Daza and the province’s FLESHER programme, efforts are being made to increase the production of rice and vegetables, a much needed development package that includes the dispersal of hand-tractors and cattle. The terrain of Northern Samar is mostly below 200 metres above sea level and reaches above 500 metres at one place in the municipality of San Isidro. From Catarman to the east, the whole coastal area is considered as tsunami prone and three earthquake fault lines cross the province.

The map on the left shows the areas that would be affected should a tsunami hit the province.

The map on the left shows the general terrain of the province.

Introduction to the Province of Northern Samar

The map above shows the geo-physical hazard zones of the province, including the three earthquake prone zones. The biggest earthquake to effect the province was on October 19th 1897, registering a Richter scale measurement of 8.1, whilst the most recent earthquake, in 2003, was just off the coast of Lapinig. However, the 1980s and 1990s showed considerable earthquake action with several small to medium earthquakes. These informative maps were provided to the Provincial Disaster Management Office by the German Technical Co-operation Department (GTZ). As in many areas of the Philippines, Northern Samar has its landslide prone zones and inappropriate agriculture in the upland areas adds yearly to the problem of potential landslides.

Introduction to the Province of Northern Samar

As can be seen from the two maps of landslide prone zones, the provincial environmental officers’ opinion differs from GTZ in the areas of potential landslide zones.

The province is some 3,498 square kilometres, much of which is between sea level and 100 metres. The land rises to its highest point of some 580 metres above sea level in the municipality of San Isidro. Of the total land area, 65% or 2,283 kilometres is used for agriculture, which includes farms planted to coconut, rice, corn, and vegetables. Of the total land area only 11.7% [409 square kilometres (40926h)] is arable. The general type and structure of soil results in agricultural production that quickly exhausts the fertility of the soil, and as a result, temporary crop production is on the decline.

Introduction to the Province of Northern Samar

The map above shows the extent of the forested area of the province, which has been declining at an alarming rate since the 1950s and the map below shows the provincial government’s designated areas of ‘Restricted agriculture’ and ‘Land slides’.

The tropical climate of this area in the Pacific Ocean varies little, although the effect of global warming can be seen from a study of the weather data. With a mean temperature of 27.0o [range 21.9o to 32.6o], although a study shows that the minimum temperature has declined by 1.2o and the maximum has increased by 1.8o An average year will produce 3,243 millimetres of rain, mainly during October through February, although more than 4,000 millimetres has been recorded in five years since 1961, when records began. Study will show that the annual rainfall has decreased by [an average] 21.5 millimetres, although average humidity has increased by 0.5 units. Both the average wind speed and the number of storms per annum have also increased. Introduction to the Province of Northern Samar

Other than a small copra processing plant, the province has no industry and is totally reliant on agricultural production, although the province is dependant on importing 65% of its basic fresh foods and 100% of its commodity needs. All have to come via sea from Mindanao, Luzon or Cebu, adding costs that the high percentage of impoverished find hard to afford, whilst higher income earning professionals drain away from the community, to seek better opportunities. It is estimated that 65% of the province’s population is below the poverty threshold with a further 15% on the borderline of poverty. However, the VSO survey in 2003, in rural barangays, shows that 97% of the households interviewed were below the poverty threshold. On sunny weekends groups of students or extended families gather at several of the local beaches to enjoy some time out to play. These photographs were taken on a weekday when other activities occupy the people. These are not the tourist beaches of the brochures and yet, the calmness of the inshore waters mask the deadly currents that sweep along the coast and occasionally claim the lives of the unwary.

[Favourite hanging out places for the Nortehanons on sunny weekends.] There was no intention to deliberately criticise persons or departments of Northern Samar, only to correlate the various sources of information and to arrange these in a presentable format, however, looking back over the completed documentation some issues float to the surface and a few direct responses were inspired.

Introduction to the Province of Northern Samar

Nortehanons inhabit many parts of the world, taking with them a piece of the culture and yet, few return to enjoy the family atmosphere that pervades this largely peaceful of provinces.

Introduction to the Province of Northern Samar

Acknowledgements: Prior to and during the course of writing this book and gathering the statistics and other documentation, many people have given freely of their time, extending from physically helping with the VSO survey in 2003, to helping with record validation. Governor Raul A. Daza for his invitation to become involved with the provincial ‘Food Security Programme’ and the opportunity to work with the provincial staff. Raul Dones [and his staff] – Northern Samar Provincial Statistics Officer of NSO for his unending interest, enthusiasm and support to supply statistics and to be involved with monitoring. Stanley Tabiando [and his staff] - Director of Northern Samar DTI office for his support and interest to help set up the joint monitoring system with the provincial NSO. Pancho Lara – VSO Country Director for giving the confidence, support and freedom to spend the time and resources to undertake the VSO survey in 2003, with the working title of ‘Project 813’. Sisters Maribel, Sister Lita and Sister Lydia of the Religious of the Sacred Heart, for the many hours of debate regarding the impoverished peoples of Northern Samar and the many cups of real coffee. The youth of the AECS group that often challenged my thinking. Mayor Suan of Allen, Mayor Avalon of San Roque, Mayor Balanquit of Pambujan, Mayor Castillo of Capul, Mayor Daiz of Palapag and Mayor Irizario of Lanuza Bay for their tolerance and support during many discussions. David Tanner – VSO marine biologist volunteer. Kate Boud – VSO volunteer for adding the human touch in the barangays during the course of the interviews in which she was involved. Abon Amanate of Northern Samar for the friendly logistical support during the visits to this province and the many introductions made and also for the honest debates that we had. Celso Edos, also for giving the friendly logistical support during the visits to this province. The NGOs ACE, EVPRD, MODE, LMDA and CERD for the time given for discussions regarding development in the barangays. The staff of the Provincial Planning and Development Office [PPDO] Northern Samar.

Acknowledgements 1

At first reading the methods used to collect the information, during the VSO 2003 survey, seem to be too informal and many may assume that this informality makes the completed survey unusable. In fact, behind this façade of informality lies a strict adherence to the original formal formatting of the survey. The Basis of the 2003 Survey: National and international agencies and organisations had independently produced documentation to show that certain areas of the Philippines were under stress in terms of poverty and there were sufficient statistics available to show that two areas in particular were highlighted in these documents. These areas are Region VIII {East Visayas} and Region XIII (East Mindanao) The documentation available showed macro portraits of these two areas under stress and in order to refine its strategy planning process, the end user, in this case VSO Philippines, decided, using the macro information available, that these two areas should become VSO focus areas and that to aid this decision making process, more detailed information was required. The reasons given for this requirement were: (A) The information was required to support VSO’s line of reasoning that these two areas should be designated areas (Focus areas) for VSO’s involvement in development within these areas. (B) That to be able to provide primary profiles of these areas at micro level in order to be able to determine the type and number of human resources for involvement in development to assist in meeting the needs in these areas. (C) To establish a source of primary baseline data for the potential placement of development advisors and (D), to provide a source of primary baseline data for future monitoring purposes. In formatting the questionnaire for the survey, the question “What do VSO’s development advisors need to know about these communities that would aid them in development involvement, in these areas?” was raised. Secondly, the national and international information available was macro, giving the impression that ‘one size fits all’ and that the canvassing needed to be carried out in the community ‘types’ to better determine the differentials that pervade the development needs. This type of survey would reflect, if not a typical type of community, common points that that would be of use to both the end user and, if placed, the development advisors. Given that the two areas are geographically separate, have identified wet and dry seasons and in the main, speak different dialects, it would be of value, either using formal or informal information, to determine any disparities between the two areas. Contesting the one size fits all macro information available a decision was made to target three types of blue collar communities that were largely dependent on natural resources for livelihood incomes and avoided any canvassing in urban or sub-urban communities. This was not to denigrate the needs of assistance in urban or sub-urban Methodology 1

communities, but to narrow down the survey and thus provide micro portraits of certain types of communities that have an identity. With 85% of the Philippines population dependent on agriculture and related livelihoods the communities selected would fall into three categories: 1 – Coastal with fishing and agriculture, 2 – Inland delta with temporary crop production agriculture and 3 – Upland with temporary and permanent crop production and forest products. This also brought into the survey various livelihood activities that reflected altitudes and terrains. From this, it was determined that two distinctive sets of information could be gathered in each community during a visit: A community profile and individual household statistics. The poverty status of households often depends on the overall management of a community by its democratic or dynastic leaders, be they elected or hereditary and thus the service provision within a community can often determine the community’s ranking within a wider area. To gather this information, the lead canvasser determined that although the formal formatting of the survey must be strictly adhered to, the means of canvassing would be seen as informal, avoiding the formal structure whereby the hierarchical or authoritative nature of the canvassers would dominate the canvassing process, in the expectation that the respondents would provide what they thought that the canvassers wanted to hear, rather than what was required to be known. Secondly, an informal approach would decrease the likelihood of enumeration fatigue. Prior to the start of the canvassing phase, the lead canvasser decided that no previous documentation would be used to determine any direction that this survey would take and this would avoid any bias and this again, was strictly adhered to. On completion of the survey, any findings could be compared with existing documentation as an exercise to weigh these findings against any others. In most cases more than 50% of the households were canvassed and in a few cases, there were fewer households than questionnaires. In two large communities, the canvassing was carried out in sub-units that fitted the general focus of the survey. In any survey, incidental information is proffered and although this is not usable in a formal system of data gathering, it has value by helping to ‘fill out’ formal statistics. Thus, we have the core set of data that was strictly gathered, albeit in an informal manner and we have the supporting information, set out as part of a tour report. Once the questionnaire was set and apart from slight changes in the presentation of the questionnaire, no substantial changes were made.

Methodology 2

In this document, the statistics belong to Northern Samar and very little comparison is made to other areas, although there is sufficient data available, to allow this to be done, if required. Upon arriving in Northern Samar, the lead canvasser contacted the only person that he knew in the province and sought his help to select three municipalities in which to carry out the survey, the only criteria being that the three types of barangay were to be selected in each municipality and that these were to be randomly selected during interviews with individual mayors and their senior staff. The three municipalities chosen were Pambujan [Mayor Lino Balanquit], Mondragon [then Mayor Elito Dapulag] and Lavezares [Mayor Celendonio Saludaga]. The mayors were requested to select three barangays of the types described and to make arrangements to visit these during the following two days, but please not to ‘set up’ anything formal, as the key for this survey had always been informality. The lead canvasser was personally involved in gathering more than 60% of the information at household level and was present at every municipal and barangay council interview. In the barangays, a member of the barangay council was asked to assist in gathering the information, often accompanied by another VSO member. The barangay council and household interviews were held in a very informal manner, often with humour and in this way, details were easily forthcoming. The barangay councils produced record books on health and other statistics and these were used as valid information for the survey. At the barangay meetings, many issues were raised and these included health and nutrition matters, seasonal income generation opportunities and problems, general production levels, women’s issues, youth issues, development priorities, co-operation of the municipal executives etc. At no time, 10 months before the national elections were politics raised. Many people have asked about the difficulty for a foreigner to gather information from conservative rural barangays and in fact, being a foreigner helped. It was obvious that a foreigner could not be from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, often a great fear, or any other national agency or government department. Assurances were given that the questionnaires would be destroyed after encryption and that no names would be carried forward and this has been carried out. In this way, confidences were gained and information flowed. Sometimes the Filipino love of entertaining was shown when the barangay would provide lunch or a snack, at other times, as a thank you the canvassing team did the honours. As always, skills were tested and the canvassers had to answer many questions from barangay members; from farming to barangay management, with field trips to inspect crops, livestock or irrigation systems; once sliding majestically into a muddy drainage canal, to the amusement of all.

Methodology 3

During every barangay council meeting, the author directed a section of the questions specifically at the ladies present, asking the males to remain silent for a short while, although this seemed to be very difficult for them. Whenever a male started to answer a question directed at the ladies, the author would ask if the speaker was female or male, to which the speaker would usually reply male and then retreat in embarrassment. On one occasion when the author was directing questions to the ladies, as usual a male responded and when asked if the speaker was male or female, the speaker blushed and replied that he was indeed, both genders. An unusually good put down in the Philippines and the author; never posed the question again in further meetings. The questionnaires consisted of some 270 check boxes per household and ranged from family, household structure and household assets, livestock and land tenure assets, household income of the main ‘breadwinner’ and working spouse and income sources from household members working outside of the province. [N.B. The land tenure assets refers only to available land used for agricultural production and not homelot] The questionnaire for the barangay councils were concerned with population statistics, health matters and other matters detailed in the copy of the questionnaire. During the course of any meetings, notes were taken and these were later transcribed into a tour report for the area. Whilst in the area, as with other areas, local market surveys were commissioned for a ‘basket’ of food and these showed that after Catarman, Bobon was the cheapest market, whilst Mondragon was the most expensive. All the market surveys were carried out during the same week and thus comparative. At the end of each day, or upon return to the base, all results of the questionnaires were encrypted onto an Excel datasheet. Excel was used for its flexibility and the database was set up in the following way. A file was opened for each municipality and consisted of one sheet per barangay, a municipal sheet and a data summary sheet. The information from each barangay, be it household or community based information, was encrypted onto its individual sheet with the file set up to automatically transfer the totals to the municipal sheet and these totals automatically transferred to the data summary sheet. In turn, the totals from each municipality were transferred to a provincial file that contained a summary of each municipality. The totals from each province were automatically transferred to a regional file. As the survey was undertaken in two regions, one Region 13 and the other Region 8, a summary file was made, where the totals from the individual regions was also automatically transferred. The information from this was transferred to a data summary sheet, whereby the information for each region was shown side by side and could give a direct comparison. Methodology 4

This allowed, if required, all information to be analysed at barangay, municipal, provincial or regional level. Added to this, with the survey directed at coastal, inland delta and upland barangays, this also allowed comparison between the types of barangay at any level. From all of the information gathered, it is possible to carry out comparisons of all household and barangay information in three different types of barangay in two different regions. For planners, this makes very interesting reading. The notes taken during meetings were turned into a tour report for each province and included open remarks about many points. As a gesture of thanks, a printout of the information gathered was sent to individual mayors for their use and many have stated how useful this information was for them. All told, 12,000 kilometres were travelled by motorcycle to gather the complete survey information; riding through swampy delta areas, mountain goat tracks of slippery red clay, sandy coastal tracks and broken concrete roads. The most spectacular being the rides from Surigao City to Lanuza Bay, over the barren Red Mountain running along the cragged coastline and the beautiful coastline of Samar, through to Northern Samar. In any survey, there are many variables that come to light and to follow all of these through, would take academics, anthropologists and development experts many years to reach a conclusion and in any given situation, there are various conclusions that can be reached. The object of this survey was to provide VSO Philippines with one of many tools used to determine its next strategical move as a development agency resident in the Philippines. Development agencies resources are finite and have to be used in the most appropriate way within a given area, regardless of whether or not this focuses on a particular area, a particular situation or a particular mandate handed down from the agencies policy makers. This survey was part of a process and as part of a process, proffered the most up to date information available at the time and did not take account of too many of the variables, otherwise the process would still be underway. This documentation takes the information from the VSO survey and correlates this with three other sources of information from the province. Anomalies exist when correlated with other sources of information and this may provoke further studies. Experience would show that further studies would widen the number of variables and thus, start a process of endless evaluation that has neither meaning nor substance.

Methodology 5

Sample monitoring sheets:

Methodology 6

Methodology 7

Incomes: No document dealing with incomes in a development situation can ignore the poverty circumstances and yet there are many inconclusive debates about the cause, or root causes of what makes people or communities impoverished. Using ‘international standards’ has some value, but these seldom take into account the cultures and although a ‘global village’, many cultures do not look at poverty in the same way as do international agencies. Nor do many international agencies take into account ‘cultural preferences’, whereby sectors of communities do or do not have something, because they have a preference for this and nothing else will do; they are using their cultural preference regardless of whether or not this is considered a poverty indicator by project planners. Too often the labels of ‘Macro’ and ‘Micro’ are insufficient to meet the needs to portray a situation, leaving no room for the multitude of variables that make up ‘a community’. For example, how far do we accept the culturally specific gender issues, as raised by the western nations, but accepted as normal and preferred by the communities under consideration for development? We may be sincere in trying to improve lifestyles, but why then do we interfere with age-old cultural practices? A household that is at subsistence or subsistence plus level is sustainable and yet, under United Nations (UN) criteria these are impoverished. Many people state the obvious that the lack of income is the cause, but what causes this lack of income? The table below poses questions, in order to ‘narrow down’ possible poverty causes: Is it lack of opportunity to earn an income, or laziness? Is it because people are denied access to agricultural land and other resources? Is the prime resource in such poor condition that it is not possible to earn a sustainable income? Is it the lack of capital investment in processing and infrastructure that reduces the incomes to below the poverty level? Is it the hierarchical and feudal nature of the culture that restrains the impoverished from progressing? Is it the demands to finance education for the family that puts strains on the limited resources to not only produce more, but to also produce more often? Is the population growth rate outstripping the ability of the resources to provide the basic needs? Is it the long rainy season from October to February that restricts income generation opportunity and reduces the growth potential of a family? Has corruption denied the low-income and marginal households the opportunity to progress? Is it the poor implementation of labour laws that keeps the impoverished so? Is it the poor collection of businessmen’s tax revenue that has held back central capital investment? Is it correct to put more burdens on the women, as providers? Incomes 1

Do we also ignore the centuries old customs and practices that have formed the present day culture of a community? All cultures have their poor and even in the most modern and wealthy western democracies, poverty exists. The rich rely on the poor to carry out the menial tasks for the lowest possible income; otherwise none would be left to carry out these tasks. The systems in the Philippines, despite a democracy, are hierarchical and feudal and that is the way in which it will be kept. One obvious conclusion is that the rich are getting richer, off the backs of the poor and marginal. Whilst many projects are aimed at the poor, the plight of those on the borderline needs addressing. The soils are poor and many are no longer suitable to produce food crops. It is the farmers and land owners that are responsible for the poor soil fertility, no one else. Their absolute failure to invest or reinvest in the basic assets has and will continue to be a major restraint. It is also the failure of the people to invest in themselves’, always with the expectation that others will invest on their behalf. The farmers are forced to turn from temporary to permanent crops, as a means of sustaining family security or fund education. Many of the permanent crops are non-food. The farmers and fisher folk are reliant on lines of credit to survive. The communities are habituated to poverty and are apathetic to change. The farmers and fisher folk have abused their resource assets by not conserving the basics. However, the rich have encouraged this for short-term gain. The lack of capital investment on infrastructure and processing is a factor. Poor tax revenue generation restricts local governments’ investment plans. The feudalistic system does exacerbate poverty. Land resources are restricted. There is little or no culture of savings discipline. Profits from local resources are invested outside of the province. The local food production cannot keep pace with the population expansion rate and the province will have to import a higher percentage of basic foods to keep pace with the population. The poor implementation of the labour laws is a factor and businessmen take advantage of the impoverished to enhance untaxed profit and minimum wage laws are ignored. The rising cost of crude oil has an affect on basic foods and all commodities, in terms of transport and production aids. The education system is geared towards maintaining the existing status quo. The long rainy season does affect the ability to sustain a nutritious diet for the low-income households. Gender ‘role modelling’ starts very early, restricting the ability of the women to achieve. Incomes 2

Many of the problems associated with the poverty are cultural and it would take an anthropologist many years to unravel these complexities. It is the ‘Domino effect’ of many factors that has created this poverty, but who is to say that the subsistence level, small farmer considers himself to be impoverished and not content with what he has. This section of the review looks at the household incomes of coastal, inland delta and upland barangays and shows the variance of those totally dependent on fishing or agriculture and looks at those that also have access to copra production. With various national statistics showing ‘average’ incomes to be between P9,000 and P13,000 and that those below P9,000 are considered below the poverty ‘line’; it is time to the ‘working’ barangays. If the level of P9,000 is used, it shows that 97.09% of the residents in the VSO Northern Samar surveyed barangays are below the poverty threshold. Most families interviewed were in the P2,000 to P4,000 range; showing that approximately 65% of this province’s households earn less than P3,500 per month. This table shows the dependence of the households, in the various barangay types on different livelihoods. That coastal barangays are 36.96% dependent on agriculture is surprising. The 15.22% who are dependant on business, is often vending of fresh and dried fish. Agriculture Fishing

Business

Other

Coastal

36.96%

47.83%

15.22%

0.00%

Inland Delta

76.60%

0.00%

17.02%

6.38%

Upland

85.11%

0.00%

8.51%

6.38%

Comparison on Various Livelihoods per Barangay Type by Percentage 90% 80%

76.60%

85.11%

70% 60% 50% 40%

Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

47.83% 36.96%

30% 20%

15.22%17.02% 8.51%

10%

6.38% 6.38%

0% Agriculture

Fishing

Business

Other Incomes 3

For this example, nine barangays were randomly selected to give a ‘flash’ survey and although not a very large, the survey reflects the income sources and gives certain useful indicators. These show that: Source Agriculture 51.94% Fishing 32.28% Business 12.38% Other 3.40% ‘Other’ includes salaried and wage earning, permanent and casual The table above shows that householders may have partial incomes from more than one source and the survey showed that some farmers go fishing part time and that some fishermen also farm. Incomes derived from fishing include those that fish the rivers. Further selection of the barangays with least average monthly incomes shows that, an average household earns P2,853 per month, with Upland barangays averaging P2,381, inland delta P3136 and coastal P3,000 per month. Another means of selection shows that the average monthly household income is P3,021.43 and given the above average of P2,853 and the average below of P3,021, a further averaging results in an overall average of P2,937. Coastal Inland Delta Upland Overall Average

2891.30 3212.77 2957.45 3021.43

There is no doubt that the Extended [or Reformed] Value Added Tax, [E-VAT], will make an impact on the daily lives and household economics of the low-income families. Many of the extended taxes are indirect and thus cause involuntary increases in household expenditure. As an example of this, government documentation shows that the estimated value of rice will rise by 0.05% or P0.01 [one Centavo] per kilogram at the 10% E-VAT rate. With the additional fuel and energy costs of rice milling, an increase of 0.05% seems very optimistic. In a joint exercise by the provincial offices of the NSO and DTI, together with the author, a small monitoring project was set up and aimed at monitoring some of the most likely commodities that would affect these families. Already available was the fresh market produce monitoring database and it was relatively simple to use the existing monitoring systems of the NSO and DTI. Each week, on a given day, the selected commodities were monitored for two months before the implementation of the E-VAT law in November 2005. The intention was to monitor the selected commodities through to January 2005 to determine two main points. Firstly to monitor the prices relative to the seasonal change, when many commodities rise, at a time when work opportunities for the lowIncomes 4

income families, from November, reduces. Secondly the affect of the introduction of E-VAT and fuel price rises on many commodities required monitoring. It was generally found [at the 10% rate] that pre-packaged commodities fluctuated very little, whilst ‘loose’ commodities such as sugar, rice, dried fish, salt, fuels and LPG gas varied inconsistently. There will probably be a greater impact when the 12% EVAT is employed. At the beginning of the last quarter of 2005, the international crude oil market prices spiralled upwards and then dipped and this had a significant affect, even before the E-VAT was implemented. Overall, the commodity monitoring showed that many pre-packed commodities stayed reasonably stable, whilst fresh and loose commodities rose. Added to this, the steep increases in fuel prices affected everything. During the first five weeks of the monitoring the value of the commodities rose from P776.77 to P849.46, an increase of 9.36%, with some showing greater increases than this. Fuel and electricity costs had been monitored for longer than this. Prior to the E-VAT implementation, electricity costs had risen by 2.13% over two months, to reach P6.51 per unit cost and rising with E-VAT to P7.12 per unit charged and fuel, at one time, had risen to 17.08% over the same period, before settling to around 11.7%. 16%

14%

This Establishes August (0%) as the

14.91%

Point From Which the Percentage Increases Have Been Measured. 11.70%

12%

10%

7.34%

8%

6%

4%

2%

0.00% 0% Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

-2%

These are burdens that it is hard for any low-income family to absorb, especially at a time of year when work opportunity declines. Mitigating excise tax given to the fuel companies makes little difference in this province, due to the distances that the fuel has to be carried. Add in profiteering by the local gas stations to the misery, especially when there is a shortage of fuel. All of these increases may have the affect that there will be greater pressure on agriculture to provide income from coconut and abaca, as these are readily available, although the prices are very low at this time of year, dropping from P18 at its peak Incomes 5

to P7 or P8 and has been known to go lower than this. Coconut could be considered as ‘the poor mans bond’, readily cashed when required. There will be a temptation to cut abaca early. Both of these will delay income in the new year, but traders will take any advantage to gain these two commodities at low prices. This ties in with the “Annual Poverty Cycle of the Province” a chapter further into this document. Overall, there is a need to improve the short-term economics together with the mid and long-term. 11

Typical Barangays Average Monthly Income by Number of Households

10 9

A (Coastal)

8

B (Inland Delta)

C (Upland)

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000 10000 11000 12000

The survey also wanted to look at the amount of cash savings available, but this data proved to be very difficult to collect and the section of the survey was abandoned. The modest amount of information gained from this, showed that it was only the women that had saved a few Pesos. The survey showed that the average monthly income of the three sectors as follows: Livelihood sector Coastal Inland Delta Upland Average

Peso 3205.36 3212.77 2957.45 3150.49

Incomes 6

3200

3136

Average Monthly Incomes of Example Barangays

3000

3000

2853

2800 2600 2381

2400 2200 2000 A (Coastal)

Coastal Inland Delta Upland

Coastal Inland delta Upland

P1000 3.62% 4.64% 4.32% P7000 5.85% 4.64% 0.00%

B (Inland Delta)

P2000 18.94% 17.22% 24.46% P8000 2.23% 10.60% 5.76%

C (Upland)

P3000 30.92% 27.81% 28.06% P9000 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

P4000 6.69% 13.25% 5.76%

P10000 5.57% 0.00% 0.00%

Average

P5000 11.14% 9.93% 14.39%

P11000 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

P6000 11.70% 3.97% 8.63%

P12000 3.34% 7.95% 8.63%

Included in the average monthly household incomes are the additional incomes from working wives and absentee household members. Those working wives that are wage earning or salaried are included as breadwinners. The table below shows income from roadside vending, handicrafts, native alcohol production, seasonal work and other activities. Coastal I Delta Upland

Partner's Income P612 P971 P1020

Income from an Absentee household member P91 P531 P95

Many surveys have overlooked the contribution that a working partner or mother makes to a household and the importance of this hard-earned contribution. The following graph shows that on average, a working partner contributes 28.51% to the household income every month and the graph may also be a good indicator of the level of success of the livelihood of the main earner. In some ways, females are more ‘employable’ than males, given the need storeowners or urban households for cheap labour and the large percentage women in LGU offices speaks of the need for income generation. It could also said that the number of women in LGU offices speaks of the women’s efforts

of of be to

Incomes 7

have gained an education, opening these doors to opportunity. It could be determined that there will be greater burdens put on the women to become providers, although, as stores and other potential employers experience higher costs, it is likely that they will offer less in remuneration and due to the household economic stress, many will be forced to accept. The ages of women in the workforce range from 15 to 64 years, making up 49.25% of the working population, yet overall, consisted of 48.87% of the total population [2004]. Women in the stores receive on average P1,200 to P1,400 per month, working 12 hour days and often ‘living over the store’ to be unpaid maids or yayas during the evening. Some state that they only receive P800 per month from the stores and are forced to accept this low wage due to the competition for work. One day a month leave is not unusual, with some only getting a half-day. It has become increasingly noticeable that there are more 13, 14 and 15-year-old girls working in the stores and all have sad tales about being forced to help the family provide income and the lack of money for school attendance. Some of the older female workers are mothers, some unmarried mothers, with their children left in the care of grandparents, often treating their real mother’s as visitors and the grandparents as parents. In the economic climate, few girls have little choice but to be farmed out to a relative as a housemaid, receiving nothing other than food and lodging. Some get to go to school but many do not and all this achieves is some economic relief for the parents, who may believe that their daughter is better off. There is often a social consequence that allows a working partner to work and this is that it is likely that a daughter may miss the opportunity for an education, to take the role of surrogate mother and stay at home. Partner's % 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Main Earner's %

Comparison of Monthly Household Income Sources

84.45% 65.33%

34.67%

71.49%

65.50%

34.50%

28.51%

15.55%

Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

Average

Incomes 8

All Barangays - Average Household Monthly INcome 2003 by Percentage 35%

Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 1000

2000 3000

4000 5000

6000 7000

8000 9000 10000 11000 12000

The following graphs show the average monthly household income of the barangays in the 2003 VSO survey. This shows that the average barangay family earns $52 per month ($625 per annum). (Coastal $53, Inland delta $53 and Upland $49) Coastal Barangay - Average Household Monthly Income 2003 by

35%

Percentage

30.92%

30% 25% 18.94%

20% 15%

11.14% 11.70%

10% 5% 0%

6.69% 3.62%

5.85%

5.57% 2.23%

0.00%

3.34% 0.00%

1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000 12000

Incomes are often very seasonal and the incomes described here are for an ‘average ’month. When questioned, working wives stated that they work to ensure that the basic foods are affordable and to help with the costs of sending children to school.

Incomes 9

Many household incomes are supplemented by additional activities such as pig fattening, fruit and vegetable sales, vending etc; with native alcohol production very popular to meet a substantial market requirement. Inland Delta Barangay - Average Household Monthly Income 2003 by Percentage 27.81%

30% 25% 20%

17.22% 13.25%

15% 10% 5%

10.60%

9.93%

7.95% 3.97% 4.64%

4.64%

0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

0% 1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000 10000 11000 12000

Those in the higher range of incomes are usually wives that work for the local municipal government in teaching and other posts, or have official barangay positions.

Upland Barangay - Average Household Monthly Income 2003 by

28.06%

30%

Percentage

24.46%

25% 20%

14.39%

15%

8.63%

10% 5% 0%

4.32%

8.63%

5.76%

5.76% 0.00%

0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000 12000 Incomes 10

The following graph shows that those earning between P1,000 and P5,000 per month are in the majority; averaging between 60% and 63%. All Barangays P1000 to P5000 per Month Average Income by Percentage 64% 63% 63% 62% 62% 61% 61% 60% 60% 59% 59%

62.91%

62.59%

60.17%

Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

Out of 206 households questioned, 124 (60.19%) owned or leased land and 82 (39.81%) were landless. In the coastal barangays, 37.23% of households owned or leased land. (This is land used for agriculture and does not include land for homesteads) Only 37.62% had the security of ownership whilst 62.38% had no long-term security of tenure. Landless 70%

Owns

Leases

All Barangays Land Tenure by Percentage

62.77%

60% 46.81% 46.81%

46.81%

50%

39.81%

36.17%

40%

37.62%

30.32%

30%

22.57% 17.02%

20% 6.91%

10%

6.38%

0% Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

Overall

Of the 124 households that had some tenure form, 56.50% (range 100% to 17.39%) depended wholly or partially on coconuts for income. (Note: Owned or leased land does not include homesteads and deals only with land usable for agricultural). Incomes 11

45% 40%

Household Land Tenure by % 2003 39.81%

37.62%

35% 30% 22.57%

25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Landless

Ow n land

Lease land

The following three graphs show the variances in land tenure (2003) of the coastal, inland delta and upland barangays and shows that the many of the coastal householders are subject to the whims of landowning families, with 63% landless and often dependent for off-season income generation from farming activities. 70% 60%

Coastal Barangay HouseholdLand Tenure 2003 by Percentage 63.39%

50% 40%

29.91%

30% 20%

6.70%

10% 0% Landless

Owned

Leased

Incomes 12

Inland Delta Barangay Household Land Tenure 2003 by Percentage 46.81%

50%

36.17%

40% 30% 20% 10%

17.02%

0% Landless

Owned

Leased

Upland Barangay Household Land Tenure 2003 by Percentage 50%

46.81%

46.81%

Owned

Leased

40% 30% 20% 10%

6.38%

0% Landless

The upland barangays fair much better with land ownership that in the 2003 VSO survey showed an equal amount owned and tenanted (or leased). The following graph shows the dependence on coconut by type of barangay: 100%

Barangay Households Dependent on Coconut for Income

94.00%

90% 80%

67.55%

70% 60% 50% 40%

37.08%

30% 20% 10% 0% Coastal

Inland delta

Upland

Annual Poverty Cycle of the Province: Incomes 13

During the course of writing this book certain issues arose that were related to the rising cost of fuel and the implementation of the E-VAT laws. With the province suffering its typhoon and storm season from October through February, it became necessary to determine the increased affect of impoverishing further the lowincome families. It was found that: 

From October through February paid work opportunity in the agricultural, fishing and construction industries can go down by as much as 28%.



During November, December and January each year the prices in the fresh market in Catarman can rise between 5% and 28% above normal. Many dry goods also rise at this time of year and both are caused by the inability of the ships that carry the trucks bringing the basic foods and commodities to the province. Therefore, it became obvious that there were poverty stress issues from October through February in the low-income households that required analysis. By asking many in the industries and those that monitor some of the seasonal events, a picture emerged of the likely work pattern of those industries affected by heavy rains or typhoons and the following graph is a result of this. 105% 100% 95% 90% 85% 80%

Northern Samar

75%

Low-Income Household

70%

Work Opportunity Monitoring

65% Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Thus, if work opportunities and consequentially incomes are reduced, there is a reduction in the spending power of the families that must vary with the seasons and this would also relate to the availability and prices in the ‘fresh’ markets. The following graph shows the fluctuations in the price for a basket of 30 fresh items. Zero percent acting as the average price for the basket of foods.

Incomes 14

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

6%

5.26%

Monthly 'Fresh' Market Price Fluctuations - Northern Samar

5% 4% 3%

2.10%

1.66%

2% 1%

2.57%

2.00% 1.34%

0.05%

0% -1%

-0.09%

-0.43%

-2%

-1.58%

-1.59%

-3% -2.99%

-4%

When the work opportunity statistics are aligned with the market prices, this results in a graph showing a monthly ‘standard of living index’ Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

10% 2.99%

5%

May 5.43%

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

3.34% 3.66% 3.00%

0% -5% -10%

-8.41%

-15% -20% -25%

-20.05%

-30% -27.10% -35%

-9.91%

-13.42%

Low-Income Households "Monthly Spending Power Index"

-22.57%

-33.26%

-40%

This shows that during the months May through August, household incomes are at their best and the market price for food is more stable and less expensive. The other side of the coin on this is that November through to March, incomes are insufficient to be able to purchase the same basket of food items, as incomes are lower and market prices are higher. Incomes 15

There is little wonder now, with this evidence, why the province of Northern Samar revolves around a continual poverty cycle and without investment in processing and permanent crop expansion; this cycle will continue. With the dramatic increases in fuel prices and the implementation of E-VAT during the latter part of 2005, the province of Northern Samar will probably slip backwards and those that were on the marginal level will now join those below the poverty level and increase all burdens on the municipal and provincial social services. From a revolving pattern that keeps Northern Samar 20 years behind the rest of the Philippines, the province will probably now slide further behind. Only heavy investment and some social and health support programmes are likely to arrest the situation. With the province showing as 75th poorest of 79 provinces, there is a need to further study the basics. The survey also showed that on average only 56.36% of those under the age of eighteen years attended elementary or highschool education, with the upland barangays showing the highest school attendance rate. This is borne out by field research, which showed the determination of some of the youth to gain education, although some upland barangays lacked elementary schools. The children hiked to nearby barangays that have elementary schools. Those wishing to attend highschool, stayed with relatives in the central municipal areas. However, there is a strange phenomenon; many are keen to attend school, yet few have the drive to learn. Perhaps this is a sad reflection on the teachers that do not make education interesting enough to tempt the youth to learn. With so much emphasis on the expensive façade of graduation ceremonies, beginning at kindergarten, one wonders if the ceremony itself and the ‘public image’ gained is of significant importance. Livelihood sector Coastal Inland Delta Upland Average

Elementary & Highschool 56.79% 48.64% 63.66% 56.36%

Elementary 38.61% 31.92% 49.29% 39.94%

If related to average monthly household incomes, it shows that the lowest income earners have the highest number of children in education and that the highest income earners have the lowest number of children in education. The survey results do show that, where there are working mothers (external income) with money available from their labours; more children are in education. From this, it could be determined that the working mother in a low-income family works to ensure that Incomes 16

basic foods are available and to educate her young. This also establishes that the role of school aged children is an important factor in the economics of the household.

Household Assets: The table below shows the type of materials used for household construction and shows that the inland delta communities have invested least in household structure yet have invested most in iron sheets for the roofs. Coastal Inland Delta Upland Average

Bamboo or Nipa walls 62.50% 97.87% 76.60% 78.99%

Block walls 37.50% 2.13% 23.40% 21.01%

Iron roof 12.50% 28.72% 25.53% 22.25%

Nipa roof 87.50% 71.28% 74.47% 77.75%

However, the use of nipa panels for roofs and blocks walls are not always a useful guide for poverty indicating, as many householders explained that they did not like iron sheet roofs or block walls because of the excessive heat produced. This is a ‘social preference’ and must be taken into account when poverty indicating. Another factor that may need to be taken into consideration is the fact that the cost of transporting materials to the upland barangays may be restrictive and that, as they are abundant supplies of coconut fronts available, many use these and are prepared to replace them regularly. It is only possible to reach some interior barangays by river and the charge for the boat trip is P150 one-way. Therefore, it is very unlikely that large goods for homebuilding would be carried. Other household assets such as televisions are often dependent on power being supplied to a barangay and more coastal and inland delta barangays will be electrified than upland and therefore not always useful as a poverty indicator. Coastal Inland Delta Upland

TV 25.89% 19.15% 8.51%

Radio 58.04% 55.32% 48.94%

Motorcycle 6.25% 10.64% 2.13%

The percentage of radios owned can be used as an indicator, as these are not dependent on electrical power.

Poverty Indicating: The whole process of poverty indicating needs to be reviewed pertinent to these local situations, where social preference, the cost of transportation and other factors, erode the given concepts of poverty. No longer is it safe to assume that existing criteria are suitable. Perhaps it is time to determine decisive factors of ‘core statistics’ that can be used by all.

Livestock: Incomes 17

Livestock have an important role in household economics, although in the Philippines, this role is not as important (economically or socially) as some Asian countries. There seems to be little or no ‘social status’ attached to the ownership of livestock here and for the purposes of this review, only female livestock of breeding age have been considered, although data is available for males and young livestock. All households have been considered for this, as some households have livestock, although they own no land. Any reference to poultry includes only those for meat and egg laying (Table poultry) and not for sporting activities. 90%

Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

Average Household Livestock Ow ned

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Carabao

Cattle

Goat

Sw ine

Poultry

Duck

As expected the inland delta barangays own the highest percentage of carabao and ducks. The lower percentage of table poultry in the coastal barangays reflects the diet, which would be augmented by fresh fish. Inland delta farmers view goats as pests and the absence of these is not surprising. The survey had expected to find more householders with breeding female swine, although the survey showed that, at the time of the survey, only 16.50% of householders were fattening piglets. (This survey was carried out during the middle part of the year, prior to most municipal and barangay fiestas.)

Coastal Inland Delta Upland Overall

Female Livestock Owned Carabao Cattle 12.33% 3.09% 53.82% 0.00% 29.36% 2.27% 25.24% 2.43%

Goat 1.09% 0.00% 4.00% 1.46%

Swine 30.91% 21.09% 28.00% 30.10%

Poultry 51.30% 76.91% 70.36% 59.71%

Duck 1.09% 8.00% 6.27% 3.88%

The 2002 NSO data shows that there was 62,036 swine in the province and the provincial database shows that there were 99,642 households. This averages 62.26% of households with swine. The 2003 VSO survey shows that 61.65% of households own swine. This is less than 1.00% variance and is acceptable for statistical analysis.

Agricultural Incomes: Incomes 18

The competition for income from agricultural production has promoted several changes, not least of which, is the increase in permanent crops compared with the reduction in producing temporary crops. The root cause of these changes is due to the poor and declining quality of the soil and it is predicted that these changes will multiply over the next five years. Movement from Temporary to Permanent Crops Trends Permanent Temporary Fallowed 3.00%

2.03%

2.14%

1.79%

2.00% 1.00% 0.00% -0.30%

-1.00%

-0.31%

-0.53%

-0.05%

-2.00% -3.00% -4.00%

-3.47%

AP

-3.00%

EV

NS

These changes in crop production reflect a greater need to diversify in order to sustain a monthly income. More farmers go part time fishing and more fishermen are farming at backyard level and making more use of their coconut trees. The virtual cessation of fallowing between crops is indicative of the pressure to improve or sustain an income, yet the long-term need to maintain soil fertility and structure has been sacrificed. Using the average production yields shows that in one year the typical income from palay production is P12,000 per hectare, whilst the typical income from abaca is P21,000 per hectare. As economics force greater input reductions in palay production, it is very likely that more farmers will switch to abaca. Higher investment inputs for abaca are unlikely at this time, but with encouragement, abaca farmers may be persuaded to invest more. The following graphs show the general declines in some temporary and permanent crops:

Incomes 19

Hectares 2,500

Northern Samar's Corn Planting 1960 - 2002

2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

50,000 Northern Samar's Palay Plantings 1960 - 2002 (hectares) 45,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

Northern Samar's Pineapple Production (Tonnes) 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 Y1993 Y1994 Y1995 Y1996 Y1997 Y1998 Y1999 Y2000 Y2001 Y2002 Y2003 Y2004

Incomes 20

Northern Samar's Banana Production (Tonnes) 16000 14000

Banana

13037

Expon. (Banana)

12000 10000 8000 5163

6000 4000 2000 0

Y1993 Y1994 Y1995 Y1996 Y1997 Y1998 Y1999 Y2000 Y2001 Y2002 Y2003 Y2004

6,000

5,684

1960-2003 Northern Samar Area Forested - Hectares

5,000 4,000 2,983

3,000

2,477 2,000 1,000

625 179

0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

To counter the declines in some crops, the following graphs show the steady increase in the production of abaca and coconut. Farmers and landowners, without promotion, are moving over to the more reliable sources of income that these permanent crops give. NS Abaca Production (Tonnes) 7000 Abaca

6000

Expon. (Abaca)

5215

5000 4000

3026

3000 2000 1000 0 Y 1993 Y 1994 Y 1995 Y 1996 Y 1997 Y 1998 Y 1999 Y 2000 Y 2001 Y 2002 Y 2003 Y 2004

Incomes 21

Millions 14 12 10 8 6

Northern Samar's Coconut plantings 1960- 2002

4 2 0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

Livestock and alternative crop production may yet see greater increases, as the demand for income generation grows and with a general swing to homelot production, the province’s yield of vegetables and fruits will probably increase. In general terms, farmers are changing to production types that are more economically reliable and abandoning those that are not. The longer-term affects of these are healthier for the province’s economy, although this will mean that a higher percentage of table rice will be imported. The traditional fisherman will always be a fisherman and nothing will change this and yields will continue to decline. It is likely that the number casual fishermen will increase and this will harm the existing fishing industry. However, attempts to promote fish farming show promise and should be encouraged.

Incomes 22

Services This section looks at the services available in the municipal barangays, and compares, where possible, the municipal LGU’s response to the needs of its population. Often, the services available within the barangays help to determine the population’s ability to earn income. Using three municipalities only as a sample may be criticised, yet the intention of a random survey is to rapidly gather information that may be representative of an area. The number of teachers and classrooms affects the educational standard of a barangay, as does the aptitude and attitude of the teachers. The number of barangay health workers (BHWs) also has a great affect, although these positions are often gratuitous rather than professional. Out of the nine barangays used for this comparison, only three have barangay nutrition scholars (BNSs) and only one barangay provided reproductive health support for women and none provided family planning aids. Of the nine barangays only five have health clinics and five had regular monthly visits from the municipal midwife. One barangay saw the municipal midwife once in three months and three stated that they rarely saw the municipal midwife.

Malnourishment: A clear indicator of municipal input and poverty are the percentage of pre-school children that are affected with malnutrition and the following table shows the levels as determined during the VSO 2003 survey. These statistics were provided direct from barangay records. Each year, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) monitors the malnourished children and provides a report on the findings. However, at this time, the PHO statistics are not available at barangay level and deeper analysis of the statistics by barangay type is not possible. 2003 Severe Moderate Mild

Municipality ‘A’ 9.38% 37.39% 53.23%

Municipality ‘B’ 5.52% 31.68% 62.80%

Municipality ‘C’ 9.83% 51.09% 39.08%

Average 8.24% 40.05% 51.70%

Using the barangay statistics, it is possible to show the levels of pre-school malnourishment by type of barangay and this shows that the upland barangays have by far the most problems of severe malnourishment. 2003 Severe Moderate Mild

Coastal 3.72% 35.55% 60.73%

Inland delta 10.00% 51.72% 38.28%

Upland 17.79% 39.66% 42.55%

Average 10.50% 42.31% 47.19%

This is a useful means of identifying not only the municipalities that have problems of severe and moderate malnourishment, but also helps to identify types of barangays where most malnourishment problems are likely to occur, and clearly Services 1

shows that attention should be given to the upland barangays. That there are only three barangay nutrition scholars for the nine barangays does little to address the needs. Coastal

Inland delta

Upland

Malnourished by Barangay Type- VSO 2003

70% 57.14%

60%

61.33% 53.76%

50% 34.38%

40%

33.12% 32.95%

30% 20% 10%

4.30%

9.74%

13.29%

0% Severe

Moderate

Mild

An overall comparison shows that in 2003, 8.40% of the pre-school children were severely malnourished and 46.14% were moderately malnourished. Severe, Moderate & Mildly Malnourished Overall Statistics Mild, 45.45%

Severe, 8.40%

Severe Moderate Mild

Moderate, 46.14%

The provincial statistics for 2003 showed that 1.92% of the pre-schoolchildren were severely malnourished and 10.33% were moderately malnourished; an overall average of 12.26%, which differs greatly from the VSO survey. On the overall municipal figures, it is possible to show a ranking of municipalities, thus identifying those that require some form of support to reduce the problem.

Services 2

2003 Provincial Statistics for Severely & Moderately Malnourished pre-SchoolChildren 0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

23.03%

Las Navas

20.80%

San Vicente Mapanas

17.78%

Bobon

17.75% 17.41%

Victoria Mondragon

16.88%

Laoang

16.83% 14.88%

Catubig

14.45%

Pambujan

12.40%

Rosari o

12.19%

Gamay

12.02%

Average

11.79%

San Roque Lapinig

11.61%

Lavezares

11.60% 11.33%

Capul

9.70%

San Jose

9.53%

San Isidro

8.53%

Bi ri Allen

8.27%

Catarman

8.20%

Lope de Vega

8.06% 6.07%

San Antoni o Silvi no Lobos Palapag

25%

5.05% 4.03%

This graph shows that in 2003, seven municipalities had rates of more than fifteen percent malnourishment in pre-school children. Of nine barangays interviewed in 2003, only three had Barangay Nutrition Scholars [BNS] and a general comparison showed that each Barangay Health Worker [BHW] had, on average 254 residents to attend to, straining any resources. It was also noted that many BHWs seemed to be social appointees and not always suitable for the task. Services 3

2004 Provincial Statistics for Severely & Moderately Malnourished pre-School 0%

2%

Children 6% 8%

4%

10%

12%

14% 13.87%

Las Navas

12.59%

Laoang

10.33%

Catarman

8.21%

Pambujan

7.03%

Palapag

6.75%

Mondragon

4.81%

Lavezares

4.17%

Average

4.15%

San Isidro

4.10%

Mapanas

3.87%

Catubig

3.58%

Bobon

3.35%

Lapinig

2.88%

San Roque

2.50%

San Jose

2.36%

Gamay

2.12%

Allen

1.70%

Lope de Vega

1.42%

Biri

1.27%

Victoria San Vicente

1.04%

Capul

0.90%

San Antonio

0.57%

Rosario

0.57%

Silvino Lobos

16%

0.05%

The graph for 2004 shows some improvements over 2003 although Las Navas and Laoang still feature with high figures. It should also be noted that more elderly folk show signs of malnourishment since incomes become harder to earn and the cost of basic nutritious foods continues to rise. Services 4

Health services: Barangay councils provide the primary health services by the provision of barangay health workers (BHWs), trained birth attendants and often barangay nutrition scholars (BNS). In the municipalities that were surveyed the provision of barangay health workers can be critical to the health of a barangay and the barangay population per BHW can often determine the attitude of the health workers. Municipality Municipality ‘A’ Municipality ‘B’ Municipality ‘C’

BHWs 8 5 30

Population 3946 2944 4031

Population per BHW 493 589 134

The above table shows that Municipality ‘C’ attempts to better assure the health of its population by the provision of BHWs and their population per BHW is highly commended. However, the municipal comparison of malnourished show that Municipality ‘C’ has the highest number of severe and moderately malnourished preschool children and this shows that the quantity of BHWs may be sufficient but that the quality may be lacking.

Barangay Residents to Health Workers 0 Coastal

Inland delta

50

100

150

200

250

350

236

227

Upland

Overall

300

286

254

Of the nine barangays, only five had a health clinic and very few had any equipment or basic remedies. Only in one barangay was there any reproductive health seminars for women and no barangay had supplies of family planning aids. The lack of family planning aids is mostly determined by the provincial health office. Services 5

Reproduction: Coastal

Inland delta

Upland

Average

Midwife's Visits to Barangays

70% 60% 50%

60.00%

55.56% 50.00% 50.00%

50.00% 50.00%

40%

33.33%

30% 20.00%

20%

20.00% 11.11%

10% 0.00% 0.00%

0% Every month

3 Months

6 Months plus

The graph above shows the average visits by municipal midwives, although most women in the barangays described 6 months plus as rarely. The provincial database shows statistics for ‘At Risk’ pregnancies, for maternal and infant mortalities and these have been amalgamated to show the municipalities most at risk for their pregnant mothers and infants. The following graph shows statistics for 2004. Both Rosario and Capul show very high rates of pregnancy related stress factors, although the island of Capul has added problems of isolation during the storm season and poor access to basic nutritious foods for pregnant mothers.

Services 6

Combined 'At Risk' Pregnancies, 'Maternal & Infant' Mortality Rates 0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

Rosario

24.50%

Capul

21.83%

Catarman

18.36%

Lavezares

18.35%

Mondragon

17.81%

San Isidro

16.39%

San Antonio

16.38%

San Jose

14.16%

Victoria

14.09%

Catubig

13.70%

San Vicente

13.66% 13.11%

Gamay

12.12%

Average Allen

11.23%

Palapag

10.52%

Lapinig

8.88%

Silvino Lobos

8.85%

Biri

7.97%

Las Navas

7.78%

Laoang

7.59%

Bobon Mapanas San Roque Lope de Vega Pambujan

30%

5.84% 2.95% 2.55% 2.31% 1.70%

Many of the ‘At Risk’ pregnancies are diet related, which reflects on poverty status. However, in some of the remote and island municipalities, it is the availability of nutritious foods that is often the root cause of these problems. Services 7

The delivery of babies is shown in the table below and shows that on average, 51.47% of babies are delivered by Hilots [registered and unregistered birth attendants], 35.13% are delivered by midwives, 11.29% by doctors and 2.11% by others [includes nurses]. 2004

Hilots

Midwives

Doctors

Other

Allen

23.91%

49.61%

26.48%

0.00%

Biri

47.01%

37.05%

14.34%

1.59%

Bobon

78.71%

9.31%

11.97%

0.00%

Capul

27.84%

66.67%

5.49%

0.00%

Catarman

62.60%

13.27%

24.12%

0.00%

Catubig

74.54%

12.15%

13.31%

0.00%

Gamay

40.79%

53.35%

3.35%

2.51%

Laoang

33.33%

16.67%

16.67%

33.33%

Lapinig

86.07%

2.05%

11.07%

0.82%

Las Navas

78.26%

17.71%

4.03%

0.00%

Lavezares

49.61%

43.41%

6.46%

0.52%

Lope de Vega

95.49%

0.35%

1.74%

2.43%

Mapanas

37.14%

57.43%

3.14%

2.29%

Mondragon

71.63%

22.67%

5.70%

0.00%

Palapag

65.03%

24.79%

9.94%

0.25%

Pambujan

57.39%

32.39%

8.52%

1.70%

3.36%

92.16%

4.48%

0.00%

San Antonio

41.57%

13.48%

44.38%

0.56%

San Isidro

57.45%

23.71%

18.54%

0.30%

San Jose

10.44%

72.16%

14.15%

3.25%

San Roque

65.20%

22.94%

11.85%

0.00%

San Vicente

13.04%

77.64%

9.32%

0.00%

Silvino Lobos

85.57%

12.44%

1.00%

1.00%

Victoria

29.36%

69.79%

0.85%

0.00%

Average

51.47%

35.13%

11.29%

2.11%

Rosario

Attending Delivery Support of Babies 35.13%

11.29%

2.11% 51.47% Hilots

Midw ives

Doctors

Other

Services 8

The table below illustrates the site of the delivery of most babies and this shows that on average, 89.63% are born at home and 10.37% in hospital. Both Bobon and the island of San Vicente show that 100% of babies were born at home during 2004, whilst San Antonio has a high percentage delivered in the island’s hospital. No 2004 data was available for Lapinig and 2003 data was used for comparison: 2004

100% 90%

89.63%

Site of Maternal Deliveries

80% 70% 60%

Home

Hospital

Allen

73.52%

26.48%

Biri

85.60%

14.40%

Bobon

100.00%

0.00%

Capul

93.43%

6.57%

Catarman

75.82%

24.18%

Catubig

86.69%

13.31%

Gamay

96.86%

3.14%

Laoang

88.46%

11.54%

Lapinig

90.53%

9.47%

Las Navas

94.20%

5.80%

50%

Lavezares

94.03%

5.97%

40%

Lope de Vega

95.07%

4.93%

Mapanas

94.29%

5.71%

Mondragon

94.30%

5.70%

Palapag

89.30%

10.70%

Pambujan

75.71%

24.29%

Rosario

95.52%

4.48%

San Antonio

55.37%

44.63%

San Isidro

94.70%

5.30%

San Jose

87.70%

12.30%

30% 20%

10.37%

10% 0% Home

Hospital

San Roque

93.86%

6.14%

San Vicente

100.00%

0.00%

Silvino Lobos

97.51%

2.49%

Victoria

98.72%

1.28%

Average

89.63%

10.37%

Allen, Catarman, Pambujan and San Antonio show higher percentages of hospital deliveries and, other than Pambujan, all have hospitals available and thus probably accounts for these higher rates. There has been some concern about the number of registered hilots and thus it could be assumed that the training of hilots requires attention. With 89.63% of homebirths and many of these in remote barangays, the maternal mortality rate from haemorrhaging is most common and with little means of transport to hospitals available; in the remote areas the mothers to be face much greater risk than those in the urban areas. Services 9

2004

Type of pregnancy RISK Factor

Percentage

Normal

At Risk

Unknown

Totals

at Risk

Allen

274

115

0

389

29.56%

Biri

195

56

0

251

22.31%

Bobon

381

70

0

451

15.52%

Capul

110

165

0

275

60.00%

Catarman

540

649

9

1198

54.17%

Catubig

383

216

2

601

35.94%

Gamay

247

188

43

478

39.33%

Laoang

972

252

6

1230

20.49%

Lapinig

190

53

1

244

21.72%

Las Navas

483

136

2

621

21.90%

Lavezares

175

210

0

385

54.55%

Lope de Vega

283

5

0

288

1.74%

Mapanas

330

20

0

350

5.71%

Mondragon

338

381

19

738

51.63%

Palapag

576

245

0

821

29.84%

Pambujan

59

0

2

61

0.00%

Rosario

74

194

0

268

72.39%

91

86

0

177

48.59%

San Isidro

327

313

17

657

47.64%

San Jose

313

206

0

519

39.69%

San Roque

486

37

0

523

7.07%

San Vicente

96

65

0

161

40.37%

Silvino Lobos

117

37

10

164

22.56%

Victoria

104

71

0

175

40.57%

7,144

3,770

111

11,025

Average

San Antonio

Total

32.64%

80%

64.80%

60%

2002 Pregnancy Status 34.20%

40% 20%

1.01%

0% Normal

Risk

Unknown

The statistics show that 34.20% of pregnancies were ‘At Risk’ during 2004: Services 10

Sanitation: HOUSEHOLD SANITATION - 2004: Households Households with CR Municipality: 4,498 3,238 Allen 1,808 1,175 Biri 3,598 2,663 Bobon 1,409 2,201 Capul 14,449 8,814 Catarman 5,515 4,633 Catubig 5,085 2,390 Gamay 11,514 7,484 Laoang 2,133 938 Lapinig 3,389 6,518 Las Navas 5,178 4,194 Lavezares 2,410 892 Lope de Vega 2,510 1,154 Mapanas 6,080 2,979 Mondragon 6,724 7,230 Palapag 5,237 2,932 Pambujan 1,724 896 Rosario 1,771 1,346 San Antonio 4,998 2,099 San Isidro 3,045 2,314 San Jose 2,417 4,167 San Roque 1,274 764 San Vicente 2,372 403 Silvino Lobos 2,692 1,642 Victoria Provincial 108,004 66,890

% households with CR 72.00% 65.00% 74.00% 64.00% 61.00% 84.00% 47.00% 65.00% 44.00% 52.00% 81.00% 37.00% 46.00% 49.00% 93.00% 56.00% 52.00% 76.00% 42.00% 76.00% 58.00% 60.00% 17.00% 61.00% 61.93%

Households without CR 1,259 633 935 792 5,635 882 2,695 4,030 1,194 3,128 984 1,518 1,355 3,101 506 2,304 827 425 2,899 731 1,750 509 1,969 1,050 41,114

% households without CR 28.00% 35.00% 26.00% 36.00% 39.00% 16.00% 53.00% 35.00% 56.00% 48.00% 19.00% 63.00% 54.00% 51.00% 7.00% 44.00% 48.00% 24.00% 58.00% 24.00% 42.00% 40.00% 83.00% 39.00% 38.07%

The table above shows the household sanitation statistics for 2004 and reveals that on average only 61.93% have lavatories although this is an increase of 6.42% over 2000, when only 55.51% had lavatories. The table highlights the municipalities with the least number of sanitary facilities as being Silvino Lobos [83%], Lope de Vega [63%], San Isidro [58%], Lapinig [56%], Mapanas [54%], Gamay [53%] and Mondragon [51%] and out of the seven with more than 50%, five are considered remote municipalities. It is interesting to note that of the main island communities; only San Antonio at 40% is higher than the provincial average. When aligned to potable water availability, it shows that, in some instances, water availability is linked with sanitation quality. Services 11

Services 12

The Disadvantaged: The VSO 2003 barangay survey showed that the incidences of the under eighteen years old children of blindness, deafness, physical and mental disabilities are largely ignored by the municipal or provincial governments and that they are fed and clothed and largely left to their own devices within the general community. Of all of the municipal executives interviewed, not one could state that they had facilities in education for those with physical and mental challenges.

Barangay Barangay Barangay Barangay Barangay Barangay Barangay Barangay Barangay Overall

A [C] B [C] C [U] D [C] E [C] F [ID] G [U] H [C] I [ID]

Coastal Inland delta Upland Overall

Deaf 3 0 0 1 0 0 5 3 0 12

Blind 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 4

7 0 5 12

3 0 1 4

Handicapped Physically Mentally 4 4 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 4 6 4 1 0 15 14 10 1 4 15

Totals 11 0 2 2 1 1 12 15 1 45

9 1 4 14

29 2 14 45

Taking the individual disabilities statistics shows that in an ‘average’ barangay, there are 5 disadvantaged children under the age of eighteen years:

Coastal Inland delta Upland Overall

Deaf 1.4 0.0 2.5 1.3

Blind 0.6 0.0 0.5 0.4

Handicapped Physically Mentally 2.0 1.8 0.5 0.5 2.0 2.0 1.7 1.6

Totals 5.8 1.0 7.0 5.0

This would suggest, based on the data from the barangays, that one in forty households has a child with a disability, To some extent, there is some superstition regarding these children and they are usually unharmed, although some of the mentally disadvantaged children are restrained. Deaf Blind Physically challenged Mentally challenged Total (2003)

12 4 15 14 45

In the nine barangays, those with disabilities are tabled above and from a population of nearly 11,000; the above figures may seem low. In development terms, these Services 13

figures are high because no services are provided by the LGU for those affected with disabilities; there is little likelihood that those affected will progress. One municipality leader stated that the budget for disabled was utilised to provide a monthly payment of P500 for some street people, who may, or may not be disabled.

Education: 2003 Comparative Results of the Diagnostic and Achievement Tests Division

Diagnostic Test Result

Achievement Test Result

Science Difference

Rank

Southern Leyte

39.69%

66.78%

27.09%

1

Eastern Samar

35.75%

62.56%

26.81%

2

Leyte

44.20%

66.95%

22.75%

3

Biliran

41.28%

63.54%

22.26%

4

Samar

36.56%

56.74%

20.18%

5

Ormoc City

48.22%

66.97%

18.75%

6

Calbayog

43.57%

60.24%

16.67%

7

Northern Samar

37.78%

54.43%

16.65%

8

Tacloban City

48.30%

63.69%

15.39%

9

Average

41.70%

62.43%

20.73%

Northern Samar

37.78%

54.43%

16.65%

3.92%

8.00%

4.08%

% Above/Below Av

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

2003 Education Regional Diagnostic Comparison

27.09%

20.18% 26.81%

22.75%

22.26%

18.75%

16.67%

16.65%

15.39%

Southern Eastern Leyte

Leyte

Samar

Diagnostic Test Result

Biliran

Samar

Ormoc

Calbayog Northern Tacloban

City

Samar

Achievement Test Result

City

Science Difference

Services 14

2003 REGIONAL ELEMENTARY ACHIEVEMENT TEST RESULTS BY SUBJECT AREA

The education diagnostics carried out by the regional education office do not show Northern Samar in a very good position and the following table shows individual subject achievement results. Division

English

Maths

Science

Filipino

HEKASI

MESP

EPP

MPS

Rank

Ormoc City

76.25%

61.94%

65.90%

69.30%

61.38%

63.64%

72.54%

66.97%

1

Leyte

70.36%

63.11%

66.48%

68.14%

63.77%

51.44%

68.66%

66.95%

2

Southern Leyte

76.35%

61.11%

67.01%

70.70%

62.57%

51.72%

66.31%

66.78%

3

Tacloban City

72.37%

54.63%

59.13%

66.39%

62.66%

48.80%

71.96%

63.96%

4

Biliran

72.86%

62.99%

64.06%

56.35%

59.40%

59.41%

79.45%

63.54%

5

Eastern Samar

65.70%

57.16%

58.26%

65.84%

61.58%

48.74%

60.70%

62.56%

6

Calbayog

65.00%

53.89%

55.53%

63.32%

59.69%

48.55%

66.56%

60.24%

7

Samar

64.94%

52.15%

54.13%

57.37%

55.69%

44.71%

63.31%

56.74%

8

Northern Samar

58.53%

47.59%

56.29%

57.59%

54.84%

42.88%

66.56%

54.43%

9

Northern Samar

58.53%

47.59%

56.29%

57.59%

54.84%

42.88%

66.56%

54.43%

% Above/Below Av

11.69%

9.58%

4.46%

6.30%

5.33%

7.11%

2.26%

8.00%

Services 15

The 2003 VSO survey showed the variations of attendance in education in the differing barangay types and the graph shows that the upland barangays have the highest attendance record at elementary [70.41%], although they have a lower attendance at highschool. However, it is often found that those attending highschool stay with relatives in the urban areas, where the highschools are situated and this may affect the figures. Elementary

Highschool

College

Barangay 'Type' Education Attendance

80% 70%

70.41% 62.18%

60.00%

60% 50% 40% 30%

30.43%

29.53%

20.41%

20%

9.57%

8.29%

10%

9.18%

0% Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

Correlation of the overall attendance figures shows that only 43.41% of elementary school children go on to highschool [dropout rate of 56.59%] and of these, 32.14% go through to college [a further dropout rate of 67.86%]. Overall, of the children that start elementary school, 13.95% complete a college education, an overall dropout rate of 86.05%. 80% 70%

Under 18's in Education

63.55%

60% 50% 40%

27.59%

30% 20%

8.87%

10% 0% Elementary

Highschool

College

Statistics for 2004 show that of 569 barangays, only 508 [89.28%] have public elementary schools. Although there are plans to construct more elementary schools, these often remain plans. Services 16

Using the NSO population statistics that shows the age ranges, it is possible to determine the percentage of children that should start elementary school and this shows overall [given municipal variations], 89.22% of children start elementary school and of these, only 62.87% complete the first year, giving a dropout rate of 37.13%. However, of the total children that should start elementary school, a large number of children fail to complete a single year in education. Indeed, it is becoming clear that there are many that do not start school at all and this is a worrying social and economic factor that needs addressing. The following graph shows the Department of Education [DepEd] enrolment statistics for 2003-2004 from grade one elementary through to fourth year highschool and shows that only 24.44% complete an education through highschool. 25,000

23,380

Enrolment

Public School Enrolment 2003 and 2004

20,000

Pow er (Enrolment)

18,656 16,541 15,128

15,000

13,804 11,845 9,996

10,000

8,350

7,595 5,713

5,000

Enrol led

Grade 1 to 2

Grade 2 to

Grade 3 to

Grade 4 to

Grade 5 to

Enrolled 1st

1 st to 2nd

Grade 1

- 2004

3 - 2004

4 - 2004

5 - 2004

6 - 2004

Year (H)

Year 2004

2003

2nd to 3rd

3rd to 4th

Year - 2004 Year - 2004

2004

25000 2003 - 2004 Enrolment Numbers in Public Elementary & Highschools 2003 Power (2003)

20000

2004 Power (2004)

15000

10000

5000

0 Enrolled Grade 1

Grade 1 to Grade 2 to Grade 3 to Grade 4 to Grade 5 to Grade 6 to 1st to 2nd 2

3

4

5

6

1st H

Year

2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th Year

Year

Services 17

The DepEd enrolment figure for 2003 and 2004 show that in 2003 23,380 children enrolled in first grade at public elementary schools. In 2004, 18,656 enrolled in second grade; giving a dropout of 20.21% over 2003 to 2004. From the statistics, it is possible to compare the year on year enrolment figures and these are comparative and show a general trend of those that dropout of education. 26000 2003 - 2004 Public Elementary Enrolment

24000

2003

2004

Power (2004)

Power (2003)

22000

20000

18000

16000

14000

12000

10000 Grade 1 (Age Grade 2 (Age Grade 3 (Age Grade 4 (Age Grade 5 (Age Grade 6 (Age 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12)

These two graphs show the individual elementary and highschool enrolment rates for 2003 and 2004, whilst the graph on page 19 shows a combination graph. 11000 2003 - 2004 Public Highschool Enrolment

10000

2003

2004

Power (2004)

Power (2003)

9000

8000

7000

6000

5000

4000 1st Year

2nd Year

3rd Year

4th Year

Services 18

The previous figures have been for public schools and although there are reliable figures’ for the private elementary enrolments, the figures for private highschools are unreliable and are not shown here. However, the enrolment in private elementary schools shows similar dropout trends to the public elementary schools, showing a general reduction in school attendees from first grade. 120 2003 - 2004 Private Elementary Enrolment 110

100

2003

2004

Power (2004)

Power (2003)

90

80

70

60

50

40 Grade 1 (Age Grade 2 (Age Grade 3 (Age Grade 4 (Age Grade 5 (Age Grade 6 (Age 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12)

Comparison of Public & Private Elementary Schools Dropout Rates 2003 & 2004 25%

Private

Public

20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

5 to 6

The comparison above, between the rate of students’ dropout from public and private elementary schools may indicate that after third grade, children from the private schools are switching to the public schools and this may be due to economic reasons. This has been validated at barangay level where the expense of fourth year highschool education is often beyond the ability of the parents to provide. Services 19

Comparison of Public & Private Elementary Schools Dropout Rate Trends 2003 & 2004 35% 30% 25%

Private

Public

Power (Private)

Power (Public)

20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

5 to 6

The above graph looks at the overall trends of children dropping out of public and private elementary schools. In the nine barangays there were (in 2003) eight elementary schools with complete grades 1 through 6 and the other had grades 1 through 4. In the eight barangays with complete elementary schools, there were a total of 41 teachers, giving a ratio of 5.1 teachers for 6 the classes; it is therefore probable that some classes are ‘doubled up’. The barangay with only grades 1 through 4 had only 2 teachers. 2003 Municipality ‘A’ Municipality ‘B’ Municipality ‘C’

Teachers 7 16 20

Ratio to classes 0.39 0.89 1.11

This shows that Municipality ‘C’ not only provides the largest number of barangay health workers; it also provides the highest number of elementary teachers with a ratio of 1.11 teachers to 1 elementary grade. Municipalities ‘A’ and ‘B’ provide fewer teachers than grades with municipality ‘A’ very low indeed. In 2005 with the increasing cost of fuels and the implementation of the E-VAT laws, there is a strong probability that many more children will be taken out of school and that the province will regress in educational terms, until it learns to live with the ever-increasing cost of living in the province. Added to this, many more professional teachers that were considering relocating outside of the province, will probably now do so and that only the best will leave, leaving behind many that have not passed the board examinations or those that do not yet have sufficient experience. It should be of increasing concern to authorities that there are high demands on elementary and highschool students to prepare ‘projects’ and the students [via the parents] have to afford these. The projects go toward examination results, thus forcing the students to comply. Some of these projects cost more than P100 to complete and these are drains on household budgets that cannot be afforded and some drop out, as they cannot participate. Services 20

Of the projects themselves, it is inconceivable that nail polish, buffers and nail files have any use in academia, or that father christmas outfits and decorations, or that varnish for the schoolroom furniture and wax for the floors, have a valid role in examinations. Why is it that these impoverished youngsters have to comply with these ridiculous demands? Many teenage schoolgirls express to desire to become teachers in elementary schools and this may be more to do with being an authoritive figure and less to do with serving the community. Likewise, many girls express the wish to become policewomen and of course, nurses.

80% 70%

Under 18's in Education

63.55%

60% 50% 40%

27.59%

30% 20%

8.87%

10% 0% Elementary

Highschool

College

This graph shows the percentage of under 18’s in any form of education and these represent 61.98% of the total under 18’s. This shows that of those that enrol in 1st grade elementary education only 43.41% progress through to highschool and that only 32.14% of those that enrol in highschool go on to college education. Overall, out of every 100 children that start school, 14 start college. There are no figures available for the college dropout rate. The University of Eastern Philippines [UEP] promised to participate in giving support to monitoring their attendance and other rates, but totally failed to produce any statistics at all.

Services 21

Elementary

Highschool

College Barangay 'Type' Education Attendance

80% 70%

70.41% 62.18%

60.00%

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

29.53%

30.43% 20.41%

8.29%

9.57%

9.18%

0% Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

The graph above shows that the upland barangays have the highest enrolment rate in elementary education, despite having the lowest average monthly household incomes. This province has enough problems in the education sector without the extra problems of increasing dropout rates and teachers leaving. In the opinion of many, the provincial university seems to have lost its direction and seems intent on carrying out beautification projects, rather than attend to the educational and sanitary needs of the students. Those that have charge of the university seem intent upon commercialisation of the departments and spend copious amounts on decorative features for the university yet are miserly with the educational aids. The university farm, once the pride of the area and the very basis on which the university evolved, is little more than a barren waste that appears to have no livestock and the cropping area, now mostly share cropped with a few farmers. Student accommodation and toilet facilities are insufficient to meet the needs of the university’s population, with few sources of entertainment in overcrowded student accommodation. Within the university, many tutors seem to be more involved with personal income generation activities than teaching their students, or attempting to establish national and international fame from their personal research projects. Students are more often labourers to enhance the status of their ‘professors’, although it must be said that the quality of the students could also be questioned. 'STRIVE': Services 22

Strengthening Implementation of Visayas funded by AusAID and their research of “poor student performance in the core English, based on international comparative the:

Education ['STRIVE'] is a programme 2004 showed that in Northern Samar, subjects of mathematics, science and testing” and their report further states

 "Inability of many parents to financially support their children through school",  "Lack of teaching and learning resources",  "Inadequate provision for in service teacher training, with many primary and secondary teachers unable to keep abreast of new knowledge, skills and methods required to deliver quality basic education",

 "Difficulties in effective curriculum delivery to out of school children and youth",

 "New and unfamiliar educational leadership and management roles and responsibilities at the local level of government". These findings do not directly identify the poor standard of graduates from the local university, as it is here that the problems started as it is here that the problems started and have been exacerbated by lack of investment in suitable college training staff and facilities. The university has failed to provide the very basics in education to future teaching staff and although poverty is a factor, the negligence by the university has restricted the development of the youth of the province. The Department of Education has shown concerns about the direction in which the university is going and this may be an opportunity for the government to redirect the activities of the university. The 'STRIVE' documentation goes on to state that of the 569 barangays, there are 513 public elementary schools and of these, 237 are incomplete. They also state that 44% of the population is under the age of 15 years and that “This large and growing population of young people is putting pressure on the already stretched school system.” The 'STRIVE' documentation also states the cohort survival rate as 52% in elementary and 80% in secondary. This shows that of every 100 that start grade one elementary school 42 complete through to 4th year highschool, a dropout rate of 58%. The VSO barangay survey showed similar dropout rate statistics. The 'STRIVE' documentation states that “The high dropout rate in Northern Samar is exacerbated by the very limited local employment opportunities” and this should always be kept in consideration. The competition for paid work is strong although:

Adding poor education to limited employment opportunities restrains a community from developing. Potable water: Services 23

The map above shows the groundwater water sources of the province, with the dark area showing water sources above the 20-metre depth level. Recent surveys have shown that where reliable potable or irrigation water was available at 4 to 5 metres below ground, these same sources are no longer available during the dry season and farmers have to consider putting in an extra pipe to reach reliable water sources.

With the advent of the PACAP ‘Potable water Project’, it is hoped that some of the municipalities will be able to improve their potable water facilities, although the PACAP project does not always reflect the municipalities that have the worst potable water problems.

Services 24

Households

Level 1

% Level 1

Level 2

% Level 2

Level 3

% Level 3

Allen

4,379

2,352

53.71%

1,078

24.62%

0

0.00%

Biri

1,780

1,435

80.63%

282

15.84%

0

0.00%

Bobon

3,524

2,944

83.55%

176

4.99%

0

0.00%

Capul

2,177

735

33.77%

916

42.08%

139

6.39%

14,043

10,815

77.01%

453

3.23%

855

6.09%

Catubig

5,405

150

2.78%

5,140

95.10%

0

0.00%

Gamay

4,949

2,294

46.35%

1,413

28.55%

169

3.41%

Laoang

11,215

7,721

68.84%

762

6.79%

0

0.00%

Lapinig

2,075

1,843

88.80%

102

4.91%

0

0.00%

Las Navas

6,333

800

12.63%

3,900

61.59%

0

0.00%

Lavezares

5,060

3,365

66.51%

455

8.99%

0

0.00%

Lope de Vega

2,353

1,024

43.53%

1,135

48.24%

66

2.81%

Mapanas

2,414

1,488

61.65%

566

23.45%

0

0.00%

Mondragon

5,916

4,703

79.50%

320

5.41%

40

0.68%

Palapag

6,935

4,581

66.06%

787

11.35%

0

0.00%

Pambujan

5,070

3,303

65.15%

1,155

22.78%

0

0.00%

Rosario

1,680

1,345

80.06%

144

8.57%

0

0.00%

San Antonio

1,753

1,366

77.93%

112

6.39%

0

0.00%

San Isidro

4,890

3,103

63.45%

1,250

25.56%

311

6.36%

San Jose

2,975

1,766

59.36%

50

1.68%

584

19.63%

San Roque

4,020

727

18.08%

320

7.96%

0

0.00%

San Vicente

1,272

734

57.69%

315

24.76%

0

0.00%

Silvino Lobos

2,294

0

0.00%

1,886

82.22%

0

0.00%

Victoria

2,625

1,662

63.30%

606

23.08%

0

0.00%

Municipality

Catarman

Overall, in 2004, the municipalities have 57.31% of level 1 potable water provision, although some of the principal urban areas face population expansions and this puts stress on potable water provision. Households

Level 1

% Level 1

Level 2

% Level 2

Level 3

% Level 3

105,136

60,256

57.31%

23,323

22.18%

2,164

2.06%

Services 25

In the three municipalities surveyed by VSO, 56% used communal pumps, 22% had a local spring source and 22% had to carry water from another area. Of the two barangays that had no local supply of potable water, of these, one is an island that depends upon its potable water from a neighbouring island and this has to be carried by paddle canoe in jerry-cans, as and when required. The other is a new barangay and a communal potable water source has yet to be provided, although they have water for crop irrigation, potable water is a problem. These carry water from a neighbouring barangay. Of the seven with a potable water supply, five have communal water pumps and two rely on freshwater springs for their source. The reduction of the general water table in many of these areas is causing problems during the drier weather seasons for both communal and private supplies. The following table shows the overall availability of potable water: All HH

% HH Served

Without

3,430

78.33%

21.67%

Biri

1,717

96.47%

3.53%

Bobon

3,120

88.55%

11.45%

Capul

1,790

82.24%

17.76%

12,123

86.33%

13.67%

Catubig

5,290

97.88%

2.12%

Gamay

3,876

78.31%

21.69%

Laoang

8,483

75.64%

24.36%

Lapinig

1,945

93.71%

6.29%

Las Navas

4,700

74.22%

25.78%

Lavezares

3,820

75.50%

24.50%

Lope de Vega

2,225

94.58%

5.42%

Mapanas

2,054

85.10%

14.90%

Mondragon

5,063

85.58%

14.42%

Palapag

5,368

77.40%

22.60%

Pambujan

4,458

87.93%

12.07%

Rosario

1,489

88.63%

11.37%

San Antonio

1,478

84.32%

15.68%

San Isidro

4,664

95.38%

4.62%

San Jose

2,400

80.67%

19.33%

San Roque

1,047

26.04%

73.96%

San Vicente

1,049

82.45%

17.55%

Silvino Lobos

1,886

82.22%

17.78%

Victoria

2,268

86.39%

13.61%

85,743 Total HH

81.55% Overall Supplied

18.45% Without

Allen

Catarman

To a certain extent some municipalities that lack potable water amenities also show poor levels of household sanitation and the lack of water may account for this. Services 26

Many of the remote barangays do not have a water source problem. Their problems are more to do with distributing the water around the barangay. Many facilities are broken or service points having turned into quagmires of mud and dirty water. Although originally installed, no facilities were put aside for maintenance and the barangays believed that it should be the municipality that is responsible for maintenance and visa-versa. That the barangay folk have not tried to maintain their own services, speaks poorly for their self-reliance and motivation. In some barangays a small charge is made to households for water, but this money becomes lost in the mist and not used to maintain the water system.

Power: Many social scientists use the provision of electrical power to a household for assessing and monitoring poverty indicating but this cannot be justified in this province; as there are many cases where access to power is not a matter of choice or affordability. NORSAMELCO does not provide power to every barangay.

The island communities rely on communal and private generators for supply of electrical power and to conserve fuel, these are limited to certain periods of the day. In overall terms on the mainland, the percentage of households supplied has decreased by -4.80% over the period 2003 to 2004, as households have increased but power provision has not. During the course of 2005 and under new management, NORSAMELCO implemented a major drive to carry out some of the much-needed repairs required, just to maintain a basic service. After many weeks of multiple brownouts, the power supply started to settle and the new management, pushed by Governor Daza must be congratulated for this and it shows up the many management problems before 2005. Services 27

It is hoped that by the middle of 2007, the major work will be completed and this province may at last, enjoy a reasonable power supply. However, the dependence on Leyte for supplies of power will remain a problem despite local infrastructure improvements. The university, as an experiment, have been toying with wind generated power, using turbines situated in the hills that surround the coastal area. Generally, the wind is more constant and reliable by the coast, although ‘on average’ there is insufficient wind power to convert. Wind turbines require an average wind speed of 12 kilometres per hour, whereas in Northern Samar, weather statistics show that the average wind speed is 7.7 kilometres per hour.

On the mainland, in 2004 the number of barangays electrified increased by 47 or 8.83% greater than 2003; and this shows that in 2003 46.80% of the mainland barangays were electrified and in 2004 55.64%. In 2003, 40.88% of mainland households were electrified and in 2004 35.52%. Whether or not the take up rate of households becoming connected to a NORSAMELCO supply is a poverty indicator, may be an interesting subject for future research. It may be that the unit cost of power is prohibitive and many households cannot afford the connection charges. The following graph depicts the unit cost per kilowatt of power supplied to a residence in Mondragon. This is the total number of kilowatts used over a known period of time, divided by the total Peso amount of the bill. Most electricity bills do include various discounts. The trendline on the graph shows the cost increasing by a steady 0.83% every month over the period shown on the graph. Services 28

6.8

6.72

Monthly Power Charge (Peso) per Unit July 2004 to December 2005 6.6

6.50 6.40

6.4

6.14

6.2

6.18

6.17

6.17

Dec

Jan-

Feb

6.20

6.19

6.37

6.37

6.47

6.37

6.30

6.01 6.0

5.91 5.82

5.8

5.79

5.6

5.4

5.2 Jul-04

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

05

The province generates very little of its own power and is dependent on supplies transferred from Leyte, via Calbuyog, in Western Samar and it is this inability that restrains most of the development within the province. With the ever increasing cost of crude oil on the international markets, plus the implementation of the E-VAT law [November 2005], the already high cost of electrical power is likely to increase at a greater monthly rate than at present and is unlikely to stabilise. E-VAT and fuel increases will affect the affordability of power to the low and marginal income households and may also have an affect on commercial premises. Should commercial premises start to restrict their opening hours, this may have a beneficial affect for the staff.

Services 29

The Households At the heart of every community, be it urban or rural, is the family, settled in its dwelling and living a daily lifestyle that all communities follow, be it in the rich western nations, the interior of the African bush, or the coastal and inland areas of Northern Samar. It is only the cultural differences and the traditions that form these communities and yet some struggle more than most.

The 2003 VSO barangay survey interviewed the household members in an informal manner and this produced a large amount of comparative detail that gives important development indicators from the data gathered. This survey looked at the main sources of livelihoods and the assets of the households in the three ‘types’ of barangays interviewed.

The Households 1

7.00 6.80

Household Population 2003

6.85

6.60 6.31

6.40 6.16

6.13

Coastal

Inland Delta

6.20 6.00 5.80 5.60

Upland

Average

The above graph shows the average household size of the individual barangay types and the overall average and the following graph shows the age differences within the households.

Above 18 60% 50%

Below 18

51.13% 48.87%

Household Population Above & Below the Age of 18 years 55.66% 44.34%

55.16% 44.84%

49.62% 50.38%

40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

Average

It is interesting to note that only in the upland barangays is the under 18 year old household population in the minority and although the previous graph shows that the upland barangays have greater household numbers, they are largely above 18 years of age. Physically, it looked to be many small children in the upland barangays, although during the daytime visits the older people would be out working. The Households 2

Landless 70%

Owned

Leased / RentedHousehold Usable Agricultural Land Tenure

63.39%

60%

46.81%

50%

46.81% 46.81% 39.81% 37.62%

36.17%

40%

29.91%

30%

22.57%

17.02%

20%

6.70%

10%

6.38%

0%

Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

Overall

The tenure of arable agricultural land shows, in the above graph, that 63% of the coastal barangay households have no access to usable agricultural land, whilst the upland barangays depend equally on owned and leased or rented land. [Note: leased or rented, includes tenanted land in this survey]. The survey specifically asked for usable agricultural land and not any land that the household occupied.

Elementary

Highschool

College

Those in Education Under the Age of 18 years Overall 74.29%

80% 70%

62.90%

62.61% 53.70%

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

38.53%

49.29% 39.39%

32.72%

18.13% 5.95%

17.28% 3.70%

14.29% 10.71%

17.10% 6.41%

0% Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

Overall

The graph above shows the percentages of children and youth in school and the ‘less than 18 years old’ range was used for this comparison. Physical research in the upland barangays supports the statistics, in that the youth and parents are very keen to achieve an education and this shows in the high percentages in elementary and college education facilities; showing that 74% of the upland children of less than 18 years old range are in any form of education, compared to the average of 63%. The Households 3

During overnight stays in some of the upland barangays that had no school, it was interesting to note the keenness of the elementary school children to walk the four or five kilometres to a neighbouring barangay to get to school. Regardless of weather, these youngsters were determined not to be late. Coastal

Inland delta

Upland

Overall Household Structures [Walls & Roofs]

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Natural walls

Block walls

Iron roof

Nipa roof

The graph above shows the basic structure of the households and shows that the majority use natural materials [forest products]. Before using this as a ‘poverty indicator’, development workers should take into account the ‘social preferences’ of the householders for comfort, as many said that the iron roofs and block walls held too much heat. The higher incidence of block walls in the coastal barangays is probably due to the higher risk of stormy weather in the coastal areas, which makes them a necessity. The latest changes in the E-VAT laws determine that the “Sale of non-food products, marine and forest products in their original state by the primary producer or the owner of the land where the same are produced”, are now subject to E-VAT These should be some concern because as can be seen in the barangays, the dwellings are mostly made of forest products and should these be considered as taxable it will cause greater hardship to the low-income families that rely on the forest for many its products. Incidentally, the E-VAT laws also state that “coal, natural gas and other indigenous fuels” are now subject to E-VAT and there will be debate as to whether or not coco charcoal and fuelwood are to be included. Many markets and roadside stores sell coco charcoal and would be easy targets for the tax collectors. Fuel wood collection in the forest and watershed areas is already causing some concern and measures to tax these may lead to more environmental damage.

The Households 4

Comfort Rooms Comparison by Barangay Types 70%

61.61%

59.57%

60%

55.34%

50% 36.17%

40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Coastal

Inland delta

Upland

Overall

The percentage of households with toilets has often been used as a poverty indicator and the graph above tends to support this, with the inland delta barangays having the worst percentage at 36%. However, the following two graphs show that not only do the inland barangays have the highest average monthly household income; they also have the lowest number earning less than P5,000 per month. In many developing countries the households have individual ‘pit latrines’ with concrete slabs atop and there have been strong drives to increase their use as a way to reduce the family health problems. Not so in the Philippines it would seem; where many folk still use the forest or beach as their latrines.

3300

3213

Average Monthly Household Income by Barangay Type

3200 3100

3021 2957

3000 2900

2891

2800 2700 Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

Average

The Households 5

Conversely, the coastal barangays with the lowest average monthly household income and greatest number earning less than P5,000 per month; have the highest percentage of toilets. This is a complete reversal of the inland delta statistics. Whether or not this is a cultural variance will have to be determined. It may be that the coastal barangays get more visits from municipal health workers and encourage the use of latrines, although many in some coastal barangays still continue to use the beach as their toilet area. The provincial ‘average’ for households without sanitation is 38.07% and there are several municipalities that have poor statistics regarding household sanitation: Municipality: % Without CRs % Below average: Silvino Lobos 83.0% 45.0% Lope de Vega 63.0% 25.0% San Isidro 58.0% 20.0% Lapinig 56.0% 18.0% Mapanas 54.0% 16.0% Gamay 53.0% 15.0% Mondragon 51.0% 13.0% 85%

84.78%

Coastal, Inland Delta and Upland Monthly Household Incomes P0 to P5000

85% 84% 83.57%

84% 83%

82.98%

82.98%

Inland Delta

Upland

83% 82% Coastal

Average

It is not as yet clear as to what the full affect of the E-VAT and fuel increases will have on the incomes of the low-income households, although the impact on their weekly expenditure is becoming clearer. None of the low-income families are subject to direct tax, although they all pay indirect taxes. It will cost fishermen and boatmen with motors and farmers with hand tractors extra to ply their trade, thus reducing the prime output / input ratio of earnings and it is unlikely that they will receive more for their produce.

The Households 6

Coastal

Inland Delta

0%

5%

Upland

10%

15%

Average Monthly Household Income by Barangay Type 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

0.00%

None 0.00%

2.13% 17.39% 14.89% 12.77%

1 - 2 Th

2 - 3 Th 21.74%

3 - 4 Th

4 - 5 Th

4.26%

7 - 8 Th

8 - 9 Th

36.17%

29.79% 27.66%

10.87% 10.64%

6.52% 6.38% 8.51%

5 - 6 Th

6 - 7 Th

34.78%

27.66%

6.52% 2.13% 4.26% 0.00% 2.13% 0.00% 0.00%

4.26% 2.13%

0.00%

9 - 10 Th 0.00%

0.00% 2.17%

10 - 11 Th 0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

11 - 12 Th 0.00%

0.00%

12 Plus

0.00% 2.13% 2.13%

The Households 7

The NSO statistics show the standard cash expenditure for ‘average’ households and this is a very good guide to accessing the household economics. It will be worth monitoring and determining the impact of the E-VAT plus fuel increases on the household budgets. From the NSO statistics the following expenditure items are shown: 1.40% on medicines 5.80% on power for fuel & lighting 2.20% on clothing & footwear 4.60% on educational costs 2.60% on household cleaning and washing goods 1.70% on household maintenance 42.60% on food The expenditure items above, equal 67.70% of the total household budget and with a reduction in the spending power index, families will have to economise and this is where the concerns must arise about the potential decrease in spending on education, quality food and clothing. Whether or not economies will be made with entertainment will have to be studied. Communities in crisis will often party more for two reasons. One, as a statement to other community members that they still remain solvent and two, as a way to lighten the misery of poverty. Gambling, drinking and partying often increase as a situation worsens; these are facades and should be closely looked at before determining the poverty status of a community. A household often uses a television as a status symbol and as these are mostly reliant on electrical power being available, the households with power connections have been included with this comparison. On average, the 2003 VSO survey showed that 39.43% of households are connected to an electrical power source. Statistics from Northern Samar Electric Cooperative [NORSAMELCO] show that in 2003, 39.68% of households were connected to a source of electrical power, a negligible difference of 0.25% from the VSO survey. As most radios are battery powered, their relevance to electrical power connections is not a reliable poverty indicator. Coastal

Inland delta

Upland Overall w ith TV, Radio & Electricity by Barangay Type Hoouseholds

70%

58.66% 55.55%

60%

48.45% 48.10%

50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

49.27% 43.27% 34.18%

26.51% 18.27%

20.00%

17.72%

8.00%

0% Tv

Radio

Electricity

The Households 8

For all of the cultural differences that there are between Filipinos and other communities, still at the heart of these is employment and Northern Samar suffers more than other areas for employment opportunities. This is due to the virtual lack of a processing industry and this lack of opportunity accounts for the high percentage of youth and middle aged that leave the province. Statistics may show that the province has a reasonable employment growth rate, yet these statistics are generated from the population that have remained and do not account for the 18% that have left. In its way, the past provincial governments have let down the peoples of Northern Samar, by ignoring the basic principles of family life and ignored the need for promoting this area for the high quality products that it produces in raw form, but has no ability to process. With processing of abaca and increased processing of copra, this province could have been one of the wealthiest; instead it wallows near the bottom of the league [75th of 79] and is now unlikely to develop very much further, without massive development assistance. Why tourism and handicrafts receive such a level of promoted, is beyond the understanding of most major development agencies; in an area that is tiresome to reach and has few facilities that would appeal to tourists. This is not to say that the province does not have some beautiful sites, but many are hard to access, having to trek, in many cases across muddy palay fields for more time than most would care to devote. There is money to be made from handicrafts here, but those that are made, are poor quality and set ridiculously high Manila prices. One private organisation makes products from cococoir and these are deliberately targeted at Manila stores, but handicraft workers complain that their wages are so little compared to their efforts. Part-time handicraft and processing activities for household members would be very beneficial, although the women tend to get overburdened with these tasks, although many take them on willingly, to earn money to ensure food on the table and education costs for their children. Although a supposed patriarchal society, it is the women and daughters that prove to be the backbone of the family. Working mothers depend heavily on their daughters for support and from a very early age. It is here that the gender roles are firmly established, with the girls with multiple chores and the boys, doing manly things like sitting around watching the girls. It is often an older daughter that sacrifices schooling, in order to give this support and often, she does not marry, probably feeling that she has had enough of diapers, cooking and families in general. Even in terms of discipline it is rare to see men chastise their offspring, whereas the women scold their children openly.

The Households 9

[Wary eyed street kids] Street children are a growing concern in this province, with the main commercial areas attracting the greatest numbers. Catarman has many and these youngsters have learned to survive on the streets and it is doubtful that they would now wish to change. They are aggressive and usually roam around in gangs, yet few seem to be older than ten years old. The provincial social services try to take care of the reported cases of sexual abuse of girls, yet there are very limited programmes for the street kids.

Household Backyard Enterprise: As in many areas, Nortehanon households have some interest in backyard enterprises although not as much as Mindanao households. Though the outputs have very little affect on the overall market, they do help a family to improve their diet and they do reduce the pressure on the main markets. The exception to this rule would be the backyard swine, said to produce 90% of the Philippines pork meat. In general, the backyard producers are inefficient and invest little and are content with whatever output is gained. In Northern Samar about 15% of households produce backyard vegetables, with the favourites being shown the table below. Few grow tomatoes and they do not grow very well in this province, but tomatoes are the most intensive to grow as compared to the others in the table, which need very little inputs.

The Households 10

Tomato

Pechay

3.40%

7.77%

Northern Samar - Backyard Vegetables Pole bean Ampalaya Eggplant 12.62%

17.48%

16.99%

Kamote

Squash

24.76%

10.19%

The great differences in backyard vegetable production between Northern Samar can be seen by comparing these two tables, showing that the householders in Mindanao are much more active. Tomato 14.66%

Pechay 15.32%

Mindanao - Backyard Vegetables Pole bean Ampalaya Eggplant 16.63% 20.35% 24.95%

Kamote 36.32%

Squash 17.51%

A Northern Samar / Mindanao comparison of backyard livestock assets shows the preference of Nortehanons for carabao and swine, whilst Mindanao folk have higher percentages of cattle and goats. Northern Samar - Breeding Females Carabao Cattle Goats Swine 25.24%

2.43%

1.46%

Carabao 18.38%

30.10%

Mindanao - Breeding Females Cattle Goat Swine 4.81% 3.06% 17.94%

However, where piglets are concerned the provincial differences are reversed, with 16.70% 0f Nortehanon households fattening piglets, against 27.79% of Mindanao households. The keeping of breeding females is often a good economic indicator and often supports a progressive attitude of household members. In general, it was found during the VSO survey that the quality if the swine kept in backyards in Mindanao was much higher, but foods are also cheaper. It was also noted that Nortehanons preferred the native pig to the crossbred, although these are harder to purchase. However, the quality of the carabao and cattle in Northern Samar is extremely high and it seems that this province is ideally suited for rearing large livestock and there are many more open grazing areas for livestock in Northern Samar, as large areas are left uncultivated.

The Households 11

The Department of Agriculture statistics show that although carabao numbers have increased in Northern Samar, their percentages as part of the ‘Provincial Herd’ has declined and this tells of the decline in backyard activities also. Northern Samar 1991-2002 Livestock Heads percentage Comparison Carabao

Hogs

20%

Power (Carabao)

Power (Hogs)

16.65%

15% 8.07%

10%

5.41%

5.36%

5% 0%

The cattle of Northern Samar are mostly of the Brahman type and these are very efficient at converting medium to poor grazing. Governor Daza has encouraged the dispersal of cattle, by linking the farmers and the local university veterinary college, in a “Buddy – Buddy” project, whereby the veterinary students advise the farmers regarding healthcare and feeding. The NSO 2002 Agricultural survey showed very significant changes in agricultural production; with a 22.93% increase of Homelot [backyard] farmers and 58.38% increase in the land put to this use. For the province, this may be encouraging, helping to create a greater self-sufficiency in food production. Farmers

Northern Samar Land Usage Changes 1991-2002

Land Area

-600% -500% -400% -300% -200% -100%

0%

100%

200%

Homelot

Permanent crops

Temporary Meadows & Pasture

Woodland & Forest

The ‘Land Usage’ survey also shows an increase in permanent pasture together with an increase of 17.04% in carabao. The Households 12

Household Enterprise: There are very few low-income families that are not trying to boost their Peso generation and like everywhere else, the culture of mini stores proliferates. Vegetables, fruits, charcoal, candies, pre-packed commodities and bathroom requirements are available along every barangay lane. Add in gasoline, kerosene, diesel and native alcohol. Like some other indicators, mini stores are status symbols; just to have one is often sufficient, whether or not it has a few bottles of gasoline and diesel, a few vegetables or whatever. They are a poor indicator of a household’s being lifted out of poverty, as other poverty studies suggest. They come and go like the seasons, spending their profits, often before they are made, and the phrase “Sorry, out of stock” is the most common phrase. This reflects on the very poor money management ability that most families have and is often the cause of failure. Certainly, the NGOs have experienced losses from the loans that they have made and the lack of money management is a major restraint to this province’s economics growing. One NGO now uses the group loan theory, which creates peer pressure to repay the loans and this seems to be working well, with, they claim, around 97% successful repayments. To add to the family enterprise, many children can be seen vending fresh and dried fish and vegetables around the barangays and they are often camped at the roadside selling in season fruits.

Households and the Seasons: Most of all for the low-income families and now for those families on the margins of poverty, it is the cyclical pattern of paid a work opportunity that controls the daily lifestyle. The typhoon seasons and the occasional droughts all decrease the work opportunities and this reflects on the household income and thus every factor of the lifestyles.

Jan

Feb

Mar

10%

Apr 2.99%

5%

May 5.43%

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

3.34% 3.66% 3.00%

0% -5% -10%

-8.41%

-15%

-13.42%

-20% -25%

-20.05%

-30% -27.10% -35% -40%

-9.91%

Low-Income Households "Monthly Spending Power Index"

-22.57% -33.26%

The Households 13

The small family enterprises are critical during the times of decreased work opportunity for they help to keep households solvent, or at least sustain an image of solvency. Those households that are not engaged in enterprises are the ones where health and social services are required to act as a safety net. 105% 100% 95%

Work Opportunity Trendline

90% 85%

Northern Samar

80%

Low-Income Household Work Opportunity Monitoring

75% 70% 65% Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The Households 14

The People This section looks at the expanding population and in part looks at some of basic requirements to supply basic nourishment for the population and often, the inability of the province to be able to produce the basic foods from its own resources, the province has to import large amounts of these foods and the cost is often beyond the ability of the low income families. The following table shows the amount of basic foods required ‘per capita’ to meet a balanced nutritional level required to maintain the balance. RICE:

120.45

Kg per Annum

ROOT CROPS

60.59

Kg per Annum

VEGETABLES 54.75

Kg per Annum

FRUITS

76.65

Kg per Annum

MEATS

33.13

Kg per Annum

FISH

30.66

Kg per Annum

EGGS

3.98

Kg per Annum

Research into the basic foods production in the province, shows that, in general and given seasonal fluctuations the province will import: 40% of its Rice requirement, 20% of its Root Crops, 80% of its Vegetables, 80% of its Fruits, 75% of its Meats, 80% of its Fish and 80% of its Poultry and Eggs. The tables on the following page shows the monetary amount required to feed these basic foods, to an expanding population, with projections through to 2010, showing in 2006, the province will expend Peso 4.9 billion on these basic foods alone. This assumes that the provincial production stays at the existing rate. With further development of the abaca industry it is possible to cover the expenditure on basic foods with the income from processed abaca fibre. The affect of the increase of crude oil on the international market will have marked consequence on the cost of basic foods, as not only fuels are affected. Chemical sprays, transport equipment and plastics are also affected.

The People 1

PROVINCE of NORTHERN SAMAR PROJECTED POPULATION ANNUAL EXPANSION RATE to 2010 The known 'Markers' are taken from official census reports of 1990 and 2000 Estimated Annual values of all basic foods RICE

ROOT CROPS

VEGETABLES

FRUITS

MEATS

FISH

EGGS

TOTAL

Population

Value Peso

Value Peso

Value Peso

Value Peso

Value Peso

Value Peso

Value Peso

Value Peso

2005

573,554

1,174,437,848

521,274,553

785,052,038

1,538,701,994

1,900,184,402

1,055,109,938

114,137,246

7,088,898,018

2006

589,554

1,207,200,248

535,816,153

806,952,038

1,581,625,994

1,953,192,402

1,084,543,538

117,321,246

7,286,651,618

2007

605,826

1,240,519,609

550,604,960

829,224,338

1,625,279,702

2,007,101,538

1,114,477,510

120,559,374

7,487,767,030

2008

622,684

1,275,038,893

565,926,353

852,298,725

1,670,505,501

2,062,952,092

1,145,489,486

123,914,116

7,696,125,166

2009

640,043

1,310,584,049

581,703,081

876,058,856

1,717,075,358

2,120,462,459

1,177,423,103

127,368,557

7,910,675,463

2010

657,918

1,347,185,793

597,948,774

900,525,263

1,765,029,515

2,179,682,334

1,210,305,953

130,925,682

8,131,603,313

PROVINCIAL BASIC FOODS REQUIREMENTS - SUMMARY of IMPORT REQUIREMENTS Estimated Import Rates: 40% RICE

20% ROOT CROPS

80%

80%

75%

80%

80%

65%

VEGETABLES

FRUITS

MEATS

FISH

EGGS

TOTAL

Population

Value Peso

Value Peso

Value Peso

Value Peso

Value Peso

Value Peso

Value Peso

Value Peso

2005

573,554

469,775,139

104,254,911

628,041,630

1,230,961,595

1,425,138,302

844,087,951

91,309,797

4,793,569,324

2006

589,554

482,880,099

107,163,231

645,561,630

1,265,300,795

1,464,894,302

867,634,831

93,856,997

4,927,291,884

2007

605,826

496,207,844

110,120,992

663,379,470

1,300,223,761

1,505,326,154

891,582,008

96,447,499

5,063,287,727

2008

622,684

510,015,557

113,185,271

681,838,980

1,336,404,401

1,547,214,069

916,391,589

99,131,293

5,204,181,159

2009

640,043

524,233,620

116,340,616

700,847,085

1,373,660,287

1,590,346,844

941,938,482

101,894,846

5,349,261,779

2010

657,918

538,874,317

119,589,755

720,420,210

1,412,023,612

1,634,761,751

968,244,762

104,740,546

5,498,654,952

It should be taken into account, that the estimated import requirements are averages, based on seasonal and other factors; and also dependent on reasonable rain during the growing seasons.

The People 2

The following table shows the projected municipal populations, projected from known historical statistics, using the NSO census documentation. It is expected that the population numbers are with 1.00% accuracy. Municipality Allen Biri Bobon Capul Catarman Catubig Gamay Laoang Lapinig Las Navas Lavezares Lope de Vega Mapanas Mondragon Palapag Pambujan Rosario San Antonio San Isidro San Jose San Roque San Vicente Silvino Lobos Victoria Totals:

2005 22,909 9,391 18,698 11,221 77,977 29,735 24,784 62,086 12,367 34,454 26,917 13,247 13,549 32,197 37,595 29,841 9,824 8,320 25,491 15,220 23,750 5,858 14,930 13,192 573,554

2006 23,525 9,535 19,090 11,346 80,220 30,333 25,543 63,721 12,707 35,578 27,544 13,567 14,087 33,086 39,195 30,820 10,078 8,403 26,056 15,575 24,618 5,864 15,434 13,529 589,454

2007 24,157 9,682 19,492 11,471 82,527 30,943 26,325 65,398 13,057 36,739 28,186 13,896 14,647 34,000 40,864 31,831 10,339 8,487 26,633 15,938 25,519 5,869 15,955 13,874 605,826

2008 24,806 9,831 19,901 11,599 84,900 31,565 27,131 67,119 13,416 37,937 28,842 14,232 15,229 34,938 42,604 32,875 10,606 8,572 27,222 16,309 26,452 5,875 16,494 14,227 622,684

2009 25,472 9,983 20,319 11,727 87,341 32,200 27,962 68,886 13,785 39,174 29,514 14,577 15,834 35,903 44,418 33,954 10,880 8,658 27,825 16,689 27,420 5,880 17,051 14,590 640,043

2010 26,156 10,137 20,746 11,857 89,853 32,848 28,818 70,699 14,164 40,452 30,201 14,929 16,463 36,894 46,310 35,067 11,161 8,745 28,441 17,078 28,423 5,886 17,627 14,962 657,918

2011 26,858 10,293 21,182 11,989 92,437 33,508 29,700 72,560 14,553 41,772 30,904 15,291 17,117 37,913 48,281 36,218 11,450 8,832 29,071 17,476 29,462 5,891 18,223 15,344 676,326

2012 27,580 10,451 21,628 12,122 95,095 34,182 30,610 74,470 14,954 43,134 31,624 15,661 17,797 38,960 50,337 37,406 11,746 8,921 29,715 17,883 30,540 5,896 18,838 15,735 695,284

2013 28,321 10,612 22,082 12,256 97,830 34,870 31,547 76,430 15,365 44,541 32,360 16,040 18,504 40,035 52,480 38,633 12,050 9,010 30,373 18,300 31,657 5,902 19,474 16,136 714,809

2014 29,081 10,776 22,546 12,392 100,643 35,571 32,513 78,442 15,788 45,994 33,114 16,428 19,239 41,141 54,715 39,900 12,361 9,100 31,046 18,727 32,815 5,907 20,132 16,548 734,919

2015 29,862 10,942 23,020 12,530 103,538 36,287 33,509 80,507 16,222 47,494 33,885 16,826 20,003 42,276 57,044 41,209 12,681 9,192 31,733 19,163 34,015 5,913 20,812 16,969 755,631

It is expected that during year 2025, the population of the Province of Northern Samar will reach 1,000,000 people and double before 2030. By this time, it is probable, with the same agricultural production rates, that a famine situation may be prevalent.

The People 3

The Population: . Annual Expansion Rate by Percent

2005

Allen

2.6859%

22,909

Biri

1.5400%

9,391

Bobon

2.1014%

18,698

Capul

1.1091%

11,221

Catarman

2.8758%

77,977

Catubig

2.0112%

29,735

Gamay

3.0623%

24,784

Laoang

2.6322%

62,086

Lapinig

2.7505%

12,367

Las Navas

3.2617%

34,454

Lavezares

2.3286%

26,917

Lope de Vega

2.4202%

13,247

Mapanas

3.9727%

13,549

Mondragon

2.7610%

32,197

Palapag

4.2578%

37,595

Pambujan

3.2803%

29,841

Rosario

2.5854%

9,824

San Antonio

1.0019%

8,320

San Isidro

2.2144%

25,491

San Jose

2.3305%

15,220

San Roque

3.6576%

23,750

San Vicente

0.0931%

5,858

Silvino Lobos

3.3776%

14,930

Victoria

2.5497%

13,192

Municipality

Totals

573,554

The table above shows the individual municipal annual population expansion rates based on the 1990 and 2000 censuses and gives a provincial annual population expansion rate of 2.6972%, which is the highest in the region. The table shows that Gamay, Mapanas, Pambujan, San Roque and Silvino Lobos all with over three percent annual population expansion and Palapag with 4.2578% and these percentages should concern the urban planners.

The People 4

3.0%

2.69720%

Population expansion rate 1990-2000

2.5% 1.85020%

2.0% 1.5%

1.531480%

1.32920%

1.74310%

1.12820%

1.0% 0.5% 0.0% E Samar

N Samar

Samar (W)

S Leyte

Leyte

Biliran

The People 5

The maps above and below, show the municipal population densities for 2005 and 2010 and highlight the population density stress areas of the islands and four mainland municipalities..

The People 6

The two maps above illustrate the municipalities with urban population stresses and the consequential pressure on health, education and potable water services. Allen and San Jose are at particular risk from these stresses. The following graph shows the age ranges of the population in 2000 and shows the high percentages of the population between the ages of one through 19, making up 50% of the total population. The People 7

2000 - Population Age Range by Percentage 0%

2%

4%

Under 1

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

3.09%

1 to 4

12.76%

5 to 9

15.01%

10 to 14

12.75%

15 to 19

9.86%

20 to 24

7.71%

24 to 29

6.74%

30 to 34

5.94%

35 to 39

5.20%

40 to 44

4.39%

45 to 49

3.72%

50 to 54

3.28%

55 to 59

2.94%

60 to 64 65 to 69 70 to 74

16%

2.42% 1.67% 1.17%

75 to 79

0.69%

Over 80

0.67%

The following graph shows the gender split through the age ranges and shows the predominance of males until the age of 45 or so, when the female population starts to predominate.

The People 8

58

2000 - Population Age to Gender Ratios by Percentage 56 54 52 50 48 46 44

Male

Female

42 40

Under 1 to 4 5 to 9 10 to 15 to 20 to 24 to 30 to 35 to 40 to 45 to 50 to 55 to 60 to 65 to 70 to 75 to Over 1

14

19

24

29

34

39

44

49

54

59

64

69

74

79

80

The graph below clearly shows the age range of the provincial population: 18% 16%

Provincial Population by % of Age 2004

14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0%

Under 1 to 4 5 to 10 to 15 to 20 to 24 to 30 to 35 to 40 to 45 to 50 to 55 to 60 to 65 to 1

9

14

19

24

29

34

39

44

49

54

59

64

69

70 Plus

From the NSO statistics, it can be seen that the female / male employment statistics are nearly even throughout the accepted ‘working age’ range, although by the age of 54 the males in employment declines below the number of females.

The People 9

30,000 Male / Female Population Employment Split by Number 25,000

Working Age Group Male Working Age Group Female

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000 15 to 19

20 to 24

24 to 29

30 to 34 35 to 39

40 to 44 45 to 49

PROVINCIAL POPULATION BY AGE & SEX DESIGNATION: Age group % of Pop. Population Male % Male Under 1

4.21%

24,146

12,491

50 to 54

55 to 59 60 to 64

Female

2005 % Female

51.73%

11,654

48.26%

1 to 4

15.00%

86,036

44,004

51.15%

42,031

48.85%

5 to 9

15.25%

87,470

44,959

51.40%

42,510

48.60%

10 to 14

12.42%

71,230

36,300

50.96%

34,932

49.04%

15 to 19

10.62%

60,913

31,955

52.46%

28,958

47.54%

20 to 24

8.66%

49,671

25,584

51.51%

24,087

48.49%

24 to 29

7.02%

40,264

20,464

50.82%

19,799

49.17%

30 to 34

5.76%

33,038

16,959

51.33%

16,088

48.70%

35 to 39

4.74%

27,187

13,908

51.16%

13,278

48.84%

40 to 44

3.91%

22,426

11,345

50.59%

11,080

49.41%

45 to 49

3.30%

18,927

9,672

51.10%

9,254

48.90%

50 to 54

2.75%

15,771

7,815

49.55%

7,955

50.44%

55 to 59

2.21%

12,676

6,316

49.83%

6,360

50.17%

60 to 64

1.63%

9,347

4,597

49.18%

4,749

50.81%

65 to 69

1.12%

6,424

3,074

47.86%

3,349

52.13%

70 Plus

1.40%

8,029

3,813

47.49%

4,215

52.50%

573,555

293,256

51.13%

280,300

48.87%

The table above shows the gender split by age range of the province, although this may not truly reflect the municipal populations. [There are also very slight variations caused by computer workings]

The People 10

Male

Female

2004 Provincial Population Age to Gender split

53% 52% 51% 50% 49% 48%

Pl us

69

70

to

65

to

64

59 60

to

54 55

to

49 50

to

44 45

to

40

to

39

34 35

to

29 30

to

24 24

to

19 20

to 15

to

14

9 to

to 1

5

10

U

nd e

r

1

4

47%

The following map shows the percentage of available land per municipality against the percentage of population and highlights the municipalities of San Jose [0.81% of the provincial land and 2.65% of the population] and Allen [1.36% land to 3.99% population]; whereas a municipality such as Mondragon has 8.26% of the land and 5.61% of the population. It is accepted that land availability is dependent on terrain for the urban areas.

The following map depicts the municipalities land area to population size as ratios:

The People 11

The number of households in the province totalled 108,442 in 2005 and this is expected to reach 124,312 by 2010; a percentage increase of 12.77% over five years.

The People 12

As noted on the above map, the households for Catarman town are speculative, as it is probable that competition from expanding commercial enterprises will raise land values and residential householders will take advantage of this opportunity and relocate. The average household inhabitants of the province are 5.3 per household, although Silvino Lobos shows to be 6.3, with Lapinig [5.8] San Roque [5.7] and Pambujan [5.7] showing higher than average.

The People 13

7.00 6.80

Household Population 2003

6.85

6.60 6.31

6.40 6.16

6.13

Coastal

Inland Delta

6.20 6.00 5.80 5.60

Upland

Average

The graph above shows the findings of the VSO barangay survey of household populations, showing that the upland barangays have a higher rate. Above 18

60% 50%

Below 18

51.13% 48.87%

Household Population Above & Below the Age of 18 years 55.66% 44.34%

55.16% 44.84%

49.62% 50.38%

40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

Average

Provincial statistics show that of the total number of homeless people, the majority are located in the major urban and trading areas such Laoang, Catubig, Catarman and Allen and that this sector of the community is very mobile and able to move, when town fiestas or other opportunities [such as crop planting and harvesting] arise. These statistics were taken from the 1990 population census [as an example] and show the percentage of a municipal population as a percentage of the provincial figure, without official residences. There are now many more souls living on the streets and begging fluctuates as the seasons change, becoming more commercialised. The People 14

Statistical analysis shows that, in general, certain areas are experiencing populations ‘drifts’; with some areas showing increases over the general population expansion rates, whilst others show population decreases. Changes Blues denote declining population percentages Greens denote ‘no change’ populations Pink denotes small population increases Red denotes high population increases

Population ‘drift’ refers to the permanent relocation of householders to other areas, where they assume that better opportunities await them. The map above shows that Allen, Palapag, Pambujan and Silvino Lobos are experiencing high increases in populations, whilst the islands, Gamay, Mapanas, Lope de Vega and San Jose are experiencing medium to high population declines.

The People 15

The lack of livelihood opportunity on the islands and remote municipalities is reflected in the increases in the municipalities where opportunities are growing. San Roque, Pambujan, Laoang and Palapag are prime examples of trading municipalities that may afford livelihood opportunities, at the cost of the more remote municipalities. Silvino Lobos seems to be the exception to this, as it is both remote and hard to access, although there may be other reasons for their increase. The island populations will always drift to a mainland and Northern Samar is no different in this and as Allen is a busy shipping area, it is natural that remote islanders have moved there to take advantage of the livelihood potentials. That Allen, Pambujan and Palapag are suffering stress in services provision is to be expected. The population drift shows that between 15% and 18% of Northern Samar’s population migrate out of the province. This ‘out migration’ is to be expected, as it is considered that there are greater livelihood opportunities in the major metropolitan areas and abroad for those with the ability to afford the cost of relocating. Experience shows that all skill levels leave the province, from labourers to academic achievers and professionals.

Given the various population and service problems, certain municipalities are experiencing some stress factors, although they have not, as yet, been able to identify the root causes. It is only by analysing the various statistics and in some cases, amalgamating various types of statistics that can make any stress factor identifiable. One of the most alarming and unreported consequences of the population drift, especially in the families that leave the province, are the tragic consequences of child abuse in households where the parents have left to work in abroad or in Manila [or other large metro areas] and left their children and teenagers in the hands of elderly relatives or siblings. The People 16

Unreported often due to the conservative barangay folk closing in and hiding the fact that some of their community members are sexually abusing young children and no action is taken to apprehend the culprits, often before they flee the area. There are cases, unreported of course, where young girls have been incestuously raped by uncles or grandfathers over a number of years from the age of five years and older. Some municipal leaders have attempted to find out more about these cases and have been met with walls of silence. Where some cases have been reported, culprits often escape justice by fleeing and the children are passed into the care of the provincial social services department that is already under stress and short of facilities or money to respond to all of the needs. Very few cases of violence against women and girls are reported [2 rapes in 2004] and reading the criminal statistics would lead a reader to believe that this province has only rare cases of violence against women. The sad truth is that, within this paternal culture, fear and shame restrain the women and girls from making public the shame that they feel and may fear losing their family and even fear more abuse from the abusers.

Other Health Matters: As with other provinces, incidences of leprosy and other health related problems still linger and the increasing number of Dengue fever and Schistomiasis [Bilharzia], although not at levels that constitute increased concern are troublesome in that the province may lack the ability to respond, should these reach higher levels. In 2004, there were 1,322 cases of Dengue fever reported, mainly in the municipalities of Allen [116], Bobon [71], Catarman [184], Laoang [52], Mondragon [54], Palapag [145] and highest Victoria [178] with Lope de Vega [14] and Pambujan [17] showing least cases. Of the two strains, Aedes Aegypti showed at 23% and Aedes Albo showed at 77%. In 2004, a total of 41 cases of Leprosy [Hansen’s Disease] were reported with most cases in the municipalities of Las Navas [9], Catarman [7] and Catubig [4]. The incidences of Rabies were very low and it is to the credit of the service providers that the province keeps on top of the situation. One of the squalid areas of occupation in Catarman, where migrants have set up homes by clearing an area of Nipa. Areas such as these house many families with malnourished children and many with internal and external parasites. This is near the market; where many act as labourers and others scavenge. A new housing scheme by the Provincial government and the National Housing Authority will rehouse these and close the site. The People 17

Stress factors: It is not often realised that stress factors within a certain area can cause major problems for the area managers, in this case, the provincial and municipal planners and budgeters. Analysis of any area will show where health and education services start to fail and budgets are expended sooner than expected. Potable water, considered an essential is only available to 81.55% of the population, using the United Nations guidelines of potable water sources within 250 metres of a household.

The data used to project these municipalities is drawn from: % of provincial population, % of urban population, population density, population expansion rates, malnourished under fives, child mortality under one year old, households without sanitation, reported violent crime rates and 1st year elementary school dropout rates.

In some areas, where there are barangays in at risk environmental areas or overcrowded, the provincial government under Governor Daza, together with the National Housing Authority and Gawad Kalinga [Couples for Christ] have jointly financed more than 300 hundred new homes on a site donated by the provincial government. The original intention was to construct 370 homes and a community facilities building. However, the number of houses constructed may now have to be reduced as the extension and increase of E-VAT and the impact of the fuel price rises will probably mean that fewer houses will be erected. Gawad Kalinga will manage the site. The table below shows the municipal hierarchy status at 2000 [NSO]: Large Town

50,000 plus urban population,

Medium Town

25,000 to 50,000 urban population,

Small Town

2,500 to 25,000 urban population,

Village

To 2,500 urban population. The People 18

Municipality Allen Biri Bobon Capul Catarman Catubig Gamay Laoang Lapinig Las Navas Lavezares Lope de Vega Mapanas Mondragon Palapag Pambujan Rosario San Antonio San Isidro San Jose San Roque San Vicente Silvino Lobos Victoria

2000 Municipal Hierarchy Small Village Small Small Medium Small Small Medium Small Small Small Small Village Small Small Small Village Small Small Small Small Village Small Small

2000 Urban Population 11,496 2,452 4,509 4,491 39,870 5,440 3,175 18,298 5,303 6,048 6,017 3,159 1,784 8,461 7,877 12,023 2,492 2,543 2,711 3,600 9,488 2,340 2,567 2,567

The People 19

Is Gender an Issue? There are many organisations dealing with ‘gender issues’ and many of these are headed by women fighting to equalise overt opportunities for women. The author does not seek to make too many comments regarding their activities, other than to say that often, they tend to seek to increase the workload of women, with more and more income generating livelihoods, and there seems to be little action on reproductive health matters. There also seems to be an internal argument on the age of legal marriage against the traditional age of marriage, and these organisations must make an explicit stand on this matter. With the highest population expansion rate within the region at 2.6972%, a prolife attitude of senior medical staff, and some indifference regarding birth control technology, it would seem that the province intends to maintain the high population expansion rate that it cannot afford.

The map above shows the individual population expansion rates by municipality, with Palapag showing a very high percentage of 4.2579% and the islands showing very low figures. Most women spoken to wanted to reduce the number of children that they bore while most men showed no intention to allow birth control methods. This is the “Keep them pregnant and barefoot” mentality of the males that dispossesses the women of their rights. It is found in many impoverished societies that families have a large number of children. Children provide support for the family income generation activities and this has been the case for centuries. However, it could be argued that this has no place in the modern world. The reverse of this was found in an African country, when a women’s NGO fought the government’s compulsory birth law. They won on civil rights issues to determine for themselves the number of children that they Is Gender an Issue 1

bore, stating that it was no ones business but the woman’s and her partner’s to make these decisions. As usual, there are two sides to every argument.

Marriage or Rape: A debate is ongoing as regards ‘Legal’ marriage against ‘Traditional’ marriage and, in the Philippines, the law does not seem to help the women. It is only females (and the Philippines law classes’ 12-year-olds as women, not girls) 12 years of age or less who can claim automatic rape; above this age, if it is consensual, no law has been broken. This same theme is found throughout the whole range of laws on Crimes against chastity. In other words, it seems that consensual sex with a female above the age of 12 is legal, although the term ‘consensual’ would be open to legal interpretation. A woman above the age of 12 may have to be seen and known as very moral in the public eye in order to challenge an assertion of consent. Of course there are many circumstances affecting these legal terms, but attorneys have assured that this consensual sex is allowable, under Philippines law. Therefore, it stands to reason that the underage ‘marriages’ of teenagers in the barangays is legal, as it would be seen as consensual. The ‘Family Code Law’, although signed by the president, has not yet been ratified by congress and is therefore not valid.

The Barangay Girl: In all of the areas that were visited during the VSO survey of 2003 and since, the naiveté of the girls and young women in Northern Samar borders on pure ignorance. Few have any idea of how their bodies work, take modesty to extremes and seem, more than in any other area, to be conditioned to the old fashioned ‘woman’s role’ as child bearer, cook, gardener, cleaner, washerwoman, marketer, etc. Few seem to want to assert their human rights, assuming that they know what these are even while most do not.

The preconditioning of the girls to the ‘female role’ starts at a very early age. They are given the majority of basic household tasks, whereas the boys are often made to help dad or uncle in ‘manly’ tasks. About the only joint activity in the under-ten-year-olds seems to be the carrying of water. Other than this, there are few shared chores. While the women and girls always seem to be busy, the males are allowed more free time and are often seen just walking walk around stroking the feathers of their roosters. One wonders if the waiting shed was a male invention, as they seem to spend a lot of time in them. It is certain that the lack of media access, lack of quality education and the lack of genuine programmes for the overall development of women and girls is a root cause of why so few will attain any equality in this area. That so few girls in their Is Gender an Issue 2

late teens know how their bodies work and certainly few know the reason why they menstruate. Even fewer know about STDs, such as HIV AIDS and other diseases that can infect them. Uterine tract infections are common and most of these are related to poor female hygiene practices. Aside from lack of access to information relevant to them as women, few are aware of international events or even events happening in the Philippines. In addition, youth activities are very limited, with only one really successful youth group in the area and the oft spoken complaint of “I’m bored” coming from many. For girls, washing, cooking and schooling take up their time; out-of-school activities and selection of friends are strongly controlled by mother. Since their parents are mostly uneducated and have no interest about what happens outside of the barangay, it is no wonder that the kids are bored and backward, and can quickly be painted in a bad light by local gossip.

Life for these women from the low-income families is toil. However, they are the silent backbone that holds these families and communities together. Continued ignorance due to the poor standards of education adds to the impoverished situation of most women, and will set back development and disenfranchise women even more. Women at work: ‘Women at Work’ is not intended to denigrate those women that work hard in the home, but seeks to look at women who work outside of the home. A cursory look into the offices and retail stores reveals that employees comprise mostly of women. Mini-stores have mostly women as proprietors; and it is predominantly women and young girls that are seen vending around the streets. Thus, it may be asserted that women hold up the local economy. The greatest number of female store and cafe workers is aged between 13 and 23. They receive on average wage of P800 to P1,400 per month, and work 12 hours a day, with perhaps a whole or half day’s leave of absence once a month. Some are married and some are single mothers, often leaving their children in the care of grandparents while at work, who in turn demand a share of the wages earned. Some earn much less than the average. Many young females try to earn money to support their education expenses by working in the house of an aunt or uncle as maid or child minder [Yaya]. The competition for work among low-income families places an increasing burden upon the younger females, and storeowners are capitalising on this by offering lower wages and expecting greater returns. Labour laws are totally ineffectual in protecting these youngsters from being abused; the infringements border on bonded labour or slavery. Is Gender an Issue 3

The ages of women in the workforce range 15 to 64 years. They make up 49.25% of the working population, and overall consist 48.87% of the total population in 2004.

PROVINCIAL POPULATION BY AGE & SEX DESIGNATION: Age group % of Pop. Population Male % Male

2005 Female % Female

Under 1

4.21%

24,146

12,491

51.73%

11,654

48.26%

15.00%

86,036

44,004

51.15%

42,031

48.85%

5 to 9

15.25%

87,470

44,959

51.40%

42,510

48.60%

10 to 14

12.42%

71,230

36,300

50.96%

34,931

49.04%

15 to 19

10.62%

60,913

31,955

52.46%

28,958

47.54%

20 to 24

8.66%

49,671

25,584

51.51%

24,087

48.49%

24 to 29

7.02%

40,264

20,464

50.82%

19,799

49.17%

30 to 34

5.76%

33,038

16,959

51.33%

16,088

48.70%

35 to 39

4.74%

27,187

13,908

51.16%

13,278

48.84%

40 to 44

3.91%

22,426

11,345

50.59%

11,080

49.41%

45 to 49

3.30%

18,927

9,672

51.10%

9,254

48.90%

50 to 54

2.75%

15,771

7,815

49.55%

7,955

50.44%

55 to 59

2.21%

12,676

6,316

49.83%

6,360

50.17%

60 to 64

1.63%

9,347

4,597

49.18%

4,749

50.81%

65 to 69

1.12%

6,424

3,074

47.86%

3,349

52.13%

70 Plus

1.40%

8,029

3,813

47.49%

4,215

52.50%

573,555

293,256

51.13%

280,300

48.87%

1 to 4

In the three main age brackets the percentages of men and women vary only slightly. However, in the over-sixties bracket, women are seven percent higher than the males, many passing on from 50 years of age.

Under 1 to 14 15 to 59 60 & Over

% Of Total Population 43.61% 49.77% 6.63%

% Male % Female 51.31% 48.69% 50.93% 49.07% 46.86%

53.13%

100.00%

Is Gender an Issue 4

2004 Provincial Population Age to Gender split

53% 52% 51% 50%

Male

Female

49% 48%

30

Pl us

69

70

to

64 65

to 60

to

59

54 55

to

49 50

to

44 45

to

39 40

to

34 35

to

29 30

to

24 24

to

20

to

19

14 15

to

10

to

4

Thousands

5

to

1 1

er U

nd

9

47%

Male / Female Population Employment Split by Number

25

20 Working Age Group Male Working Age Group Female

15

10

5 15 to 19

20 to 24 24 to 29 30 to 34 35 to 39 40 to 44 45 to 49 50 to 54 55 to 59 60 to 64

The ratio of men to women at work is fairly close, with more males in work until the age of 50 and then more women.

Is Gender an Issue 5

2000 - Provincial Age and Gender Ratios by Percentage Male 40

42

Female 44

46

Poly. (Male) 48

50

52

Poly. (Female) 54

56

58

Under 1

5to9

15 t o 19

24 t o 29

35 t o 39

45 t o 49

55 t o 59

65 t o 69

75 t o 79

Abuses: Sexual abuse Throughout the world, the sexual abuse of women and girls exists, and it is inevitable that domestic crimes of this nature will be found in the Philippines. However, these problems are exacerbated in the Philippines in several ways. First, there is a lack of safe sanctuary or private areas where these issues can be discussed, as well as mechanisms to report and remedy abuse. Where such areas or mechanisms are present, there appears a lack of interest or action by legal authorities. Second, the almost unlimited access by male teenagers to pornographic Internet sites installs in these youths the perception of women and girls as sex objects and servants. Third, since many young children are left in the care of relatives while their parents are away at work, many of these children are left open to, and indeed suffer, sexual abuse by their caregivers. An example of this is of a young girl from one of the islands, now 12 years old, whose parents work in Manila. She was repeatedly raped by her grandfather since the age of five, and finally, after seven years, sought the help and protection of the Mayor. The Mayor placed her with a good family in the poblacion where the girl now continues to emotionally recover from her trauma. To date, no one has seen or heard from the parents for four years. Is Gender an Issue 6

Or, of the girl, now eleven years old, who complained to the barangay captain about her uncle who had been raping her for many months. But instead of providing the support she sought, the community closed in upon itself, keeping the problem hidden until a teacher followed up on declining school results and found the girl emotionally disturbed and withdrawn. In the meantime, the uncle had already disappeared off the island. To date, the girl still resides in the barangay, carefully watched [and maybe even blamed] by the entire community. Or, of the 14-year-old girl who claimed to have been raped by three drunken men when she went to take a dip in the evening waters of her seaside barangay. Because she had the image of being sexually active, her claims were ignored. Fourth and finally, the boredom of many youngsters, and the diversions provided by karaoke bars and cheap alcohol, easily draw young naive barangay girls into the adult male world of sex, drugs and alcohol. Many teenage and pre-teenage girls in Catarman and one or two other municipalities have been manipulated and coerced sexually. A significant number of them have run away from remote barangays to escape poverty, only to find themselves’ stuck in the role of sex worker for many years, and becoming hardened prostitutes. Seen in this perspective, it is difficult to argue that they engage in sex consensually. And to whom can they turn? The provincial social services can only cater to the worst of cases; they do their best, but would be quickly overwhelmed if they try to rescue all those in need of care and protection. Abandonment Many children are also abandoned by their parents, who leave the province to work either abroad or in Manila. In most cases, the parents send small amounts of money to the children for a year or so, after which this ceases and the children are left to fend for themselves. As a result, there are many ‘families’ that consist of children only, with the oldest child only in their late teens and already acting as head of the family. Social research on this concern reveals that cultural conditioning is such that it is usually the girls who take on the parenting role in the absence of adult care. Labour abuse In conditions where long hours and meagre wages are the norm and competition is fierce for any job opening, the continuing enslavement of women and girls in the workplace adds to their already multiple burdens. However, it is strange that many of these women at work are managed by women.

Is Gender an Issue? Yes can be the only answer to this question. Gender certainly is an issue that should be addressed, but maybe not from the normal concept of gender issues. Is Gender an Issue 7

First of all, the country’s laws must be aligned to protect those under the age of sixteen against sexual activity, ‘consensual’ or otherwise. The Filipino girl physically matures early, as do many Asian and African ethnic groups. However, the Filipino girl is years behind other ethnic groups in terms of mental or emotional development and, if they are to be a part of a modern and forwardlooking Filipino nation, they must be prepared for this role with better all-round education. Also, mothers themselves must stop recycling the traditional gender roles in the household. The right to choose the number of children borne is an innate right of a woman, as it is she who knows what her body and mind can stand. This is important in view of the mother being the economic and emotional backbone of the family. The right to safe motherhood should also be addressed and the males should take a more active role in this respect, easing the pressure on women to bear more children. The VSO survey reveals that contraception aids are very scarce in the conservative barangays. The church’s stand against contraception adds to the burden on women. Conclusion: Again, YES, gender is very much an issue in this province and yet, unless this is seriously addressed, little or nothing will change and the burdens put upon the women’s moral and social status will increase. What laws there are, that should protect the women and girls, are mere paper tigers; and whilst power of decision remains in the hands of the males, nothing will change. However, even with lady mayors and even a lady governor at one time, these issues were not and still are not addressed. The aptitude and attitude of the teaching staff, again mostly women, aggravates the gender situation by its clear disregard of gender and reproductive issues. The continuance of the role conditioning in the homes only adds to restrict any significant development of the status of women and girls.

Is Gender an Issue 8

Land Use & Tenure This section of the document looks at the typical land use and tenure, using mostly the statistics gathered from the NSO 2002 agricultural census and extracts from the VSO 2003 survey.

As can be seen by the map above, the provincial government has identified and designated certain areas as agricultural development locations and have also wisely, designated other areas as not suitable for agriculture. The map identifies Bobon, Catarman, Mondragon, Laoang, Palapag, Catubig, Las Navas and parts of Silvino Lobos as prime areas for irrigated rice production and shows that areas in Lavezares, San Roque, Pambujan and Palapag are not suitable. This map shows that the riverine area that includes Las Navas, Catubig, Pambujan and Laoang has great potential for food production and that the island of San Antonio also has some potential. The VSO survey was intentionally directed towards ‘working’ barangays, where livelihood activities are mostly dependent on agriculture, marine and other natural products. Urban and suburban barangays were not used for this survey. VSO only stipulated that in one area, a coastal, an inland delta and an upland barangay were randomly selected in each of the municipalities, also randomly selected by NGO associates in the province. For anyone involved in monitoring and evaluation, attempting to carry out comparisons from reams of statistical data, is not only difficult and time consuming, can also be confusing. The majority of the information in this sector will be presented in table and graphic form.

Land Use & Tenure 1

The table below depicts the land resources used and unused throughout the province and shows that Biri has no usable land resources. AREA of LAND USE SUSTAINABILITY CATEGORIES SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS – 'PPDO' 2004

Sustainable

Over-used

Under-used

Total

Hectares

Hectares

Hectares

Hectares

15,690

320

6,450

22,460

0

0

0

0

Bobon

40,320

3,280

42,900

86,500

Capul

13,260

1,710

2,500

17,470

Catarman

140,180

7,200

83,500

230,880

Catubig

142,530

3,270

107,850

253,650

Gamay

33,590

3,270

39,840

76,700

Laoang

105,790

2,900

72,550

181,240

Lapinig

8,140

0

19,000

27,140

Las Navas

50,660

3,100

124,000

177,760

Lavezares

13,070

13,000

42,000

68,070

Lope de Vega

59,750

1,240

48,200

109,190

Mapanas

34,550

6,150

60,370

101,070

Mondragon

82,100

2,360

154,350

238,810

Palapag

65,300

8,900

83,100

157,300

Pambujan

58,150

14,400

62,400

134,950

Rosario

4,662

2,100

16,530

23,292

San Antonio

2,780

2,320

21,100

26,200

60,000

4,450

85,000

149,450

4,320

1,000

12,000

17,320

San Roque

27,450

8,500

109,500

145,450

San Vicente

10,620

1,050

2,600

14,270

Silvino Lobos

66,060

870

106,500

173,430

Victoria

43,660

1,750

126,220

171,630

1,082,632

93,140

1,428,460

2,604,232

Allen Biri

San Isidro San Jose

This data shows the potential for agricultural development in Catarman, Catubig, Laoang, Las Navas, Mondragon, San Roque, Silvino Lobos and Victoria. However, this also shows that Catarman, Lavezares, Palapag, Pambujan and San Roque have large amounts of overused land resources and this should be addressed.

Land Use & Tenure 2

Household Land Tenure by % 2003 45%

39.81%

40%

37.62%

35% 30% 22.57%

25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Landless

Ow n land

Lease land

Householders were asked about their tenure of usable agricultural land and the graph shows that 39.81% of average households own no usable agricultural land. Landless

Owns

Leases

Coastal

63.39%

29.91%

6.70%

Inland Delta

17.02%

46.81%

36.17%

Upland

6.38%

46.81%

46.81%

Overall

39.81%

37.62%

22.57%

The table above clearly shows the variation in land tenure in the various barangay types, with a very low percentage of land ownership in the coastal barangays. The DA’s report on land tenure shows the status of farmers and land area (H) in 2003 and shows some variation from the NSO census report of 2002.

Farmers

Philippines

East Visayas

Northern Samar

47.66%

38.32%

42.60%

Partly owned

31.19%

38.63%

40.38%

Tenanted

12.93%

16.64%

13.67%

Leased

2.31%

2.18%

1.08%

Other forms

5.91%

4.24%

2.27%

Owned

50.75%

40.93%

42.80%

Partly owned

32.18%

41.91%

43.47%

Tenanted

11.56%

14.02%

12.43%

Leased

2.10%

1.37%

0.70%

Other forms

3.41%

1.76%

0.59%

Owned

Land Area (H)

Land Use & Tenure 3

Farmers 50% 45%

42.60% 42.80%

Land Area (H) DA Report on Northern Samar's Land tenure 2003 43.47% 40.38%

40% 35% 30% 25% 20%

13.67% 12.43%

15% 10% 5%

1.08% 0.70%

2.27%

0.59%

0% Owned

Partly owned

Tenanted

Leased

Other forms

The graph above shows that according to the DA, the number of farmers and the land areas in Northern Samar are very similar and that the DA uses a category of ‘Partly owned’ which various from the NSO categories. The following table shows the tenure of farms (by farmers and land area [H]) according to the size of the farm plot Number of Farms

3.0 to 4.9

Size of Farm (Hectares) 5.0 to 7.0 7.1 to 9.9 10.0 to 24.9

25.0 plus

Owned

45.08%

27.01%

13.09%

13.61%

1.20%

CLT or CLOA Holding

62.13%

27.22%

4.73%

3.55%

2.37%

Owner like Possession

48.14%

24.91%

12.49%

13.59%

0.88%

Tenanted

49.25%

29.62%

10.53%

10.26%

0.34%

Leased / Rented

52.26%

29.03%

12.90%

5.81%

0.00%

Rent free

48.57%

27.14%

20.00%

4.29%

0.00%

Other Tenure

41.18%

17.65%

23.53%

17.65%

0.00%

Not Reported

59.46%

25.68%

8.11%

6.76%

0.00%

Land Use & Tenure 4

Land Area (H)

Size of Farm (Hectares) 5.0 to 7.0 7.1 to 9.9 10.0 to 24.9

3.0 to 4.9

25.0 plus

Owned

24.38%

23.88%

16.40%

28.21%

7.13%

CLT or CLOA Holding

41.77%

29.57%

7.94%

6.90%

13.81%

Owner like Possession

27.04%

23.07%

16.36%

29.68%

3.86%

Tenanted

29.62%

29.03%

15.37%

23.46%

2.52%

Leased / Rented

35.10%

32.07%

19.44%

13.38%

0.00%

Rent free

32.69%

28.57%

29.40%

9.34%

0.00%

Other Tenure

26.23%

17.21%

31.97%

24.59%

0.00%

Not Reported

41.50%

30.64%

12.53%

15.32%

0.00%

3.0 to 4.9

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.9

10.0 to 24.9

25.0 plus

Number of Farms

46.78%

27.40%

12.34%

12.52%

0.95%

Land Area (H)

26.19%

25.07%

16.18%

26.82%

5.73%

Overall Comparison Farmers & Land Area (H) to Size of Plot (H) 50%

46.78%

Number of Farms

45%

Land Area (H)

40% 35% 30%

26.19%

27.40%

26.82%

25.07%

25% 20%

12.34%

15%

16.18% 12.52%

10%

5.73%

5%

0.95%

0% 3.0 to 4.9

5.0 to 7.0

Landless 70%

Ow ns

7.1 to 9.9

Leases

10.0 to 24.9

25.0 plus

All Barangays Land Tenure by Percentage

63.39%

60%

39.81%

36.17%

40% 30%

46.81% 46.81%

46.81%

50%

37.62%

29.91% 22.57% 17.02%

20% 6.70%

10%

6.38%

0% Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

Overall

Land Use & Tenure 5

The main upland land tenure was shown, in this survey, to be balanced between ownership and leasehold (inclusive of tenanted), with a very low incidence of landlessness.

70% 60%

ALL Crops (T & P) Average Land Tenure by % - 2002

58.33%

50% 40% 25.89%

30% 20% 10%

3.92%

1.61%

1.16%

0% Owned

Tenanted

Leased

Rent free

Other +

The 2003 overall household surveys of VSO, showed the following as the main food crops produced in the province, for direct food consumption or for sale. Any reference to land tenure in the VSO survey, applies only to usable agricultural land and not homestead land, for which a different type of tenure may be in operation. Main Crop Production (Owned, Leased / Tenanted Tenure) by % 2003

100%

91.13%

90% 80% 70% 60% 50%

41.13%

40%

32.26%

30% 20% 10%

10.48%

7.26% 0.81%

4.03%

0% White corn

Yellow

Irrigated

Rainfed

Upland

corn

Rice

Rice

Rice

Root crops

Coconut

Land Use & Tenure 6

As expected, the predominant crop of all barangay types is the coconut. The following graphs show the percentages of households dependent on coconut and backyard fruit production and these are both for household consumption and sales.

Coconut Production by Barangay Type by Farmers with Land Owned or Leased / Tenanted Land Tenure 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%

100.00%

79.49%

93.18%

Coastal

Inland delta

Upland

However, although many farmers produce coconut they are not all totally dependent on the income from coconut, for their livelihoods. The following graph shows the householders that are dependent on coconut production.

100% Barangay Households Dependent on Coconut for Income

94.00%

90% 80%

67.55%

70% 60% 50% 40%

37.08%

30% 20% 10% 0% Coastal

Inland delta

Upland Land Use & Tenure 7

Very few households do not have any fruit trees in their yard and the following graph shows the percentage of householders informally producing fruit. Jackfruit is also used as a vegetable and has an important role in food sourcing. This is informal backyard fruit production and takes no account of any commercial production. At the time of the survey, the growing importance on Pili was not known and not reported on.

All Household Fruit Assets by % 2003 70%

65.53%

60% 50.00%

50%

38.83%

40%

32.52%

32.04% 27.67%

30% 20% 10%

2.43%

0% Banana

Pineapple

Mango

Jackfruit

Papaya

Guava

Lanzones

The following graphs show the main crops produced in the upland barangays. The irrigated rice is mostly dependent on small water impounding schemes, or utilisation of directional spring water sources.

Land Use & Tenure 8

Upland Farmers Main Crops by % of Land Holders 2003 0% White corn

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

4.55%

Irrigated rice

6.82%

Rainfed rice Upland rice

34.09% 18.18%

Root crops

38.64% 93.18%

Coconut

The following graph compares the percentage of farmers to the percentage of land within the various forms of tenure.

Coconut Production Farmers to Land area (H) by %

80% 70%

Coconut Farmers

65.02% 67.04%

Coconut Land Area (H)

60% 50% 40%

28.41%

30%

21.34%

20% 10%

2.26% 1.64%

8.06% 1.29%

3.32% 1.62%

0% Owned

Tenanted

Leased

Rent free

Other

Land Use & Tenure 9

The following table shows the levels of national crop production increases or decreases over the first quarters of 2003, 2004 and 2005 as provided by the DA and shows that the major food crops of rice, banana and cassava have increased, whilst corn and Kamote have decreased. The increases in coconut and abaca production reflect the provincial information. All statistics are for thousand metric tonnes. Decreases 2003

2004

2005

2003-04

2004-05

Average

1353.34

1534.30

1252.79

+13.37%

-18.35%

-2.49%

Coffee

36.20

35.10

32.48

-3.04%

-7.46%

-5.25%

Mango

241.81

234.07

212.68

-3.20%

-9.14%

-6.17%

14.41

12.99

11.24

-9.85%

-13.47%

-11.66%

125.33

120.64

122.07

-3.74%

+1.19%

-1.28%

15.12

14.53

13.88

-3.90%

-4.47%

-4.19%

Calamansi

22.57

22.80

21.92

+1.02%

-3.86%

-1.42%

Rubber

37.87

38.56

37.73

+1.82%

-2.15%

-0.17%

Average Decrease Increases

-4.08%

Corn

Tobacco Kamote Garlic

2003

2004

2005

2003-04

2004-05

Average

Palay

3035.56

3434.38

3381.88

+13.14%

-1.53%

+5.80%

Coconut

3319.73

3301.28

3436.15

-0.56%

+4.09%

+1.76%

11682.86

12109.56

11905.25

+3.65%

-1.69%

+0.98%

1251.94

1291.32

1327.11

+3.15%

+2.77%

+2.96%

Pineapple

411.51

422.72

420.83

+2.72%

-0.45%

+1.14%

Abaca

16.82

17.52

20.36

+4.16%

+16.21%

+10.19%

Peanut

11.63

12.04

12.46

+3.53%

+3.49%

+3.51%

Sugarcane Banana

Mongo

7.68

7.92

7.74

+3.13%

-2.27%

+0.43%

Cassava

271.20

273.13

274.97

+0.71%

+0.67%

+0.69%

Tomato

72.06

75.40

74.69

+4.64%

-0.94%

+1.85%

Onion

33.28

34.24

33.70

+2.88%

-1.58%

+0.65%

Cabbage

23.95

24.57

23.98

+2.59%

-2.40%

+0.09%

Eggplant

59.66

62.41

63.43

+4.61%

+1.63%

+3.12%

Average Increase

+2.55%

Although the statistics in the table above do show certain trends, the time period is not sufficient enough to determine trends sufficiently consistent for planning, although they are guides.

Land Use & Tenure 10

This table shows the average increases or decreases in ‘farmgate’ prices per kilogram for crops, as a national average and establishes a trend of increasing farmgate (and thus retail) prices per kilogram greater that the general inflation rate of +14.40% Annual Increases

2 year Average

2003

2004

2005

2003-04

2004-05

2003-05

Palay

8.67

9.04

10.19

+4.27%

+12.72%

+8.49%

Corn

6.50

8.83

8.01

+35.85%

-9.29%

+13.28%

Coconut

2.73

3.36

3.89

+23.08%

+15.77%

+19.43%

Banana

5.58

6.06

6.65

+8.60%

+9.74%

+9.17%

Pineapple

7.30

4.68

5.58

-35.89%

+19.23%

-8.33%

Mango

19.21

20.60

22.26

+7.24%

+8.06%

+7.65%

Abaca

18.64

21.30

31.84

+14.27%

+49.48%

+31.88%

Peanut

18.57

20.34

23.68

+9.53%

+16.42%

+12.98%

Mongo

20.39

22.06

25.76

+8.19%

+16.77%

+12.48%

Cassava

3.67

3.24

4.66

-11.72%

+43.83%

+16.06%

Kamote

5.86

6.28

6.49

+7.17%

+3.34%

+5.26%

Tomato

8.67

4.94

9.70

-43.02%

+96.36%

+26.67%

Garlic

50.70

39.84

50.64

-21.42%

+27.11%

+2.84%

Onion

13.38

12.36

19.65

-7.62%

+58.98%

+25.68%

Cabbage

5.06

7.30

9.76

+44.27%

+33.70%

+38.98%

Eggplant

9.69

10.70

13.97

+10.42%

+30.56%

+20.49%

Calamansi

10.18

13.74

17.37

+34.97%

+26.42%

+30.69%

+4.69%

+24.12%

+14.40%

Average Increases

The important food crops of rice, corn, banana, cassava and Kamote show an overall increase of +10.45%

Land Use & Tenure 11

The livestock sector’s production and prices over the same period, show similar trends to the crop sector as is shown below. Produce statistics are shown in thousand metric tonnes. Annual Increases

2 year Increase

2003

2004

2005

2003-04

2004-05

2003-05

Carabao

28.81

30.98

30.90

+7.53%

-0.26%

+3.64%

Cattle

62.36

61.58

57.62

-1.25%

-6.43%

-3.84%

Hog

414.61

431.02

422.60

+3.96%

-1.95%

+1.00%

Goat

16.90

16.96

17.75

+0.36%

+4.66%

+2.51%

Dairy

2.69

2.84

3.02

+5.58%

+6.34%

+5.96%

303.74

311.56

335.39

+2.57%

+7.65%

+5.11%

Duck

13.88

13.63

13.87

-1.80%

+1.76%

-0.02%

Chicken eggs

64.99

70.38

76.90

+8.29%

+9.26%

+8.78%

Duck eggs

12.74

13.21

13.21

+3.69%

+0.00%

+1.84%

Commercial

253.88

273.49

282.09

+7.72%

+3.14%

+5.43%

Municipal

260.45

276.02

279.75

+5.98%

+1.35%

+3.66%

Aquaculture

302.13

424.50

466.44

+40.50%

+9.88%

+25.19%

Average Increase

+4.94%

Chicken

FISH

Prices are ‘farmgate’ and per kilogram: Annual Increases

2 year Increase

2003

2004

2005

2003-04

2004-05

2003-05

Carabao

42.43

37.23

49.39

-12.26%

+32.66%

+10.20%

Cattle

51.62

50.69

65.36

-1.80%

+28.94%

+13.57%

Hog

50.57

65.29

73.26

+29.11%

+12.21%

+20.66%

Goat

58.25

56.08

64.57

-3.73%

+15.14%

+5.71%

Dairy

24.97

30.00

31.75

+20.14%

+5.83%

+12.99%

Chicken

59.38

71.32

77.22

+20.11%

+8.27%

+14.19%

Duck

61.35

46.96

57.43

-23.46%

+22.30%

-0.58%

Chicken eggs

66.57

66.67

72.87

+0.15%

+9.30%

+4.72%

Duck eggs

44.85

53.83

52.80

+20.02%

-1.91%

+9.05%

Commercial

38.47

42.28

39.28

+9.90%

-7.10%

+1.40%

Municipal

38.65

41.81

45.01

+8.18%

+7.65%

+7.91%

Aquaculture

29.10

25.39

25.57

-12.75%

+0.71%

-6.02%

Average Increase

+7.82%

FISH

Land Use & Tenure 12

Although the production of livestock, poultry and fish has increased overall by +4.94%, the farmgate price per kilogram has increased by +7.82% and should this trend continue, many of the basic protein foods might become too expensive for those on low incomes. Increases Production Increases Prices Expon. (Increases Production) Expon. (Increases Prices)

12% 10%

National Production & Prices Comparison 2003-2005 11.17%

7.82%

8%

6.93%

6%

4.94%

4.47%

4%

2.95%

2% 0% 2003-04

2004-05

Trend Average

The graph above shows a comparison between production and farmgate prices over the period and shows predicted trends for both, although these are conjecture, they are based on available statistics. The following graph (NSO data) shows a comparison between the land used for temporary and permanent crops by plot size. Percentage of Temporary & Permanent Crop by Plot Size by % 2002 0.00% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

5.00%

0.90% 0.21%

10.00%

15.00%

Temporary Crops

20.00%

Permanent Crops

2.01% 1.07% 8.62% 7.60%

1.0 to 1.99

10.32% 10.61%

2.0 2.99

20.88% 20.64%

3.0 to 4.99

20.39% 18.77%

5.0 to 7.0 14.77% 14.06%

7.1 to 9.99

19.13%

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

25.00%

22.18%

3.00% 4.86%

Land Use & Tenure 13

This shows that the majority of temporary and permanent crops are grown on the 3.0 to 24.99 hectare range, disregarding any land tenure arrangements. 60%

56.14%

Palay Production Land Tenure by % - 2002

50% 38.39%

40% 30% 20% 10%

3.34%

0.89%

1.23%

Rent free

Other +

0% Owned

Tenanted

Leased

80% 70%

67.66%

Root Crops Production Land Tenure by % - 2002

60% 50% 40% 30% 16.56%

20%

10.43%

10%

2.78%

2.58%

0% Owned 70%

Tenanted

61.12%

Leased

Rent free

Other +

Banana Production by % of land Size - 2002

60% 50% 40%

33.90%

30% 20% 10%

1.98%

1.94%

1.06%

Leased

Rent free

Other +

0% Ow ned

Tenanted

Land Use & Tenure 14

80% 70%

Coconut Production by % Land Tenure 2002

67.04%

60% 50% 40% 28.41%

30% 20% 10%

1.64%

1.29%

1.62%

Leased

Rent free

Other +

0% Owned

Tenanted

The following two graphs show the land tenure by percentage of farmers, compared with the percentage of land under a particular tenure type. 60%

Palay Production Farmers to land Area (H)

56.14% 55.11%

Palay Farmers

Palay Land Area (H)

50% 38.88% 38.39%

40% 30% 20% 10%

3.34% 3.44%

0.89%1.27%

1.23%1.30%

Rent free

Other

0% Owned

Tenanted

Palay Farmers Average by Land Area (H)

Leased

Owned

Tenanted

Leased

Rent free

Other +

57.02%

21.37%

2.01%

8.80%

1.71%

66.23%

26.41%

1.75%

4.33%

1.29%

These show that for palay, 57.84% of Farmers own 55.11% of the land used for palay production and that for coconut, 65.02% of farmers own 67.04% of the coconut plantations. Land Use & Tenure 15

Coconut Production Farmers to Land area (H) by % 80% 70%

65.02%

67.04%

Coconut Farmers

Coconut Land Area (H)

60% 50% 40%

28.41% 21.34%

30% 20% 10%

2.26% 1.64%

8.06%

3.32% 1.62%

1.29%

0% Owned

Tenanted

Owned 65.02% 67.04%

Coconut Farmers Coconut Land Area (H)

Leased

Tenanted 21.34% 28.41%

Rent free

Leased 2.26% 1.64%

Other

Rent free 8.06% 1.29%

Other + 3.32% 1.62%

The 2002 NSO agricultural census also provides statistics on the plot sizes used by farmers and also provides useful information regarding the productivity of the trees and plants.

25%

22.80%

22.61%

Coconut Production by Land Size by % - 2002

18.05%

20%

13.21%

15% 10% 5%

6.85%

6.30%

6.45%

3.19% 0.53%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to

1.0 to

0.99

1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 5.0 to 7.0 4.99

7.1 to

10.0 to

9.99

24.99

25.0 +

Land Use & Tenure 16

Out of 16,852,367 coconut trees, 12,814,238 were productive, showing overall that 76.04% were producing or an average of 73.17%. The remainder, it is assumed are senile or immature and not yet producing.

Coconut Production % Productive Trees

90% 80% 70%

76.01%

77.01%

77.18%

0.0 to

1.0 to

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 5.0 to 7.0

0.99

1.99

68.40%

75.25%

77.04%

77.09%

7.1 to

10.0 to

9.99

24.99

71.15%

59.41%

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Under 0.5

4.99

25.0 +

Pili: For the first time, there has been a record of the Pili trees in production and this shows that in 2002 there were 55,975 Pili trees planted in the province, of which, 29,335 (52.41%) were productive, with an average productivity of 62.50%. 30%

Pili Production by % Land Size of 5,907 H - 2002 24.23%

25% 19.23%

20%

16.98%

15.35%

15% 10% 5%

7.89% 2.79%

8.46%

4.62% 0.44%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to

1.0 to

0.99

1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to

10.0 to

9.99

24.99

25.0 +

Land Use & Tenure 17

According to the NSO statistics (2002), there are 55,975 Pili trees planted on 5,907 hectares, giving an average of 9.5 trees per hectare. This shows that this is mostly random planting. 100% 90% 80%

95.96%

Pili Production by % Productive Trees 74.23%

73.85% 67.00%

70% 60%

69.62%

52.09%

48.39%

50%

49.99%

40%

31.41%

30% 20% 10% 0% Under

0.0 to

1.0 to

0.5

0.99

1.99

Pili % productive trees

2.0 2.99

3.0 to

5.0 to

7.1 to

10.0 to

4.99

7.0

9.99

24.99

Under 0.5 2.79%

0.0 to 0.99 4.62%

1.0 to 1.99 19.23%

2.0 2.99 16.98%

5.0 to 7.0 15.35%

7.1 to 9.99 7.89%

10.0 to 24.99 8.46%

25.0 + 0.44%

25.0 +

3.0 to 4.99 24.23%

Abaca: Abaca Production by % of Land Size of 7,583 H - 2002 22.08%

25% 19.08%

20%

16.89%

16.66%

15% 8.37%

10% 5%

2.68%

8.77%

4.46% 1.02%

0% Under 0.5 0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to

10.0 to

9.99

24.99

25.0 +

Land Use & Tenure 18

Should abaca fibre now be subjected to E-VAT, the value of this may be worth P96 million per annum to the national government and with the provincial government considering implementing the abaca levy that it is entitled to, a further P5 million will be raised from this. These would be heavy burdens for this industry, although it may encourage the entrepreneurs to at last invest in a processing plant for the province and avoid the E-VAT taxation. Abaca Production by % of Productive Trees - 2002

100%

87.43%

90%

81.31%

80% 70%

75.31%

83.04%

80.75%

95.10%

85.53%

73.71%

66.06%

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Under

0.0 to

1.0 to

0.5

0.99

1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to

5.0 to

7.1 to

10.0 to

4.99

7.0

9.99

24.99

25.0 +

Coffee: 25%

23.18%

Coffee (All) Production by Land Size by %

20.91%

20%

15% 10.91%

13.18%

12.27% 10.00%

10% 5.91%

5%

1.82%

1.82%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to

1.0 to

0.99

1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to

10.0 to

9.99

24.99

25.0 +

Land Use & Tenure 19

Coffee was once a good crop to invest in, in this province; until the contracts made became worthless when the purchasers refused to pay for the quality and quantity produced, as the farmers were unable to provide quality beans in the amounts required. Although there is some sympathy for the farmers, their inability to become professional growers and deliver, as per contract, caused these problems. However, they gained little of the promised technical support, promised by the would be purchasers. 90% 80%

Coffee (All) Productive Trees by % 68.81%

70% 60% 50%

73.44%

76.58%

71.00%

50.00%

50.34% 43.47%

41.37%

40% 30% 20% 10%

0.00%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to

1.0 to

0.99

1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to

5.0 to 7.0

4.99

7.1 to

10.0 to

9.99

24.99

25.0 +

Cacao: 25%

21.84%

20.46%

Cacao Production by Land Size by %

20% 16.21% 13.53%

15%

10% 5.13%

7.77%

6.30%

8.14%

5% 0.62%

0% Under

0.0 to

1.0 to

0.5

0.99

1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to

5.0 to

7.1 to

10.0 to

4.99

7.0

9.99

24.99

25.0 +

Land Use & Tenure 20

90% 80%

79.74%

Cacao by % Productive Trees

73.16%

71.60%

70%

60.17%

60%

63.37%

60.22%

66.90%

61.38% 51.40%

50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Under

0.0 to

1.0 to

0.5

0.99

1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to

5.0 to

7.1 to

10.0 to

4.99

7.0

9.99

24.99

25.0 +

Terrain and Soil Type: The 2003 VSO survey asked householders with some form of land tenure about the terrain and type of soil that they farmed. Their answers are not scientific, but reflect the farmer’s knowledge of their land. Given that a higher percentage of coastal barangays were interviewed, as reflects the majority of barangays, it is interesting to note that less than 6.0% of the land used is ‘sandy’ by nature. This shows that those coastal barangay farmers with access to usable agricultural land have land away from the coastal areas. Soil Types (Ow ned and Leased / Tenanted only) by % 2003 90%

84.27%

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

5.65%

4.44%

Rocky

Stony

5.65%

0% Clay

Sandy

Land Use & Tenure 21

Land Terrain (Ow ned, Leased / Tenanted) by % 2003 60%

56.45%

50% 41.13%

40%

30%

20%

10% 2.42%

0% Flat

Light slope

Steep slope

Regarding the terrain, the farmers were asked to identify the typical terrain of the usable agricultural land that they utilised for crops and the above graph depicts their responses. With 84.27% of the land ‘clay based’ and 41.19% ‘flat land’ in use, it shows the potential for agricultural production of selected crops. The survey, at one time, asked the farmers about the type of soil that they used and as the majority of answers were ‘acid’, it was realised that most farmers had little idea about soil acidity or alkalinity and this was abandoned as being too broad for survey value. During 2004, a limited number of random soil tests and analysis were carried out to show that indeed, the farmers were correct and that the soils are mainly acid, at an acidity level not usually suitable for rice, other than the varieties known as ‘upland’ rice. The survey also asked about the height above sea level of their usable agricultural land and it became clear that very few Nortehanon’s’ had any concept of altitude and this part was abandoned. Between the 1991 and 2002 NSO Agricultural censuses, there have been marked changes in the tenure of land and Farmers 1991

2002

Variance

20,328

21,158

830

3.92%

Part-Owned

14,941

20,054

5,113

25.50%

Tenanted

4,994

6,788

1,794

26.43%

182

535

353

65.98%

1,262

1,126

-136

-12.08%

1991

2002

Variance

Owned

76,685

78,586

1,901

2.42%

Part-Owned

58,853

77,789

18,936

24.34%

Tenanted

15,546

22,245

6,699

30.11%

288

1,253

965

77.02%

1,073

1,060

-13

-1.23%

Owned

Leased Other Forms

Land area (H)

Leased Other Forms

Land Use & Tenure 22

The table shows that overall, there has been an increase in farmers of 7,954; from 41,704 to 49,661 this in an increase of 16.02% over the eleven year period between censuses and that there was an increase of 28,488 hectares of land used for agriculture from 152,445 to 180,933 hectares, an increase of 15.75%> Farmers

Land Area (H)

3.92%

2.42%

Part-Owned

25.50%

24.34%

Tenanted

26.43%

30.11%

Leased

65.98%

77.02%

Other Forms

-12.08%

-1.23%

Owned

As can be seen from the table above, the greatest changes have been in the province’s tenanted and leased tenure agreements, with very small percentage increases in farmers and land area in the ‘owned’ category. ‘Other’ forms of land tenure are described by the NSO as “Includes land held as mortgage and all other forms not categorised by the above including squatters of less than 30 years”. Using the amount of land divided by the number of farmers in 1991 and 2002, shows that hectares per farmer in 1991 was 3.655 and in 2002 3.643. This is probably not reliable as a means of discerning an ‘average’ farm size. For the region (East Visayas) the changes in tenure vary from that of the province of Northern Samar: Farmers

Land Area (H)

Owned

7.95%

4.04%

Part-Owned

2.89%

5.85%

42.16%

-4.57%

Leased

11.21%

22.34%

Other Forms

5.59%

6.74%

Tenanted

As can be seen from the table above, the greatest changes have been in the region has been the 42.16% in tenanted and the 22.34% increase in leased land. Again, using the amount of land divided by the farmers’, shows that in 1991 the regional average farm size was 2.387 hectares and in 2002, 2.194 hectares. Overall, the region showed an increase in farmers by 11.66% (36,462 farmers) and land area by 3.89% (28,147 hectares). Overall the land area increase in Northern Samar (28,488 hectares) accounts for more than the total for the region (28,147 hectares); this is compensated by the decreases of land area in Western Samar, Southern Leyte and to some extent, Biliran. In land usage, the following tables show the province’s changes in land usage from homelot production, through pastureland and woodland: Land Use & Tenure 23

Farmer:

1991

2002

Variance

Homelot

20,921

27,147

6,226

22.93%

Temporary crops

19,987

20,088

101

0.50%

Permanent crops

32,854

39,182

6,328

16.15%

Temporary fallow

111

82

-29

-35.37%

Temporary Meadows & Pasture

40

51

11

21.57%

Permanent Meadows & Pasture

27

247

220

89.07%

Woodland & Forest (Non-Commercial)

625

179

-446

-249.16%

All other lands

626

101

-525

-519.80%

Land Area (H)

1991

2002

Variance

Homelot

457

1,098

641

58.38%

Temporary crops

38,191

43,629

5,438

12.46%

Permanent crops

109,149

131,210

22,061

16.81%

Temporary fallow

145

141

-4

-2.84%

Temporary Meadows & Pasture

156

121

-35

-28.93%

Permanent Meadows & Pasture

59

709

650

91.68%

3,895

886

-3,009

-339.62%

393

126

-267

-211.90%

Woodland & Forest (Non-Commercial) All other lands

The tables show the very large decreases in land usage for woodland and ‘other’ lands in both the number of farmers and the amount of land used. Also there are decreases in land that is fallowed (-35.37% farmers and -2.48% of land) and this shows the increasing pressure to utilise all land resources as much as possible for income generation. Most interesting is the very large movement to homelot (backyard) farming and the increase of 58.38% of land used for this. Other provinces have similar movements towards homelot farming, with all provinces except Western Samar showing similar increases. The decrease in woodland is a worrying trait that should be halted as soon as possible, as there are environmental consequences to this decline. Homelot

Farmer

Land Area (H)

22.93%

58.38%

Temporary crops

0.50%

12.46%

Permanent crops

16.15%

16.81%

-35.37%

-2.84%

Temporary Meadows & Pasture

21.57%

-28.93%

Permanent Meadows & Pasture

89.07%

91.68%

Woodland & Forest (Non-Commercial)

-249.16%

-339.62%

All other lands

-519.80%

-211.90%

Temporary fallow

Land Use & Tenure 24

(The NSO document states ‘Other’ land as “includes lands occupied by pigpens, poultry houses, fishponds, wasteland and undeveloped potential productive and other lands not included in the preceding land use classification. Wasteland comprises barren rocky land, sloping areas etc, which are not used for any productive purpose.”)

Northern Samar Land Usage Changes 1960 through 2002 80%

NS-Temporary crops

NS-Permanent crops

NS-Fallow land

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% -10%

1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

The graph above clearly shows the movement away from fallowed and temporary crop land and most of the permanent crops are non-direct food products, and the graph below shows the declines in meadows and forest whilst ‘other’ uses seems to be increasing. ‘Other’ may represent increased homelot production. Northern Samar's Land Use Changes 1960 through 2002 7% 6%

Meadows

Forested

1980

1991

Other use

5% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% 1960

1971

2002

Land Use & Tenure 25

The NSO has plotted the woodland and forestland usage since 1960 and shows the rapid decline in owned, leased or tenanted woodland areas and the following graph depicts this decline. 6,000

5,684

1960-2003 Northern Samar Area Forested - Hectares

5,000 4,000 3,000

2,983 2,477

2,000 1,000

625 179

0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

Other NSO long term monitoring shows: Millions 14 12 10 8 6

Northern Samar's Coconut plantings 1960- 2002

4 2 0 1960

34% 32%

1971

1980

1991

2002

Northern Samar Percentage of East Visayas Coconut Plantings

30% 28% 26% 24% 22% 20% 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

Land Use & Tenure 26

Hectares 2,500

Northern Samar's Corn Planting 1960 - 2002

2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

50,000 Northern Samar's Palay Plantings 1960 - 2002 (hectares) 45,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 1960

1980

1991

2002

1960-2002 Northern Samar Palay Plantings / Harvests by Hectares

Thousands

50

1971

46

44

45 39

40 35

31

32

30 25 20 15 10 5 0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

Land Use & Tenure 27

Thousands

1960-2002 Northern Samar Livestock Heads

80 70

Carabao

Cattle

1971

1980

Hogs

60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1960

1991

2002

Northern Samar Poultry Flock Increases 1960 to 2002

Thousands 1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

The trends in livestock production show concerns about the provincial ‘herd’ of swine, as this has decreased and shows that between 1960 and 1971 the swine herd declined by -42.97% and although there have been increases in between, a further decline between 1991 and 2002 of -2.10% should give concern, keeping in mind that the province’s population is increasing by 2.6972% every year. 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

49,879

34,200

31,772

31,027

62,036

Cattle

2,799

2,117

1,619

1,878

3,058

Hogs

73,135

41,710

45,402

64,034

62,690

Carabao

Goat Chicken Ducks

11,441

3,263

2,667

4,912

2,814

340,322

200,608

201,893

269,421

1,020,441

8,258

4,030

10,484

11,762

6,689

That goats and ducks are also declining, takes valuable meat resources out of the market, although it is accepted that goat meat is not very popular, although the ‘export’ potential is high. Land Use & Tenure 28

National 'Herd' or 'Flock' Philippines

East Visayas

Northern Samar

1.82%

4.16%

5.36%

Cattle

1.51%

0.62%

0.26%

Hogs

5.57%

8.12%

5.41%

Goats

1.37%

0.78%

0.24%

82.26%

83.82%

88.13%

7.25%

2.42%

0.58%

Carabao

Chicken Ducks

The DA statistics show that Northern Samar has the highest percentage of carabao in its provincial herd and that it also has the highest percentage of chickens. The small percentage of ducks shows how rapidly the provincial duck flock has declined and is disappearing from the Nortehanon's dining table.

Comparison of National, Regional and Northern Samar's Livestock Herds

9% 8% 7%

Philippines

Northern Samar 5.57%

5.36%

6% 5%

East Visayas

8.12%

5.41%

4.16%

4% 3% 2%

1.82%

1%

1.51% 0.62% 0.26%

1.37% 0.78% 0.24%

0% Carabao

Cattle

Hogs

Goats

Land Use & Tenure 29

2005

Land Tenure to Farm Size: Whether or not provincial or departmental planners accept the NSO and DA data as being correct, or add in a plus or minus percentage to compensate for errors (margin of error), will not alter the basic trends found within both reports. These show that nationwide, there is a movement away from temporary food crops (rice, corn etc) to reliance on permanent crops (coconut, abaca, fruits etc), whether or not they are food sources. However, it is clear that not all areas are moving over to permanent crops at the same rate and from this; it can be assumed that some areas have more favourable growing conditions and available irrigation than Northern Samar. What is very clear is that all areas are abandoning the practice of fallowing (resting) the land from crop production and this has consequences for soil fertility, especially in the knowledge that the provincial soil is at best marginal in quality. It is also very interesting to note that there is a clear swing towards ‘homelot’ farming and even though it could be contested that a homelot does not come under agricultural land, (unless a homelot has been erected on agricultural land) and thus, may violate some zoning law or other. There may also be ‘social’ questions raised by this transfer to backyard farming that should be researched. This can only be selfsufficiency or subsistence farming at best and a survey would be required to determine any value to the public market. Of greatest concern to the province’s agricultural industry is the poor state of the soil, where fertility and structure have been lost due to poor maintenance by farmers and owners. Random soil sampling has shown that many of the rice lands are now too ‘acid’ to grow expected yields and indeed, some are no longer suitable for growing rice and are more suited for some vegetables and permanent crops. To redress the balance to a more neutral soils, would take vast amounts of lime and the cost of this could not be supported by any organisation. The use of crushed coral as pure CaCo3 would supplement this requirement, but this is not environmentally acceptable. A longer and cheaper means of achieving some balancing of the soil would be massive fallowing and the production of alternative crops, with residues incorporated back into the soil. This would take many years (even generations) to achieve and is unlikely to happen. A more likely scenario is that the destruction of the soil asset will continue, with more farmers abandoning temporary food crop production, thus depleting the agricultural income of the province. As the soil quality declines, so does the value of income to the province. What is very clear is that with one of the highest population expansion rates of the nation, Northern Samar must start to organise its agricultural sector to respond by some degree, to provide its population with cheap food. The NSO collected information on land tenure relative to farm size [0h through to 25h] and the following statistics are mostly in graphic form. These statistics deal Land Use & Tenure 30

2005 with land resources under ‘single’ forms of tenure, although there are statistics that show the multiple forms of tenure. Data sheet:

1991

2002

41,656

49,886

Homelot

20,921

27,147

Temporary crops

19,987

20,088

Permanent crops

32,854

39,182

Temporary fallow

111

82

Temporary Meadows & Pasture

40

51

Permanent Meadows & Pasture

27

247

Woodland & Forest (Non-Commercial)

625

179

All other lands

626

101

75,191

87,077

1991

2002

457

1,098

Temporary crops

38,191

43,629

Permanent crops

109,149

131,210

Temporary Meadows & Pasture

145

141

Permanent Meadows & Pasture

156

121

59

709

3,895

886

393

126

152,445

177,920

All Types by number FARMERS

Totals: LAND AREA Homelot

Permanent Pasture Woodland & Forest (Non-Commercial) All other lands Totals

This table shows the percentage changes from 1991 to 2002: Northern Samar 1991 to 2002 percentage changes: All Types by percentage

16.50% Farmers

Land Area

+22.93%

+58.38%

Temporary crops

+0.50%

+12.46%

Permanent crops

+16.15%

+16.81%

Temporary fallow

-35.37%

-2.84%

Temporary Meadows & Pasture

+21.57%

-28.93%

Homelot

Permanent Meadows & Pasture

+89.07%

+91.68%

Woodland & Forest (Non-Commercial)

-249.16%

-339.62%

All other lands

-519.80%

-211.90%

+13.65%

+14.32%

Totals:

(The NSO document states ‘Other’ land as “includes lands occupied by pigpens, poultry houses, fishponds, wasteland and undeveloped potential productive and other lands not included in the Land Use & Tenure 31

2005 preceding land use classification. Wasteland comprises barren rocky land, sloping areas etc, which are not used for any productive purpose.”)

The significant changes towards Homelot (backyard) agriculture in farmers and land area, together with the 16% increase in permanent cropping, with the large increase in permanent meadows and pastures appear to be at the cost of fallowed land, woodland and other lands. Whether or not homelot ‘farming’ constitutes other than self-sufficiency can be debated and any contribution to the food market system can only be small. However, self-sufficiency does reduce pressure on market supplies. It should also be understood that approximately 90% of pig meat comes from the backyard producer. The small increase (+0.50%) in farmers planting temporary crops is significant because of such a small increase over eleven years between censuses. The 12.46% increase in land area used for temporary crop production may be that farmers are ‘opening’ more land for this and this may also be marginal land not necessarily suitable for temporary crops. Overall, there is an increase of 25,475 hectares of land in production, with 22,061 hectares changing to permanent crops, 641 hectares changing to homelot production, 5,478 hectares changing to temporary crops and 650 extra hectares of permanent pasture. These are partially balanced by the reductions in woodland. Whether or not homelot land can be constituted as ‘agricultural’ land is debateable, as homelot or backyard farming is based at the homestead and could be subject to the household census. With the increasing cost of living in the province, due to higher VAT and the increases in fuel costs, an increase in backyard activities makes some sense and should the NGOs and the municipal agriculturists manage to take a professional attitude to this, a great difference could be made. Not necessarily to support market requirements, but to reduce dependence on the markets and promote selfsufficiency, or at its least, some improvement in home economics. Too long have the householders lived with the easy option of prepared commodities and little need to fend for themselves and although there may be hard lessons to be learned, they have to be learned. Many more people will suffer the consequences of a poor diet until these lessons are learned. Whether or not the agrarian reforms are responsible for more farmers converting to backyard farming may be worth following up. The increase in permanent pasture may give support to increasing livestock dispersals. The following graph depicts the swing in land usage changes from 1991 to 2002.

Land Use & Tenure 32

2005 Northern Samar Land Usage Changes 1991-2002 -600%

-500%

-400%

-300%

-200%

-100%

0%

100%

200%

Homelot Farmers

Land Area

Temporary crops Permanent crops Temporary fallow Temporary Meadows & Pasture Permanent Meadows & Pasture Woodland & Forest All other lands

The following graph shows the overall conversion rate of permanent land, temporary land and fallowed land, as a direct comparison with All Philippines, East Visayas Region and Northern Samar and shows that Northern Samar has made more gains to permanent land, greater than the other areas. AP = All Philippines, EV = East Visayas, NS = Northern Samar 2.00%

Overall Conversion Rate Comparison

1.50% 1.00% 0.50% 0.00% -0.50%

1.57% -1.74%

-1.52%

AP

EV

-1.00% -1.50% -2.00%

NS

The NSO report shows that in 2002, Northern Samar produced palay on 30,516 hectares, and this is in line with the provincial agriculture office figures, although the NSO report erroneously states 45,000 plus hectares for 2002 in another sector.

Land Use & Tenure 33

2005 The change from temporary crops to permanent crops will have consequences for provincial food security planning, as without the provision of permanent irrigation facilities, temporary crop producers are unlikely to return. 2002 NSO Agricultural Census - East Visayas / Northern Samar - Land Use Comparison EV-Temporary crops

NS-Temporary crops

EV-Fallow land

NS-Fallow land

EV-Permanent crops

NS-Permanent crops

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

The NSO report states that Northern Samar, in 2002 had approximately 1,454 hectares of abaca, whilst FIDA report that 3000 plus hectares. The occasional inconsistencies in these reports have to be taken into consideration and planners should validate, where possible and although it may not a fully accurate guide, it is a guide. Analysis of the information from both sources shows that: Northern Samar Main Crop Changes Hectares Coconut Abaca

2002

H. '+ / -'

% ‘+ / -'

146,124 168,524

+22,400

+13.29%

1991 611

1,454

+842

+57.94%

1,098

832

-266

-31.95%

38,650

43,685

+5,035

+11.53%

Root crops

3,686

3,928

+242

+6.16%

Corn

1,746

320

-1,426

-445.63%

0

230

+230

+100.00%

Banana Palay

Fruit vegetables

The table above shows the changes in the main crops in Northern Samar and shows the rapid decline of corn and a less rapid decline of banana. This also shows that Land Use & Tenure 34

2005 although there is an increase (+6.16%) in the amount of land put to root crops; the percentage of the total crop has reduced by -7.07%. The table below shows the individual crops as a percentage of the total. The increases and decreases are the same, as expected. 1991

2002

No. '+ / -'

% + / -'

76.14%

76.96%

+0.82%

+1.07%

Abaca

0.32%

0.66%

+0.35%

+52.02%

Banana

0.57%

0.38%

-0.19%

-50.55%

20.14%

19.95%

-0.19%

-0.95%

Root crops

1.92%

1.79%

-0.13%

-7.07%

Corn

0.91%

0.15%

-0.76%

-522.55%

Fruit vegetables

0.00%

0.11%

+0.11%

+100.00%

Coconut

Palay

The table above shows that there were 218,970 hectares of agricultural land used for main crops in 2002 and the map below shows that in 2005 there is 288,336 hectares available for use. Whether or not this is an indicator of land being available but not used may be put forward for conjecture, but physical evidence shows that more marginal land is unused, or that its use has decreased. It is unlikely that the 69,366 hectares difference is accounted for by the lesser crops, as this is 24% of the 2005 figure. The following map depicts the estimated land available for 2005.

Total

Land Use & Tenure 35

2005

Movement from Temporary to Permanent Crops Trends Permanent Temporary Fallowed 3.00%

2.03%

2.14%

1.79%

2.00% 1.00% 0.00% -0.30%

-1.00%

-0.31%

-0.53%

-0.05%

-2.00% -3.00% -4.00%

-3.00%

-3.47%

AP

EV

NS

Land and Crops: Commercial corn production in the province has almost ceased and most corn produced now, is small scale and only for ‘fresh’ street consumption. Hectares 2,500

Northern Samar's Corn Planting 1960 - 2002

2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

Commercial rice production will be further challenged by competition from permanent crops, as many soils are now unsuitable for rice production and land users Land Use & Tenure 36

2005 and owners fail to provide the inputs to reverse the poor soil quality and fertility. It is noted that market prices for table rice, continue to increase and are likely to increase further, as supplies shorten. The national government may maintain a policy to continue importing cheap rice, in order to keep market prices under control. If the provincial government is to support rice production, it would be better to concentrate on the farmers with access to reliable irrigation.

50,000 Northern Samar's Palay Plantings 1960 - 2002 (hectares) 45,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 1960 20,000 18,000

1971

1980

1991

2002

Northern Samar 2002 Palay (hectares)

17,316

16,000 14,000

11,842

12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000

1,031

2,000

275

52

Rent free

Other

0 Owned

Tenanted

Leased

.

Land Use & Tenure 37

2005

The map above shows the land available for planting palay in 2005 (figures courtesy of PAO) and shows a considerable decrease in the number of hectares available for palay. This may, if the figures are correct, support the statistics of a further move away from temporary crop production after 2002. The failure of the provincial or municipal agricultural offices or the local university to provide a ‘soil’ map is a disappointment, and would be an essential guide to planners and monitors, in an area that is mostly dependent on marginal soil. Delta rice requires a soil pH level of 6.0 to 6.5 and limited and random sampling has shown that an average of 5.4 was found. The graph below shows the rice price fluctuations from 1998 through 2004 and both show steady increases, although recent price rises have been steeper. Catarman Market - Rice prices trends - Peso 19 18 17 16 15 14

Rice ordinary Rice Ordinary

13

Rice NFA Rice NFA

12

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Coconut: Land Use & Tenure 38

2005 Coconut production continues to increase and shows every sign that it will continue to be the major source of income for many farming families. It is timely that PACAP have a development intervention programme with coconut production and processing. Although virgin coconut oil is, at this time, a fashionable product, it is probably sustainable and is a suitable small-scale industry for the province. However, coconut farmers do not follow the market patterns very well when seasonal price reductions occur and lose income when prices drop from August through December, when the copra market tends to be flooded to finance spending for fiestas and Christmas. Extra processing capacity would help to maintain the price structure. Millions 14 12 10 8 6

Northern Samar's Coconut plantings 1960- 2002

4 2 0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

400000

NS Coconut Production (Tonnes) 350000 300000 250000 200000 150000 100000 50000 0 Y1993 Y1994 Y1995 Y1996 Y1997 Y1998 Y1999 Y2000 Y2001 Y2002 Y2003 Y2004

Land Use & Tenure 39

2005

34% 32%

Northern Samar Percentage of East Visayas Coconut Plantings

30% 28% 26% 24% 22% 20% 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

The map below depicts the total coconut tree plantations (Courtesy of PCA) per municipality, as of 2001 although these include non-bearing, senile and bearing trees. The provincial plantation percentage of non-bearing (14.45%; averaged from the range 0.05% to 27.30%), senile (9.13%; averaged from the range 6.84% to 12.98%) and bearing (76.42%; averaged from the range 90.39% to 63.35%).

Provincial Copra Production 2001 (PCA Latest validated data)

Land Use & Tenure 40

2005

Copra, as the most important coconut by-product of the coconut tree, dominates the industry and there is a danger that the other by-products such a coco-charcoal will be overlooked. China is in the market for large amounts of quality coco-charcoal and many countries will compete to attract this trade. Virgin coconut oil is a very small part of the coconut industry and although ‘fashionable’ at this time, the market is sustainable for a quality product. Statistics show that ‘on average’ there are 60 trees per hectare, when there should be 100 trees. Statistics show that only 76.42% of coconut trees are productive, with 14.45% non-productive and 9.13% senile. Thus, only 46 of the 60 trees are producing any income and productivity is declining. Thus work opportunity for the low-income families that are dependent on copra production also declines. Abaca continues to be the provinces ‘Queen of crops’ with more farmers converting their land for production. The province produces some of the highest quality abaca, yet yields are at only 50% of potential and the province lacks sufficient stripping and drying equipment to keep pace with existing production. The potential levy on dried abaca fibre sales, could, if the province matches its potential could provide P4M – P5M per annum, some of which could be used to subsidise abaca stripping equipment. The graph below shows the provincial growth statistics for abaca also showing the general trend. NS Abaca Production (Tonnes) 7000 Abaca

6000

Expon. (Abaca)

5215

5000 4000

3026

3000 2000 1000 0 Y 1993

Y 1994

Y 1995

Y 1996

Y 1997

Y 1998

Y 1999

Y 2000

Y 2001

Y 2002

Y 2003

Y 2004

Land Use & Tenure 41

2005

The general movement of land from temporary crop production to permanent crop production does not bode well for basic food production, but, on the other hand, the Philippines produces two major crops that are in high demand internationally and the potential for these to create income to cover the cost of imported basic foods is high. However, some basic foods may become too expensive for low-income families. The most worrying factor is the lack of and the high cost of fresh vegetables and it is fairly certain that malnourishment will increase and will include more elderly people. The topic that may be of greater concern for the Northern Samar farming community is the poor rate of change from tenanted and leased land tenure to full ownership. Other than being accounted for in the high amount of amortised land, this is very different from some other areas, both national and regional. The Statistics show that, in fact, Northern Samar’s ‘fully owned’ land by farmers has increased by 3.92% although there is -0.13% less land being fully owned. The national statistics show that there has been an increase in farmers owning land of 4.28% and an extra 2.08% of land in full ownership, over the time period of 1991 to 2002. However, any statistics should be validated with DAR prior to use. Northern Samar's Land Tenure Changes by Percentage 1991- 2002

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% -10% -20%

Farmers

Ow ned

Land Area H

Partly ow ned

Tenanted

Leased

Other forms

Land Use & Tenure 42

2005 The graph above shows clearly the trend for land tenure changes in Northern Samar and the trend is towards leasehold (69.58% of farmers and 77.02% of land) and away from full ownership and ‘other’ forms. However, the changes in full ownership over the time period are negligible and should be of some concern. This goes against regional and national trends, where nationally 4.28% more farmers fully own land and 2.08% of land has gone into full ownership. Farmers Owned Partly owned Tenanted Leased Other forms

1991 20,328 14,941 4,944 182 1,262

2002 21,158 20,054 6,788 535 1,128

No. '+ / -' +830 +5,113 +1,844 +353 -134

% '+ / -' +3.92% +25.50% +27.17% +65.98% -11.88%

Totals

41,657

49,663

+8,006

+16.12%

76,685 58,853 15,546 288 1,073 152,445

76,586 77,789 22,245 1,253 1,060 178,933

-99 +18,936 +6,699 +965 -13 +26,488

-0.13% +24.34% +30.11% +77.02% -1.23% +14.80%

Land Area Farmed: Owned Partly owned Tenanted Leased Other forms

The following graphs give a direct comparison of Region 8’s and Northern Samar’s tenure changes and it can be seen that the variations are very wide. Changes in tenure by farmers 25% 20% 15%

Region 8's Land Tenure Changes by Percentage 1991 - 2002 Farmers

Land Area H

10% 5% 0% -5% -10% -15% Owned

Partly owned

Tenanted

Leased

Other forms

Land Use & Tenure 43

2005

70% 60%

EV Farmers

50%

NS Farmers

40% 30% 20% 10% 0% -10% -20% Owned

Partly owned

Tenanted

Leased

Other forms

Leased

Other forms

Changes in tenure by land:

90% 80% EV Land Area

70%

NS Land Area

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% -10% Owned

Partly owned

Tenanted

Land Use & Tenure 44

2005 Northern Samar - Farm Size Changes 1991 – 2002 No. Change

% + / -'

0 to 1 h

+5,402

+4.37%

1 to 2.99 h

-444

-0.34%

3 to 4.99 h

+2,069

+5.15%

5 to 9.99 h

+1,823

+6.97%

10 to 24.99 h

+547

+6.98%

25 h plus

-104

-13.56%

+9,293

+2.81%

Area (H)

+11

+0.55%

0 to 1 h

+523

+0.98%

1 to 2.99 h

-4,269

-2.08%

3 to 4.99 h

+6,073

+4.27%

5 to 9.99 h

+11,174

+6.65%

10 to 24.99 h

+7,734

+7.29%

25 h plus

+6,104

+12.60%

+27,339

+3.78%

The table above shows that there were 9,293 extra farmers over the time period and this is an increase of 2.81%. The table also shows that an extra 27,339 hectares came into use over the time period and this is an increase of 3.78% over the time period 1991 to 2002. Although there is a decrease in the number of farmers with more than 25 hectares, the land area of farms of more than 25 hectares increased; increases of farmers and land areas between 5 and 24.99 hectares increased by 6.975% for farmers and 6.97% for land area. It would seem from this information that there is a swing to larger farms, as between 0 and 4.99 hectares, farmers increased only by 3.06%, whilst the land area decreased by -0.18%. These statistics may require to be validated with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) prior to any use being made of them. The national statistics are shown below: 1991-2002 Census - Land Tenure Direct Comparison Owned 6% 4%

Partly owned

4.28%

Tenanted Farmers

2.08%

Leased

Other forms

Land Area

2% 0% -2% -4%

-0.16% -1.84%

-1.31% -1.85%

-0.21%-0.43%

-0.38%-0.17%

Land Use & Tenure 45

2005 Northern Samar 0 to 4.99 hectares land changes 1991 to 2002 0 to 1 h

Farmers

1 to 2.99 h

3 to 4.99 h

140,000 120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

Northern Samar 0 to 4.99 hectares Land Changes 1991 to 2002 0 to 1 h

Hectares

1 to 2.99 h

3 to 4.99 h

250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

The two graphs above plot the changes of farmers and land area of the group 0 to 4.99 hectares. The next two graphs plot the changes of farmers and land of the group 5 to 25 plus hectares.

Land Use & Tenure 46

2005 Northern Samar 5 to 25 plus hectares Land changes 1990 to 2002 Farmers

5 to 9.99 h

10 to 24.99 h

25 h plus

30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

The graph above depicts the fluctuations in land change by farmers in the range 5 hectares and above. The graph below depicts the changes on land for the same range. Northern Samar's Changes in group 5 to 25 plus hectares 1991 to 2002 5 to 9.99 h

Hectares

10 to 24.99 h

25 h plus

180,000 160,000 140,000 120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

These graphs show that there has been very little movement in farm size land changes and that most of the movement has come from the increased land (27,339 hectares), made available during the time period. It is interesting to note that the range of farm size 5 to 9.99 hectares has grown in Northern Samar and that the pattern of fluctuation from 1960 through 2002 is very similar in both farmers and land area. Land Use & Tenure 47

2005 Northern Samar - Farm size changes 1991 to 2002: Farmers

1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

0 to 1 h

15,732

27,190

57,640

118,342

123,744

1 to 2.99 h

110,278

96,795

129,852

132,482

132,038

3 to 4.99 h

39,602

47,248

48,644

38,136

40,205

5 to 9.99 h

24,387

18,998

26,040

24,335

26,158

10 to 24.99 h

10,361

8,816

8,038

7,291

7,838

25 h plus

1,012

1,100

1,069

871

767

201,372

200,147

271,283

321,457

330,750

Area (H)

1,960

1,971

1,980

1,991

2,002

0 to 1 h

8,333

14,162

28,082

52,765

53,288

1 to 2.99 h

178,994

163,038

208,011

209,057

204,788

3 to 4.99 h

139,687

173,464

172,735

136,277

142,350

5 to 9.99 h

154,975

123,488

166,371

156,868

168,042

10 to 24.99 h

131,393

125,200

111,536

98,402

106,136

25 h plus

56,973

74,783

57,407

42,341

48,445

670,355

674,135

744,142

695,710

723,049

Farm equipment: The census shows that in 2002, ‘ownership’ of farm equipment was as follows: Number of Farmers

49,661

2002

Owns Plough

5,485

11.04%

Owns Hand tractor

2,177

4.38%

Other statistics for ownership of farm equipment are available, but as this is not always evenly reported, it has not been considered for this document. The following table shows the farm equipment ‘in use’ as opposed to ‘owned’ in the previous table. In use covers hired, borrowed, loaned, etc: 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

9,193

9,946

7,053

8,029

7,274

13,000

21,230

11,457

11,842

12,566

Sprayer

83

267

445

3,822

3,198

Hand Tractor

34

143

22

183

5,515

Plough Harrow

The very strong increase in hand tractors in the province between 1991 and 2002 seems to go against the trend of reduction of temporary crop production. The following table shows the increases or decreases in farm equipment ‘in use’ from 1991 to 2002 and plots the increased use of hand tractors, but decreases in the use of ploughs and sprayers.

Land Use & Tenure 48

2005 N0. '+ / -'

% + / -'

Plough

-755

-10.38%

Harrow

+724

+5.76%

Sprayer

-624

-19.51%

+5,332

+96.68%

Hand Tractor 25%

22.79%

20%

21.20%

Fully Owned Tenure by Plot Size by Farmers

17.87%

15% 10%

12.70%

5.82%

6.51%

6.40%

6.15%

5% 0.57%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

CLT or CLOA Certificated Tenure by Land Size by Farmers

35%

29.64%

30%

29.09%

25% 20%

15.51%

12.74%

15% 7.48%

10% 5%

0.55%

2.22%

1.66%

1.11%

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

30%

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

26.63%

Owner like Possession Tenure by Land Size by Farmers

25% 20%

15.63%

17.29%

13.09%

15% 10%

5.0 to 7.0

8.95%

8.74%

4.88%

4.49%

5%

0.31%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

Land Use & Tenure 49

2005 30%

25.50%

Tenanted Tenure by Land Size by Famers

25% 19.67%

20%

21.36%

12.85%

15% 10% 5%

7.34% 4.57%

4.12%

4.45% 0.15%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

30%

1.0 to 1.99

3.0 to 4.99

26.36%

25% 20%

2.0 2.99

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

Leased / Rented Tenure by Land Size by Farmers

22.43%

15.51%

5.0 to 7.0

15.14%

15% 10%

8.41%

6.73%

3.74%

5%

1.68%

0% Under 0.5

60%

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

52.07%

7.1 to 9.99 10.0 to 24.99

0.00% 25.0 +

Rent Free Tenure by Land Size by Farmers

50% 40% 30% 18.31%

20%

17.02% 6.16%

10%

3.13%

1.75%

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

1.29%

0.28%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

7.1 to 9.99 10.0 to 24.99

0.00% 25.0 +

Land Use & Tenure 50

2005

Land Tenure to Farm Size: Hectares:

Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

989

1,105

3,871

3,035

3,600

2,157

1,045

1,087

96

2

27

107

56

105

46

8

6

4

Owner like Possession

333

499

1,015

596

659

341

171

186

12

Tenanted

280

498

1,731

1,335

1,450

872

310

302

10

83

36

141

120

81

45

20

9

0

566

199

185

67

34

19

14

3

0

Fully Owned CLT or CLOA certificate

Leased / Rented Rent Free Other

16

0

3

3

7

3

4

3

0

Not Reported

16

17

46

72

44

19

6

5

0

2,285

2,381

7,099

5,284

5,980

3,502

1,578

1,601

122

Totals:

This table shows the land [or plot] size under ‘One Form of Tenure’ by the NUMBER OF FARMERS: Hectares:

Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

Fully Owned

5.82%

6.51%

22.79%

17.87%

21.20%

12.70%

6.15%

6.40%

0.57%

CLT or CLOA certificate

0.55%

7.48%

29.64%

15.51%

29.09%

12.74%

2.22%

1.66%

1.11%

Owner like Possession

8.74%

13.09%

26.63%

15.63%

17.29%

8.95%

4.49%

4.88%

0.31%

Tenanted

4.12%

7.34%

25.50%

19.67%

21.36%

12.85%

4.57%

4.45%

0.15%

15.51%

6.73%

26.36%

22.43%

15.14%

8.41%

3.74%

1.68%

0.00%

Rent Free

52.07%

18.31%

17.02%

6.16%

3.13%

1.75%

1.29%

0.28%

0.00%

Other

41.03%

0.00%

7.69%

7.69%

17.95%

7.69%

10.26%

7.69%

0.00%

7.11%

7.56%

20.44%

32.00%

19.56%

8.44%

2.67%

2.22%

0.00%

7.66%

7.98%

23.80%

17.71%

20.05%

11.74%

5.29%

5.37%

0.41%

Leased / Rented

Not Reported

Overall Averages:

Land Use & Tenure 51

2005 23.80%

25%

Average / Overall Land Tenure by Land Size by Farmers 20.05%

20%

17.71%

15%

10%

11.74% 7.66%

7.98% 5.29%

5.37%

5% 0.41%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

Tenure by Land Size: 25%

22.82%

Fully Owned Tenure by Land Size by Land Area [H]

20%

19.73%

19.32%

13.27%

15% 10.27%

10%

7.31%

5% 0.40%

5.77%

1.11%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

35%

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

31.76%

30% CLT or CLOA Certificated Tenure by Land Size by Land Area [H] 22.48%

25% 20% 15%

12.16%

10.50%

10.32%

10% 5% 0%

0.00% Under 0.5

6.04%

5.25%

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

1.49%

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

25.0 +

Land Use & Tenure 52

2005 25% Owner like Possession Tenure by Land Size by Land Area 20%

21.98% 20.03% 17.09%

15% 10.86%

12.12%

11.51%

10%

5%

2.86%

2.72% 0.84%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

25% 20%

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

22.63%

22.18%

7.1 to 9.99

Tenanted Tenure by Land Size by Land Area

15%

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

17.93%

12.75%

11.75%

9.12%

10% 5% 0.38%

1.92%

1.33%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

25% 20%

Leased / Rented Tenure by Land Size by Land Area

15%

20.69%

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

25.0 +

22.20% 20.29%

12.70%

12.30% 8.47%

10% 5%

10.0 to 24.99

1.68%

1.68%

Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

0.00%

0% 1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

Land Use & Tenure 53

2005

25% 20.83%

Rent Free Tenure by Land Size by Land Area

20% 15%

13.03%

14.96% 12.71%

12.29%

11.11%

11.43%

10% 3.63%

5%

0.00%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

25% Average Overall Tenure by land Size by Land Area

20.54%

20% 15%

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

21.04%

19.66%

12.68%

11.20% 8.35%

10%

4.49%

5% 0.57%

1.46%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99 10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

Land Use & Tenure 54

2005

Fully Owned

Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

253

709

4,673

6,568

12,621

12,359

8,491

14,600

3,692

0

17

139

118

363

257

69

60

120

Owner like Possession

96

312

1,246

1,321

2,299

1,961

1,391

2,523

328

Tenanted

84

296

2,029

2,836

5,035

4,935

2,613

3,989

428

Leased / Rented

21

21

159

259

278

254

154

106

0

122

115

195

140

119

104

107

34

0

Other

2

0

5

6

32

21

30

30

0

Not Reported

3

11

50

148

149

110

45

55

0

581

1,481

8,496

11,396

20,896

20,001

12,900

21,397

4,568

CLT or CLOA certificate

Rent Free

Totals:

This table shows the land [or plot] size under ‘One Form of Tenure’ by the LAND AREA [HECTARES] Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

Fully Owned

0.40%

1.11%

7.31%

10.27%

19.73%

19.32%

13.27%

22.82%

5.77%

CLT or CLOA certificate

0.00%

1.49%

12.16%

10.32%

31.76%

22.48%

6.04%

5.25%

10.50%

Owner like Possession

0.84%

2.72%

10.86%

11.51%

20.03%

17.09%

12.12%

21.98%

2.86%

Tenanted

0.38%

1.33%

9.12%

12.75%

22.63%

22.18%

11.75%

17.93%

1.92%

1.68%

1.68%

12.70%

20.69%

22.20%

20.29%

12.30%

8.47%

0.00%

13.03%

12.29%

20.83%

14.96%

12.71%

11.11%

11.43%

3.63%

0.00%

Other

1.59%

0.00%

3.97%

4.76%

25.40%

16.67%

23.81%

23.81%

0.00%

Not Reported

0.53%

1.93%

8.76%

25.92%

26.09%

19.26%

7.88%

9.63%

0.00%

0.57%

1.46%

8.35%

11.20%

20.54%

19.66%

12.68%

21.04%

4.49%

Leased / Rented Rent Free

Overall Averages:

Land Use & Tenure 55

2005

Single form of Tenure: The following table gives a direct comparison between the numbers of farmers with full ownership. The table shows the [average] land holding by size per farmer. Numbers Farmers Land Area[H] Average holding size [H]

Under 0.5 989 253

0.0 to 0.99 1,105 709

1.0 to 1.99 3,871 4,673

2.0 2.99 3,035 6,568

3.0 to 4.99 3,600 12,621

5.0 to 7.0 2,157 12,359

7.1 to 9.99 1,045 8,491

10.0 to 24.99 1,087 14,600

25.0 + 96 3,692

0.2558

0.6416

1.2072

2.1641

3.5058

5.7297

8.1254

13.4315

38.4583

45.0000

38.4583

Full Ow nership Average Holding size [H]

40.0000 35.0000 30.0000 25.0000 20.0000

13.4315

15.0000 10.0000 5.0000 0.0000

0.2558

0.6416

1.2072

2.1641

3.5058

Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.7297

5.0 to 7.0

8.1254

7.1 to 9.99

25% 20%

25.0 +

22.82% Full Ownership Percentage of Land Resources per Category

19.73%

19.32% 13.27%

15%

10.27%

10% 5%

10.0 to 24.99

7.31% 0.40%

1.11%

Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

5.77%

0% 1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

This shows that the owner farmers with 3.0 to 24.99 hectares have access to the majority of the land. Land Use & Tenure 56

2005

Single form of Tenure: The following table gives a direct comparison between the number of farmers with tenanted, leasehold or rental agreements, having access to land. The table shows the [average] land holding by size per farmer. As an example, this table shows [under this form of single tenure] that the average land area used by farmers in the ‘Under 0.5’ range, have use of 2893 square metres [or one third (+) hectare] of land. Other than small-scale activities, this is insufficient land area to make a living and should be categorised as ‘subsistence’. Conversely, the farmers in the 25.0 hectare range have access to 42.8 hectares [42,8000 square metres]. Numbers

Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

Farmers

363

534

1,872

1,455

1,531

917

330

311

10

Land Area[H]

105

317

2,188

3,095

5,313

5,189

2,767

4,095

428

0.2893

0.5936

1.1688

2.1271

3.4703

5.6587

8.3848

13.1672

42.8000

Average holding size [H]

45.0000 40.0000

42.8000

Tenanted, Leased or Rented [Single form of Tenure] - Average Holding size [H]

35.0000 30.0000 25.0000 20.0000

13.1672

15.0000 10.0000 5.0000

0.2893

0.5936

1.1688

2.1271

3.4703

Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.6587

8.3848

0.0000 5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99 10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

Land Use & Tenure 57

2005

In the ‘homelot’ sector; analysis shows that the average land holding is 474 square metres or one twentieth (+) of one hectare. Ranging from 906 SM [under 0.5 H] to 744 SM [25.0+ H] HOMELOT

Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

2,361

1,907

6,366

4,550

5,565

2,947

1,878

1,452

121

214

74

210

150

192

106

75

68

9

0.0906

0.0388

0.0330

0.0330

0.0345

0.0360

0.0399

0.0468

0.0744

Farmers Land Area [H] Average Land Holding [H]

0.1000

12.0000

0.0906

Average Homelot Land Size [H]

0.0900

10.0000

0.0744

0.0800

11.3333

Rent Free Average Holding Size [H] by Plot Size [H]

0.0700

7.6429

8.0000

0.0600 0.0500

0.0388

0.0400

0.0330

0.0345

0.0330

0.0360

0.0399

0.0474

0.0468

5.4737

6.0000 3.5000

4.0000

0.0300

2.0896

0.0200

2.0000

0.0100

0.2155

0.0000 Under 0.5 0.0 to 0.99 1.0 to 1.99 Numbers Farmers Land Area[H] Average holding size [H]

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99 5.0 to 7.0 7.1 to 9.99 10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

Average

0.5779

1.0541 0.0000

0.0000 Under 0.5 0.0 to 0.99 1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99 10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

Under 0.5 566

0.0 to 0.99 199

1.0 to 1.99 185

2.0 2.99 67

3.0 to 4.99 34

5.0 to 7.0 19

7.1 to 9.99 14

10.0 to 24.99 3

25.0 + 0

122

115

195

140

119

104

107

34

0

0.2155

0.5779

1.0541

2.0896

3.5000

5.4737

7.6429

11.3333

Land Use & Tenure 58

2005

This table gives a comparison of the percentages of available land under tenure by farmers, land cropping usage by size of plot. Land Holding Size Homelot

BY LAND AREA (H) Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

19.49%

6.74%

19.13%

13.66%

17.49%

9.65%

6.83%

6.19%

0.82%

Temporary Crops

0.90%

2.01%

8.62%

10.32%

20.88%

20.39%

14.77%

19.13%

3.00%

Permanent Crops

0.21%

1.07%

7.60%

10.61%

20.64%

18.77%

14.06%

22.18%

4.86%

Temporary Fallow

0.00%

2.65%

9.27%

8.61%

21.85%

7.95%

25.17%

17.22%

7.28%

Temporary Pasture

0.76%

1.53%

3.05%

0.76%

25.95%

6.11%

0.00%

54.20%

7.63%

Permanent Pasture

0.39%

1.41%

12.58%

7.96%

12.97%

23.49%

11.42%

20.80%

8.99%

Woodland & Forest

0.00%

0.45%

1.13%

3.27%

13.30%

18.15%

11.27%

37.54%

14.88%

Other

1.57%

1.57%

9.45%

3.15%

16.54%

36.22%

0.00%

31.50%

0.00%

Not Reported

0.44%

1.07%

6.95%

7.64%

12.13%

12.44%

8.53%

38.85%

11.94%

0.50%

1.33%

7.90%

10.47%

20.54%

19.06%

14.10%

21.59%

4.51%

Totals: Single Form of Tenure

FARMERS Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

Fully Owned

5.82%

6.51%

22.79%

17.87%

21.20%

12.70%

6.15%

6.40%

0.57%

CLT or CLOA certificate

0.55%

7.48%

29.64%

15.51%

29.09%

12.74%

2.22%

1.66%

1.11%

Owner like Possession

8.74%

13.09%

26.63%

15.63%

17.29%

8.95%

4.49%

4.88%

0.31%

Tenanted

4.12%

7.34%

25.50%

19.67%

21.36%

12.85%

4.57%

4.45%

0.15%

Leased / Rented

15.51%

6.73%

26.36%

22.43%

15.14%

8.41%

3.74%

1.68%

0.00%

Rent Free

52.07%

18.31%

17.02%

6.16%

3.13%

1.75%

1.29%

0.28%

0.00%

Other

41.03%

0.00%

7.69%

7.69%

17.95%

7.69%

10.26%

7.69%

0.00%

7.11%

7.56%

20.44%

32.00%

19.56%

8.44%

2.67%

2.22%

0.00%

16.87%

8.38%

22.01%

17.12%

18.09%

9.19%

4.42%

3.66%

0.27%

Not Reported Totals:

Land Use & Tenure 59

2005 The following graphs show direct comparisons between the number of farmers and the land are [H]: Farmers

Land Area[H]

25%

Overall Average Tenure Comparison by Farmers & Land Area [H] by Ownership

22.79%

21.20%

20%

17.87%

22.82%

19.73%

15%

19.32%

13.27%

12.70% 10.27%

10% 5%

7.31%

6.51%

5.82%

6.40%

6.15%

5.77%

1.11%

0.40%

0.57%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

The graph above clearly shows the relationship between the size of farmed plot and the percentages of farmers to available land area [H]. It can be seen that the minority of farmers own the majority of the land in plots over the size of 5.0 hectares and over and that the majority of farmers own the smallest amount of land between 0.0 and 2.99 hectares. The data shows that 18,300 hectares in the 10 to 25 plus hectare sector, is shared between 1,183 farmers; averaging 15.4 hectares each.

Farmers

Land Area[H]

35%

Comparison of CLT & CLOA Tenure by Plot Size by Farmers and Land Area [H] 31.76% 29.09%

29.64%

30%

22.48%

25% 20%

15.51% 12.16%

15% 7.48%

10% 5% 0%

0.55% 0.00%

Under 0.5

12.74%

10.32%

10.50% 6.04% 2.22%

1.49%

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

5.25% 1.66%

7.1 to 9.99 10.0 to 24.99

1.11%

25.0 +

Land Use & Tenure 60

2005 Farmers

Land Area[H]

30%

Comparison of Owner Like Possession by Plot Size by Farmers and Land Area [H]

26.63%

25% 20% 15% 10%

13.09%

17.09% 12.12%

11.51%

10.86%

8.74%

5%

17.29%

15.63%

21.98%

20.03%

8.95%

0.84%

4.88%

4.49%

2.72%

0.31%

2.86%

0% Under 0.5 Farmers

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

Land Area[H]

30%

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

Comparison of Tenanted Tenure by Plot Size by Farmers and land Area [H] 25.50%

25%

21.36%

19.67%

20%

22.63%

10%

22.18% 17.93%

12.85%

12.75%

15%

5%

2.0 2.99

11.75%

9.12%

7.34%

4.57%

4.12%

1.33%

0.38%

4.45% 0.15%

1.92%

0% Under 0.5

Farmers

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

Land Area[H]

30%

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

26.36% 22.43% 20.69% 15.51%

10%

22.20%

12.30% 8.41%

6.73% 1.68%

1.68%

Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

20.29%

15.14%

12.70%

15%

5%

3.0 to 4.99

Comparison of Leased & Rented Tenure by Plot Size by Farmers & Land Area [H]

25% 20%

2.0 2.99

8.47% 3.74%

1.68%

0% 1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

0.00% 0.00% 25.0 +

Land Use & Tenure 61

2005

Farmers

Land Area[H]

Comparison of Rent Free Tenure by Plot Size by Farmers & Land Area [H]

60% 52.07% 50% 40% 30% 20%

13.03%

18.31% 12.29%

20.83% 17.02%

14.96% 6.16%

10%

12.71%

11.11%

11.43% 3.63% 0.28%

3.13%

1.75%

1.29%

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99 10.0 to 24.99

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

0.00%0.00% 25.0 +

The above graph shows that more than 87% of farmers live rent-free on 46% of the available land between 0 and 2 hectares. With 52% of the farmers sharing 13% of the land available in the rent-free sector, this may account for increase in ‘homelot’ or backyard farming. 566 farmers share 122 hectares; sharing 2100 square metres each. Farmers

Land Area[H]

25% 20%

Comparison of Overall Average by Plot Size by Farmers & Land Area [H] 22.57%

22.01%

17.12%

16.87%

14.19%

13.90%

15%

12.32%

10.71%

9.19%

8.38%

10% 5%

18.55%

18.09%

2.30%

4.42%

2.82%

3.66%

2.63% 0.27%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to 24.99

25.0 +

Land Use & Tenure 62

2005

Summary: Overall, the NSO agricultural census of 2002 highlights many of the problems associated with feeding a nation, although this was probably not the NSO’s intention, as it is only an analysis and comparison of the raw statistics that highlights the problems. The report emphasises the increase in numbers of crops or livestock produced, yet, given the annual population expansion rate over the 19912002 census period, the proportions of the of the various production sectors have mostly declined and the movement away from non-food crops should be of major concern. Many countries do not have the physical resources to provide the nation with all of the food requirements, all of the time and yet, these nations eat well. These countries have realised their limitations to produce food and have fashioned an economy that through industry or processing, supports the importation of the food requirements, leaving a balance of payments to support future development. The lack of investment in infrastructure, sustainable power provision, irrigation and processing facilities, may restrict the ability of the province to fully develop its potential, yet the potential is there. Abaca, Coconut, Pili, commercial timber, livestock etc, all would show long term gains, although for some, there may be a need to improve port handling facilities to take foreign boats for exporting processed raw materials.

Above all, it may take a period of time in Northern Samar, during which basic foods become in shorter supply, before any real action is taken. Municipal autonomy in the Department of Agriculture may, in theory be desirable, yet the lack of central control and budgets will impede agricultural development for many years. Although agricultural officers often have paper qualifications, the appointments often seem to be cultural rather than professional, with budgets largely dependent upon the whim of municipal executives. Although industrialised agriculture would increase yields, industrialising agriculture would create an employment crisis within the agricultural community, for those dependent on the income from full time and casual employment. Besides this, the high cost of converting to industrial agriculture is very restrictive. Perhaps, some of the international finance and development ‘experts’ do have a point of argument, when they promote the idea of leaving the Philippines to wallow for a while in its own problems and create the crisis that may force real change. Few could support the humanitarian crisis that this would cause; yet, a solution may have to be forced on a nation that has become conditioned to a lifestyle that is selfdestructive. Whether or not the educational system in the province has some responsibility for the poor agricultural production can be debated. The poor facilities of the local Land Use & Tenure 63

2005 university in agricultural and livestock technology and development and also the limited curriculum of the highschools provides an area dependent on natural resources with poor support.

Keeping the farmers ignorant may suit the landowners, but does nothing to promote advancement in agricultural management and technology.

Land Use & Tenure 64

The Barangays The barangay [village] is the basic unit of Philippines society, although large barangays can be split into Sitios [boroughs]. All over the world, the village structure, be it European, African Indian or other, is at the heart of communities in both urban and rural areas. However, no other village exists as it does in the Philippines, with the strange but loose ‘group mentality’ that is seemingly strict, but is in fact very relaxed, as everyone knows the boundaries, and within these boundaries, life is enjoyable. The Filipino village is a community that bonds very strongly during social activities, sometimes making it difficult for non-group member to break in and integrate. As in all types of small communities, a certain amount of gossip pervades the day-to-day life of the village, and it is doubted that there are many secrets that exist in the barangay. The barangay is overseen by the elected officials of the barangay council. Because poor community members are often dependent on patronage, the barangay captain is powerful in more ways than many community members realise. Hardly anything happens in a barangay that the captain is unaware of. And should the national government and its decision-making houses be dissolved, power will be passed into the hands of the barangay captains, as has happened in the past. This documentation essentially looks at three types of barangay, mostly concentrating on the rural based communities, where the majority of livelihood workers reside. Many urban communities included in the survey are dormitories for town and city activities, and focus has been given to those barangays where lowincome families are the majority. The barangays vary from the coastal to those in the interior. Notably different lifestyles were found, with the upland barangays most disadvantaged yet predominantly dependent on their own resources and a forced simple lifestyle, due mostly to their isolation. The coastal barangays are equally impoverished, yet less dependent on any one source of income. Although fishing is the main economic activity in coastal barangays, families engage in copra production and other activities in order to get by during the typhoon season, when fishing becomes impossible. Of all the barangays, one would think that the delta barangays would be the most advanced. However, these are often populated by tenant farmers living in poor conditions, and are lacking in finances and technology to develop the land. Surprisingly, few have irrigation facilities [one in 307 households], and are reliant on rain fed rice production. There are areas that have irrigation schemes, but these are few and many of the existing systems are in dire need of maintenance or repair. The hierarchy based political system makes the barangays dependent on the municipal leaders and vice versa. Municipal projects are often undertaken in barangays with high voting populations, as municipal leaders often court the favour of the barangay captains for election support. The Barangays 1

Coastal Barangays Many of the coastal barangays started as points of departure for the timber cut by loggers during the 1950’s. The loggers had established a coastal road, parts of which still exist, to the shores. Ships would drop anchor beyond the reefs and the timber would be floated out and hauled aboard. Although the loggers left when they had met their objectives, many of the labourers in the temporary settlements remained. A good paved highway now allows travellers and traders easy access to many areas along the coast. Along the entire coast of the province, there are few deep-water access points; and being heavily reefed and shallow, the coast is considered a tsunami-prone area from Catarman through to Lapinig. The seasons bring both mirror calm seas as well as roiling two- and three-metre waves to the reef strewn shoreline.

[Typical coastal approach along the coast] In a few of the coastal municipalities, beach resorts have been established that aim to cater to holidaymakers, but few actually come and the barangay folk hardly benefit from these. The few ‘dive sites’ are poorly attended, and the marine environmental sanctuaries are not able to address the dire need to allow fish species and numbers to recover from the illegal and over fishing. The survival of the fishing industry in Northern Samar is dependent on marine conservation in three prime areas. These are the Biri, Lavezares and Rosario area to the west, Pambujan, Laoang and Palapag area to the east and the small island area of Hirapsan in the middle. Hirapsan is important as a place of migration for fish; it has stocks of many species. In the Biri area, there is a consortium of agencies, aided by government protection supervisors, that enforces fishing laws and restricts the spread of fish farming into the mangroves.

Coastal Barangays 1

Little is done to afford these areas the protection that is needed, although some of these areas are already protected by municipal ordinances. A few small working sanctuaries show what can be achieved with the participation of the local fishermen. The small area outlined in a dashed line [Caohagan Island in the municipality of Pambujan], is also an important site, as it contains many fish species, but the island itself has two endangered species of bird; the Tabon-Tabon and the Golden Crested Fox Bat, which is being shot for sport. In the east, the municipality of Palapag is on the migratory route of the Yellow Fin Tuna towards the coast of Eastern Samar and onwards to the main tuna fishing grounds off the coast of General Santos. As in many places, illegal fishing is a major problem, with few offenders being apprehended. One of the main factors contributing to the continuance of this activity is the lack of provincial ordinances that would open the seas and enable the legal ‘hot pursuit’ of offenders. Continual squabbles between the municipalities, over maritime boundaries and jurisdiction over ‘their’ waters, have posed additional obstacles. While provincial government has attempted to resolve some of the problems, illegal fishing continues. At present, there is an effort by the municipalities of Pambujan and San Roque to delineate their coastal waters, a much needed and important step forward. Given that few coastal householders own land, agricultural activities are only undertaken during the fishing off-season, as a means to augment income. Casual coconut production is the main activity, although a few householders till rice lands further inland, or parcels of family land in the upland areas. From the graph below it can be seen that on average, the householders of the coastal barangays own or lease very little land. Only 29.91% own uarable agricultural land. The graph also shows a comparison between land tenure in coastal barangays Coastal Barangays 2

and the average. Most of the agricultural land is planted to coconut and, on average, the coastal ‘farmers’ rely on coconut for only 36.61% of their income, in comparison to the average 63.27% 1

63.39%

Coastal Barangays - Land Tenure 2003

1

Coastal

1

39.81%

0

Average

37.62% 29.91%

0

22.57%

0 6.70%

0 0 Landless

Ow n land

Lease land

Of all the household types, the coastal barangay households enjoy a variety of income generation opportunities that compensate for the loss of income when the weather is bad and seas are high. Backyard activities and copra are amongst the extra income generation pursuits, although many of the fishermen are too proud to undertake such land-based activities. 70%

66.50%

60%

Coastal Barangays - Income Sources 2003

50% 40%

31.00%

30% 20%

13.50%

10%

1.00%

0% Agriculture

Fishing

Business

Other

The graph above shows that, on average, 66.50% of coastal households rely on fishing as their main source of income, with 13.50% reliant on small business; this is not unusual. The small businesses range from fish vending to the ubiquitous sari-sari store or Tuba selling. The category ‘other’ refers to those who have salaried or regular wage earning permanent employment.

Coastal Barangays 3

Percentage of Coastal Barangay Households Dependent on Fishing 100%

91.30%

90% 76.19%

80%

69.64%

70% 60%

60.00%

60.00%

61.11%

Bara C

Bara D

Bara E

50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Bara A

35%

30.36%

30%

Bara B

33.04%

Average

Coastal Barangay Average Monthly Household Income by % 2003

25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

11.61% 5.36%

7.14%

6.25% 2.68%

0.89% 0.00%

1.79%

0.00% 0.89%

P 1000 P 2000 P 3000 P 4000 P 5000 P 6000 P 7000 P 8000 P 9000 P 10000 P 11000 P 12000

As can be seen, the monthly household income for a coastal household ranges between P1,000 and P4,000, with an average monthly income of P3,205. Of this, a working wife provides 18.90% or P606 per month. It is often assumed that household relatives who work outside of the province [either Manila or abroad] send large amounts of money back to the households. However, this survey shows that this is not so. Typically, an absentee coastal household member sends P89 per month, or 2.77% of the total monthly income; the overall average for absentee workers is P200 per month, not the thousands that many assume. Therefore, a working wife and an absentee worker provide P695 [21.68%] [overall average P2,209], per month and the husband P2,510 [78.32%]. Coastal Barangays 4

The survey of household structures [walls and roofs] shows that more coastal households have block walls, although nipa roof shingles are preferred. Block walls are more protective against the storms that sweep in from the sea and will withstand the strong typhoons better. Nipa roof panels are easier and cheaper to replace than iron sheets. 100% 90%

Coastal Barangay - Household Structure 2003

87.50%

80% 70%

62.50%

60% 50%

37.50%

40% 30% 20%

12.50%

10% 0% Nipa Walls

Coastal

Block Walls

Average

87.50%

90%

73.79%

80%

Iron Roof

Coastal Barangay - Household Structure 2003

100%

70%

Nipa Roof

80.34%

62.50%

60% 50%

37.50%

40%

26.21%

30% 20%

12.50%

19.66%

10% 0% Nipa Walls

Block Walls

Nipa Roof

Iron Roof

Coastal Barangay - Potable water Sources - 2003 45%

38.18%

40% 35% 30% 25%

22.73%

20.00%

19.09%

20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

Communal Faucet

Communal pump

Private pump

Spring

Coastal Barangays 5

In general, the coastal barangays are well supplied with potable water all year round and have the highest prevalence of private pumps [38.18%], compared with the average barangay with 28.64%. With the coastal barangays’ dependence on fishing, the VSO 2003 survey looked at the types of fishing practices and gear used and the following graphs show the results. 90%

83.3%

80%

Type of Fishing Gear by % 2003

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20%

14.1%

10%

2.6%

0% Net & Hook

Spear

Cages

By far the highest occurrence is the spear fishing technique, used mainly in the reef areas, where fishermen use powerful lights to attract the fish. The picture shows the typical form of fishing used by the older fishermen, but more and more younger men now use this technique as well. This may be a sign of need to augment income.

The typical small engineless fishing boat in the picture plies the inshore waters and the areas around the reefs, although some go further out to sea when the weather permits. These are often used twice in one day, by the fishermen at night and the grandfathers and sons in the afternoons. It is during the afternoons that illegal dynamite fishing takes place.

Coastal Barangays 6

100%

93.55%

Tenure of Boats by % 2003

80% 60% 40% 17.95%

20%

4.84%

1.61%

Shares

Hires

0% Owns

60%

Good, 51.61%

Labourer only

Condition of Boats by % 2003

50% 40%

Reasonable, 30.65%

30% Needs repair,

20% 10%

11.29% Poor, 6.45%

0% Fishermen are proud of their profession and usually take great care of their boats as the above graph shows. More than 81% of their boats are in good or reasonable condition. The others are used mostly for inshore work, such as seine net fishing for the schools of fish that inhabit the near shoreline. Simple compressors are used for spear fishing amongst the reefs. It is the usual rule that below thirty metres, divers require ‘wet’ suits to protect them from the cold and that none should stay below thirty metres for more than thirty minutes. Yet these fishermen go down to sixty metres or more, wearing only normal clothing, and stay below often for three or four hours at a time. They use a small light and a spear, and breathe foul compressed air pumped through a small plastic tube held in the mouth. Few get the bends, but many suffer from TB caused by the dirty air that they breathe in and the very low underwater temperatures.

Coastal Barangays 7

Typical on-board compressor equipment used by the divers.

Coastal

Average

35%

Coastal Barangay - Livestock Assets - 2003 28.57%

30%

30.80%

25% 20% 15% 10%

11.61% 5.86%

5%

3.57%

2.05%

0% Carabao

Cattle

Swine

The householders of the coastal barangays, probably as part of their seasonal integrated fishing/farming activities, keep a higher percentage of carabao and cattle, in comparison to the average barangay. Yet, surprisingly, they keep fewer swine, perhaps because of the lack of forage necessary for scavenging pigs. The grazing along the shoreline and coconut groves is ideal for cattle and should be encouraged, as the quality of the province’s cattle is very high. Should the Nortehanons acquire a taste for goat meat, these would also do well from the mixed grazing and forage available. Coastal barangays are not always suitable for backyard vegetable production and the low vegetable diet is often the reason for poor nutrition. Coastal Barangays 8

Under 18's in Elementary or Highschool Education 2003 70% 60%

63.66% 56.79%

56.36% 48.64%

50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

Average

Most coastal barangays have elementary schools or reasonable access to elementary schools. Although high school facilities are based mostly in the poblacion areas, the coastal highway has many jeepneys that can take students to school. However, higher fuel costs have meant higher jeepney fares, which may prove to be too much of a burden for some.

Barangay health: Out of the five coastal barangays covered by the survey, only two have health clinics, with Barangay Health Workers [BHWs] averaging 43 households to attend to, or 236 heads per BHW. During the typhoon season, it is the coastal barangays that are most at risk. During severe storms, fishermen cannot go to sea and diets are consequently poor; they often have to seek emergency shelter and aid, often from the sisters of the ‘Sacred Heart’ organisation. During these times, malnourishment is very high among all family members; and some live on rice and wild vegetables for many days. Many become dehydrated and numerous children acquire internal and external parasites. Boats tied up on the shore can be damaged by the storms, often tossed through the air with the roofs of houses. The ‘Sacred Heart’ ladies say that it has become increasingly difficult for them to give aid to all those that need emergency support. In addition, they have noted that more and more very poor people call for aid even during normal times.

Coastal Barangays 9

Delta Barangays The term ‘delta’ is used to define the main flat land areas, where the majority of rice is grown. These areas flood during the rainy seasons and these floods are relied upon to maintain soil fertility since rich deposits are washed down from the upland areas. Of all the areas, it would naturally be assumed that the delta areas are richest in resources and generate sufficient produce all year round to benefit the province. However, the actual situation is one of declining yields and poor soil quality. It is because landowners and tenants neglect soil and land management. As can be seen from the graph below, only 46.81% of the householders own their land, with 36.17% tenanting or leasing and 17.02% landless. 50% 45%

Delta Barangay - Land Tenure 2003

46.81%

40%

36.17%

35% 30% 25% 20%

17.02%

15% 10% 5% 0% Landless

Owned

Leased

Absentee owners often fail to plough back any of the profits gained, with the result that yields decline and soil becomes more acid. Further exacerbating the situation is the pollution caused by the acid minerals washed down from the uplands because of soil erosion. 90% 80%

Delta Barangay - Main Crop Production - 2003

79.49%

70% 60% 43.59%

50% 40% 30% 20%

17.95%

10% 0% Corn

Rice

Coconut

Delta Barangays 1

Surprisingly, the VSO survey showed that only 43.59% of the delta farmers grew rice and of these, only 11.76% had irrigation facilities of any kind. The graph above clearly shows one reason why the province is behind others in rice production: The delta farmers engage more in coconut production (79.49%) since coconut is considered a more reliable crop.

However, it must be stated here that the VSO survey did not include the main provincial delta areas, and that a separate survey of these may show different results. 3300

3212.77

Average Monthly Household Income by Barangay Type

3200 3100

3020.51 2957.45

3000 2891.30

2900 2800 2700

Coastal

Inland Delta

35% 30%

27.66%

Upland

Average

Delta Barangay - Average Monthly Household Incomes 2003

29.79%

25% 20% 15%

14.89% 10.64%

10%

6.38%

5%

2.13%

2.13%

0% P1000

P2000 P3000

P4000 P5000

P6000 P7000

4.26% 0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

2.13%

P8000 P9000 P10000 P11000 P12000

Delta Barangays 2

The survey showed that nearly 83% earned less than P5,000 per month, giving an average household income per month of P3,113. Of this amount, a working wife supplies P1,115 and an absentee family member sends P569 per month. Thus, the main breadwinner provides only 42% of the average monthly household income. More than in any other barangay type, it is the working mother and absentee family member that provides for a delta family. There is surely something wrong when, despite having the richest soil assets of all types, the delta system does not seem to reward the farmers for their toil, but instead allows landowners to feed from these and take the profits out of agriculture. 85%

Coastal, Inland Delta and Upland Monthly Household Incomes P0 to

84.78%

P5000

85% 84% 83.57%

84% 82.98%

82.98%

Inland Delta

Upland

83% 83% 82% Coastal

Average

Education: The following graph shows the percentages of delta barangay youth that attend education facilities, and also gives a comparison with the percentage of the under eighteens that attend.

In School 70%

All Under 18's

Delta Barangay - Percentage in Education - 2003

60.92%

60% 50% 40%

32.72%

30%

32.18% 17.28%

20%

6.90%

10%

3.70%

0%

Elementary

Highschool

College

Delta Barangays 3

For the rice market, the number of small farmers that are abandoning rice production must be of concern. Many have yields less than 1.5 tonnes to the hectare [barangay research shows 1.47 tonnes per hectare as the norm], whereas 2.25 to 2.5 tonnes is considered the ‘break even’ level of production. The provincial government’s decision to promote ‘certified#’ rice rather than ‘hybrid’ rice may well prove beneficial. In some of the larger delta areas, where irrigation facilities are available, farmers achieve much higher yields. The “Help for Catubig Agricultural Advancement Project” [HCAAP], partly funded by the Japanese government, has been reasonably successful with irrigation and technical support provision to the farmers. It is hoped that these farmer beneficiaries will be encouraged to produce other crops during the non- rice growing seasons, providing benefit to the farmers themselves and the wider community. Even though many farmers are changing to other crops, the level of support from the municipal and provincial agricultural offices is generally so poor that there will be little progress in agriculture in the near future. This is not to say that the NGOs fare any better; although they promote agricultural activities, few have qualified agricultural staff to give the advice and training required. Extension services offered by the university to the barangays show very little gain for their efforts; the university extension workers are usually full of theoretical knowledge but have narrow vision, often insisting that farmers follow their lead even when their ideas are unsuitable. A soil mapping survey would be of most value to the delta areas, although it would probably show a high requirement of lime to stabilise the soil for suitable rice production. Perhaps, in time, the realisation that Northern Samar is not a suitable rice production area will emerge, and time and money will be invested to determine an alternative agricultural future for the province. However, the finances required Certified rice can be replicated and used for seed, whereas not all produce of hybrid rice varieties can be used as seed. #

Delta Barangays 4

to promote and invest in alternative crops and crop processing are unlikely to become available easily. Although the delta areas depend on seasonal floods to deposit fertile soils, the flood-prone areas are expanding due to the siltation of the rivers, causing new agricultural and other problems. As much as it is necessary to retain sufficient water for prime rice production, it is also necessary to disperse surplus storm water as efficiently as possible: Newly planted rice seedlings, if covered with water for more than three days, will die from oxygen starvation. The canals that exist have collapsed on themselves, or are garbage filled, and are therefore of little use for dispersing surplus and unwanted storm water. In addition, the steady siltation of the rivers is causing erosion of the delta area riverbanks and the spreading of water over a wider flood plain. Aerial photography shows the vast areas of inland marine areas, polluted with the residues of soil erosion. Both the delta and coastal areas are victims of poor agricultural practices of upland communities, but they exacerbate the problem by allowing canals to become silted and clogged with garbage.

Delta Barangays 5

Upland Barangays In theory at least, the upland areas should contain the richest resources, although they do not enjoy the benefits of the flat delta lands and the coastal marine reserves. The uplands are the nurseries of resources for mankind’s survival; yet these areas are continuously abused and destroyed. The once plush forest cover provided the perfect arena for animal and plant evolution, maintained a weather pattern that continually recycled the carbons in the air, and provided sufficient materials for man to exist. The Philippines has, or had, one of the richest biodiversity reserves of the world, and the island of Samar was one of the prime areas of the Philippines. These resources are now slowly dying out and the genetic bio-diversity decreasing. 6,000

5,684

1960-2003 Northern Samar Area Forested - Hectares

5,000 4,000 3,000

2,983 2,477

2,000 1,000

625 179

0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

These two graphs depict the decline in the forest cover of Northern Samar. The one above shows the decline within privately owned or tenanted land. The one below shows the decline within the Samar Island Biodiversity Park. It also plots the annual deforestation rate of 7.9% through to a logical date by which the forest, covering 17,654 hectares in 2004, will have declined to one (1) hectare. Northern Samar Forest decline at 7.9% per annum 34000 32000 30000 28000 26000 24000 22000 20000 18000 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0

34100

17654

3135 Y1996

Y2004

Y2025

401 Y2050

51 Y2075

7

1

Y2100

Y2118

Upland Barangays 1

The year 2118 may be a very long time ahead and it can be argued that the situation could be reversed before then, yet who will do so, given the pressures of the national debt, the temptations to extract the minerals and prime lumber of this rich area, and the urgency of the day-to-day needs of poor families? The preservation of the ‘Samar Island Natural Park’ in Mondragon, Silvino Lobos and Las Navas is not considered an area of great concern to the province, even while the provincial natural forest is slowly being depleted. The ‘Samar Island Biodiversity Project’ is trying to address this issue and has received funding from the United Nations. Many of the upland communities rely on coconut and lumber for their livelihood, with root crops and maize grown as staple foods. Some communities with flat areas produce small amounts of upland rice, yet it is copra that dominates, with abaca plantings on the increase. Hopefully, the increasing interest in Pili nut production may help towards addressing part of the need to reforest, although the loss of the indigenous hardwoods would take many decades to reverse. It is not only for the tree cover that re-forestation is required, as the watershed areas of forest are important as potable water sources. It is hoped that the project of the Haribon Foundation to support replanting of indigenous forests would come to this province.

Many of the upland barangays are virtually cut off from the other communities during the heavy rains, when rivers become torrents and are only navigable by the experienced boatmen. During the quieter times, and during the dry seasons, there are only a few centimetres of water, due to the heavy siltation. The siltation has meant that boats cannot carry much produce and as a consequence, produce is expensive to move. If someone were to develop a lightweight barge that could carry the heavy loads of produce, it would improve the incomes of the upland farmers, by reducing the cost of carriage, which can reach up to P25 per kilogram. Upland Barangays 2

Only carabao or horses can negotiate existing trails with loads. No vehicles can get to these barangays; and it can take nine hours to reach by boat. The municipality of Silvino Lobos takes a minimum of 8 to 12 hours of trekking to reach, and up to 24 hours during the rainy season. Most of the upland barangays are situated near to the rivers. It is common to see whole families actively scouring the muddy water’s for small fish, either using nets to scoop the muddy river bottom or trawling for surface fish. These fisher folk seem to be extremely poor, live in small squalid riverbank settlements, and do not integrate with the other communities.

Land Tenure: The table below shows the average land tenure of upland householders and it is interesting to note that the upland householders have the lowest landless percentage, as compared to coastal (62.77%) and inland delta (17.02%). It is also interesting to note that from this survey, the amount of land ‘owned’ is the same as for the inland delta householders.

Upland

Landless

Owned

Leased

6.38%

46.81%

46.81% Upland Barangays 3

Upland Barangay Household Land Tenure 2003 by Percentage 50%

46.81%

46.81%

Owned

Leased

40% 30% 20% 10%

6.38%

0% Landless

Incomes: The VSO 2003 survey asked about the average monthly household income for one year and this included monies provided by a working partner and absentee family members who work away but send money home. In an average month, the working partner in an upland household earns approximately P200 and an absentee family member provides P95. From the average total monthly household income of P2,381, the extra income accounts for only 12% of the total.

All Barangays P0 to P5000 per Month Average Income by Percentage 64%

62.91%

63%

62.59%

62% 61%

60.17%

60% 59% 58% Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

Upland Barangays 4

Upland Barangay - Average Household Monthly Income 2003 by Percentage

28.06%

30% 24.46%

25% 20%

14.39%

15%

8.63%

10% 5%

8.63%

5.76%

4.32%

5.76% 0.00%

0%

0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000 12000 The graph above shows that the majority of households earn a monthly income of between P1,000 and P4,000, with the average being P2,957. The following graph shows that of the total household income, the husband provides 60.43%, a working wife 36.34% and an absentee worker supplies [on average] 3.24% each month. These households are heavily reliant on the income of a working wife for survival and native alcohol production and handicrafts may account for a high proportion of this income.

3500 3000

2957

Upland Barangay - Household Income Sources [Peso] 2003

2500 1787

2000 1500

1074

1000 500

96

0 Total

Husband

Wife

Absentee Upland Barangays 5

Upland Barangay - Household Structure 2003 90% 80%

76.60%

74.47%

70% 60% 50% 40%

25.53%

23.40%

30% 20% 10% 0% Nipa Walls

Block walls

Nipa Roof

Iron Roofs

The high percentage of nipa walls and roofs probably reflects a high incidence of poverty, but also the difficulty and cost of transporting other materials to the upland barangays.

[E-VAT may now be imposed on ‘forest products’ and this will include the local materials that dwellings are made of.]

Upland Barangays 6

Typical uplands dwelling

45% 40%

40.43%

Upland Barangay - Potable Water Sources 2003

42.55%

35% 30% 25% 20%

14.89%

15% 10%

2.13%

5% 0% Communal faucet

Communal pump

Private pump

Spring

As can be seen from the graph above, potable water comes from a spring source and many barangays have piped the water to communal faucets. Overall the spring water accounts for 83% of the potable water sources. However, field research will show that many of the communal areas are quagmires of mud, without concrete bases. Also, there is a danger of spring sources becoming contaminated where water is allowed to collect then used by residents for their ablutions.

Coconut: Northern Samar produces nearly 32% (2002 figures) of the total copra produced in Region VIII, yet has limited processing ability. Other than ‘CMC Ventures Inc.’, no one takes advantage of the coco charcoal, a shell by-product, for which there is a growing demand from China. Other coconut producing countries in South-East Asia will compete for this market and the Philippines should investigate the opportunity it presents. Upland Barangays 7

A typical product that could be expanded within the province

The province has, according to the NSO, 16.8 million trees, of which 12.8 million are productive, whilst the remaining 23.96% are juvenile or senile. The Philippines Coconut Authority (PCA) states that there are 17.6 million trees, of which 13.45 million [23.57%] are juvenile or senile. The difference seems only to be in the number of trees. Statistics agree that ‘on average’ there are 60 trees per hectare, when there should be 100 trees. Statistics also show that only 76.42% of coconut trees are productive, with 14.45% non-productive and 9.13% senile. Thus, only 46 of the 60 trees are producing any income, and productivity is declining. Several NGOs are promoting the production of ‘Virgin coconut oil’. Although household virgin coconut oil production is a very good part-time income generation activity that could make a large difference to lifestyles, the NGOs that have supported this production have also totally ignored the marketing side. One small organisation helped produce virgin coconut oil and dispersed it to poor people to sell door-to-door, but they abandoned this after one month as the novelty had worn off and sales ended. These organisations should be advised that the ‘local’ market is saturated with overpriced and poor quality virgin coconut oil. However, there is a huge market outside the province. There are national companies that will buy wholesale amounts of quality virgin coconut oil, but the household producers have no direct access to this market. The NGOs must encourage local federations to act as middlemen in this venture and purchase, for cash, the householders’ produce. The wholesale buyers must then re-filter the oil into a quality product that they can trade on the national market in bulk. With a PACAP FOCAS project for coconut [at this time only in Lope de Vega and Catarman], there is likely to be much more virgin coconut oil produced. But should the local trading market not support these ventures, virgin coconut oil production will collapse in the same way that coffee did, some years ago.

Upland Barangays 8

Provincial Coconut Plantation - Comparison of NSO & PCA 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Production Statistics 76.42%

76.04%

23.96%

NSO

23.58%

Bearing

Non-bearing

PCA

[NSO = National Statistics Office / PCA = Philippines Coconut Authority]

90% 80%

76.42%

2002 Status of the Provincial Coconut Plantation by Percentage of Trees

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 14.45%

20% 10%

9.13%

0% Bearing

Non-bearing

Senile

The graph above depicts the status of the provincial coconut plantation and the high percentage of senile trees shows us that replanting has been neglected by the landowners. The Philippines Coconut Authority (PCA) has ignored the conservatism of the coconut producers, promoting hybrid varieties for replanting and not improving the ‘local’ varieties. For all of the intended goodwill, the landowners and tenant farmers prefer the local (or native) varieties for their hardiness and little need of inputs. Available date shows the percentage of trees on land tenure types and these show that more than 67% of coconut plantations are farmed by owners:

Upland Barangays 9

80% 70%

Coconut Production by % Land Tenure 2002

67.04%

60% 50% 40% 28.41%

30% 20% 10%

1.64%

1.29%

1.62%

Leased

Rent free

Other +

0% Owned

Tenanted

Provincial Coconut Plantation [Trees] by Percentage of Land Plot Size by Hectare This shows the large amount of coconut trees on plots over 3.0 hectares.

0% Under 0.5 0.0 to 0.99

5%

10%

15%

20%

0.34% 1.64%

1.0 to 1.99

8.86%

2.0 2.99

11.03%

3.0 to 4.99

20.41%

5.0 to 7.0

18.07%

7.1 to 9.99

12.97%

10.0 to 24.99 25.0 +

25%

21.50% 5.18%

Upland Barangays 10

Analysis of the coconut data from the PCA shows that from the 13.48 million productive trees, 344,130,711 coconuts were produced in 2002. This gives an average of 27 coconuts per tree per annum, with San Roque [44.98], Las Navas [44.71] and San Jose [42.97] as the most efficient producers. Although Lope de Vega has the most trees and produces the most coconuts, its production ratio at 2.98% is low in comparison to other areas, and its efficiency rating is only equal to Victoria in 19th position. Allen Biri Bobon Capul Catubig Catarman Gamay Laoang Lapinig

Coconuts produced 3.33% 0.60% 5.53% 0.03% 8.17% 6.49% 7.07% 7.79% 3.69%

Producing Trees 2.76% 2.24% 4.38% 1.89% 5.85% 6.84% 6.22% 8.49% 2.76%

Nuts to Trees Ratio 4.82% 1.06% 5.03% 0.06% 5.57% 3.78% 4.54% 3.66% 5.34%

Las Navas Lavezares Lope de Vega Mapanas Mondragon Palapag Pambujan Rosario San Antonio San Isidro

3.34% 5.54% 10.75% 2.78% 2.40% 6.62% 6.17% 2.06% 1.87% 5.51%

1.91% 4.16% 14.39% 3.20% 1.94% 7.19% 4.33% 2.07% 1.92% 4.10%

6.99% 5.32% 2.98% 3.45% 4.92% 3.67% 5.68% 3.97% 3.88% 5.36%

San Jose

3.08%

1.83%

6.72%

San Roque San Vicente Silvino Lobos Victoria

2.08% 0.65% 1.98% 1.98%

1.18% 1.46% 5.58% 3.33%

7.03% 1.78% 1.41% 2.98%

The five most efficient coconut producing municipalities are as follows: San Roque Las Navas San Jose Pambujan Catubig

Coconuts produced 2.08% 3.34% 3.08% 6.17% 8.17%

Producing Trees 1.18% 1.91% 1.83% 4.33% 5.85%

Nuts to Trees Ratio 7.03% 6.99% 6.72% 5.68% 5.57% Upland Barangays 11

The following graph shows the full ranking of coconut production: Provincial Coconut Production Ranking [Nuts produced to Trees]

0.00%

2.00%

4.00%

6.00%

8.00%

San Roque

7.03%

Las Navas

6.99%

San Jose

6.72% 5.68%

Pambujan

5.57%

Catubig San Isidro

5.36%

Lapinig

5.34%

Lavezares

5.32% 5.03%

Bobon

4.92%

Mondragon

4.82%

Allen

4.54%

Gamay Rosario

3.97% 3.88%

San Antonio

3.78%

Catarman Palapag

3.67%

Laoang

3.66% 3.45%

Mapanas Lope de Vega

2.98%

Victoria

2.98% 1.78%

San Vicente

1.41%

Silvino Lobos

1.06%

Biri Capul

0.06%

The remoteness of the islands and Silvino Lobos can probably account for the low rankings, although the island of San Antonio at 14th position shows good development. The producers of this island can probably deliver directly to the

Upland Barangays 12

processing plant in San Isidro, displaying a municipality that capitalises on opportunity.

Abaca: Regardless of a great deal of support, many upland farmers are taking out their banana, pineapple and other permanent crops, and converting some of the open lands to abaca production. The soils of the province suit abaca and the twice yearly harvesting of abaca stems for the fibre fit in with the quarterly harvesting of coconuts for copra. As these incomes are reliable, many farmers have converted and many more will probably do so. However, there is a danger that more forest areas will be cleared for this. There is already evidence to show that forest on privately owned and tenanted land is also being cleared. Northern Samar's Banana Production (Tonnes) 16000 14000

13037

Banana

Expon. (Banana)

12000 10000 8000 5163

6000 4000 2000 0

Y1993 Y1994 Y1995 Y1996 Y1997 Y1998 Y1999 Y2000 Y2001 Y2002 Y2003 Y2004

Northern Samar's Pineapple Production (Tonnes) 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 Y 1993 Y 1994 Y 1995 Y1996 Y 1997 Y 1998 Y 1999 Y 2000 Y2001 Y 2002 Y 2003 Y 2004

The two previous graphs clearly depict the declines in the production of banana and pineapple. Other crops may equally be affected, although these have not yet been documented. The Fibre Industry Development Authority (FIDA) keep the health of the crop well monitored, although their staff are limited. They also supply suckers and the Upland Barangays 13

essential chemicals when ‘bunchy top virus’ or ‘mosaic virus’ is found. The following graph shows the rapid increase in abaca production due to favourable market prices of dried fibre. At the present time, it is estimated that the abaca farmers are achieving only 50% of the potential from the existing plantation. Given support, higher yields can be achieved. NS Abaca Production (Tonnes) 7000 Abaca

6000

Expon. (Abaca)

5215

5000 4000

3026

3000 2000 1000 0 Y1993 Y1994 Y1995 Y1996 Y1997 Y1998 Y1999 Y2000 Y2001 Y2002 Y2003 Y2004

However, as much as the provincial abaca plantation can expand and however much the high quality of the fibre can also be maintained, without the local ability to process the fibre into pulp for the international market, the province loses very large amount of money in added value. The ability to process abaca locally could probably add sufficient income ‘within’ the province to balance the cost of importing basic foods.

25%

22.08% 19.08%

20%

16.66%

16.89%

15% 8.37%

10% 5%

2.68%

8.77%

4.46% 1.02%

0% Under 0.5

0 to 0.99

1.0 to 1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99 5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.99

10.0 to

25.0 +

24.99

Abaca Plantings per Land Plot Size by Percentage

Upland Barangays 14

The NSO survey shows that there are 2.9 million abaca trees in the province, of which 2.34 million [80.92%] are productive. The number of trees planted per hectare is 383.4. On commercialised abaca farms, these planting figures would be considered very low, yet many abaca producers here have small lots and do not intensively plant. Abaca Percentage of Productive Trees per Land Plot Size 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Under 0.5

70%

80%

90%

100%

66.06%

0 to 0.99

87.43%

1.0 to 1.99

81.31%

2.0 2.99

75.31%

3.0 to 4.99

80.75%

5.0 to 7.0

73.71%

7.1 to 9.99

83.04%

10.0 to 24.99

85.53%

25.0 +

95.10%

Average

80.92%

This graph shows that the under 0.5 hectare plots are least productive, although with such small areas, it is likely that intercropping is carried out for inter-seasonal income generation. The DA statistics on production and farmgate prices show that, from the first quarter of 2004, the kilogram price has risen by 49.48%, from P21.30 to P31.84. The increasing international demand for abaca pulp will keep the province’s farmers productive for many years. It is only hoped that the province can capitalise on this by assisting in the provision of a pulping plant. Abaca Price & Production Increases Comparison

60 50

Abaca (Price)

Abaca (Production)

Expon. (Abaca (Price))

Expon. (Abaca (Production))

40 30 20 10 0 2003

2004

2005

Upland Barangays 15

The trendlines depict the potential for abaca fibre at the present rate of production and prices. The abaca industry may face some problems in the near future, as, whether at the farmgate or at the traders; dried abaca fibre might be subjected to the 12% E-VAT starting in 2006.

Pili: The growing interest and importance of the Pili tree may be a small step towards socio-economic development and the very important socio-environmental recovery of the watershed areas. Although the concentration of Pili nut processing is centred in the western municipalities, such as Allen and Lavezares, other municipalities have good plantings of Pili, and the eastern seaboard municipalities are the prime sources of many seedlings planted in other areas. It is only the lack of a reliable infrastructure that restricts the eastern seaboard municipalities from joining the Pili livelihoods development. In 2002, it was estimated, through the 2002 NSO agricultural census, that the province has 5,970 hectares of Pili trees, containing 55,975 trees, of which 29,335 [52.41%] are productive.

30%

Pili Production by % Land Size of 5,907 H - 2002 24.23%

25% 19.23%

20%

16.98%

15.35%

15% 10% 5%

7.89% 2.79%

8.46%

4.62% 0.44%

0% Under 0.5

0.0 to

1.0 to

0.99

1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to 4.99

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to

10.0 to

9.99

24.99

25.0 +

Upland Barangays 16

100% 90% 80%

95.96%

Pili Production by % Productive Trees 74.23%

73.85% 67.00%

70% 60%

69.62%

52.09%

48.39%

50%

49.99%

40%

31.41%

30% 20% 10% 0% Under

0.0 to

1.0 to

0.5

0.99

1.99

2.0 2.99

3.0 to

5.0 to

7.1 to

10.0 to

4.99

7.0

9.99

24.99

25.0 +

The DTI monitors several areas where Pili nut production and processing is active and have estimated that, of the 7,268 trees that they monitor on 161.45 hectares, 57.03% are productive, whilst the NSO survey showed 52.41% productivity. Pili Tree Productivity Comparison (DTI & NSO Statistics)

NSO, 52.41%

DTI, 57.03%

The potential for the Pili tree should neither be overestimated nor underestimated; ‘sensible’ development of the industry is required. Pili is a hardwood, is difficult to propagate, has high value as an ingredient of ‘high end’ confectionaries, and produces sap that contains Lauric oil and resin of high value for industry. Added to these attributes, the Pili can be used in organic sprays and mosquito repellents. Growing Pili is environmentally sound and trees should be used as one of several species for watershed area reforestation. There are several varieties of Pili, but the wild or native ones would be the most suitable to use, and the eastern seaboard municipalities have adequate supplies of these. It is hoped that the adoption, by Upland Barangays 17

PACAP, of Pili production development, will help the province maximise its Pili potential.

Riverbank Erosion: Of greatest concern to the upland environment, with its domino effect on the areas lower down, is the increasing amount of riverbank erosion. The constant cultivating and planting of crops has left the riverbanks highly fragile, crumbling into the already heavily silted rivers. Despite some municipal ordinances restricting crop planting on the riverbanks, the householders continue with this, neither understanding the local environmental damage, nor the harm that the silts and washed out minerals are creating further down river. Maize planting is often the most destructive, with its ability to produce roots down to five metres or more, breaking up the already fragile soil structure. The constant need to plant vegetables also requires constant cultivating of the topsoil. But heavy rains soon wash this away, and the householders then have to start again further inland.

Backyard Vegetables and Fruits: From the 2003 household survey, other than Kamote, the upland folk mostly produce pole beans, ampalaya and eggplant in abundance in their backyards, although it must be remembered that the fruit of the jackfruit tree is eaten mostly as a vegetable. 0%

5%

Tomato

2.13%

Bulb onion

2.13%

10%

15%

20%

35%

40%

Upland Barangay's Backyard Vegetable Production by % of Households

14.89%

Pole bean Ampalaya

17.02%

Eggplant

17.02% 2.13% 36.17%

Kamote

10.64%

Squash Bell pepper

30%

6.38%

Pechay

Cucumber

25%

2.13%

The few surpluses that are produced are circulated within the upland areas. In general, this is subsistence farming that partially sustains these communities. The high cost of transporting goods and fresh produce by river restricts the average Upland Barangays 18

diet of the upland folk, and backyard produce and root crops greatly help households survive during the typhoon seasons. Upland Barangay's Backyard Fruit Production by % Household 90%

85.11%

82.98%

80% 70% 60%

46.81%

50%

38.30%

40% 30%

25.53%

19.15%

20%

8.51%

4.26%

10% 0% Banana

Pineapple

Mango

Durian

Jackfruit

Papaya

Guava

Lanzones

PICTURES of an AREA IN CRISIS: The Barangay: An upland barangay, at first glance, appears like an area in need of some relief projects, especially during and just after the rainy seasons. The most noticeable feature, upon entering these barangays, is the number of very young children playing in the streets. A second noticeable feature is the number of pregnant women. Some of the problems are the following: • • •

Malnourished children and elderly folk are obvious. Scabies and other skin infections are very common in the children and youth. Many have dental problems.

The majority of the teenagers and those in their early twenties are absent. Some are attending high school and college in central areas, but many have left to seek work in the provincial centres. There is pressure on the female children to find employment outside of the province, in order to be able to send home cash amounts to support the family. If they stay, there is pressure to marry in their teenage years. Many of the youth that remain have no employment or opportunity to move away, and thus loiter about on the roads. Illiteracy is high because of the lack of education facilities. Also, the youth often need to drop out of school to help meet the income needs of the household. Some barangays do not have schools. Of those that have elementary schools, the buildings are often in very poor condition and offer only lower grade level classes. Children have to walk many kilometres daily to attend grades 5 and 6 in lower barangays. Upland Barangays 19

Schoolteacher numbers are inadequate and, as few live in the upland areas, they have to commute to work weekly and are often absent during the rainy seasons. Potable water is in short on supply in the barangays, although sources are abundant. Outlets are often broken or sources of waterborne diseases. Social and health services are lacking: Barangay health workers and traditional birth attendants are few, and there are very few barangay nutritional scholars. Added to this, there are few, if any, medicines available. Houses are generally small and in poor condition. The mostly bamboo and nipa houses are severely damaged during the rains and typhoons. Most small children and elderly are housebound during bad weather, with rushing surface water making walking very difficult on the greasy terrain. Fuelwood supplies are short and have to be carried from the forest. The communities are mostly dependant on root crops as their basic food and very little maize is produced. Protein foods mostly come from cans, such as sardines and corned beef, and chicken is the only but rare fresh meat eaten. There are few vegetables grown, although the jackfruit is often cooked and eaten with rice. Few livestock are visible. Farmers pay high prices for carriage of their produce on the rivers. And as rivers become more silted, carriage prices rise, as the boatmen are forced to carry less per trip. The main farm products are copra and abaca. Land access is at best very arduous and often impassable during the rains.

Environmental: Taking a look at the general upland areas, one cannot ignore the uncontrolled devastation of the environment. However, these are not, in the true sense, upland areas, as at most they rise only to 300 or 400 metres above sea level. Riverbanks are eroding, with large chunks of rain-saturated riverbanks collapsing into the river, and riverbeds are badly silted. Boat passage is very difficult during the drier seasons, with only a few centimetres of water in some places. Yet during the rainy seasons, passage becomes nearly impossible, with raging waters in the swollen rivers, which can rise by more than five metres during the rains. Added to this, where the flood plains have become silted, there is a greater risk of flooding on arable farmland. Fallen trees cause passage problems and exacerbate the siltation of the rivers. Where the logging companies have constructed roadways for the transport of cut trees, the local authorities have failed to keep these vital transport organs in order. Army engineer’s bridges are washed out and left to rot and block the rivers.

Upland Barangays 20

Once marginally fertile soil is now sterile, contains no humus and is usually washed away during the heavy rains, exposing the foundation rock tiers. As the soil erodes, it takes with it the shrubs and trees that are essential for soil stability, and the ‘domino effect’ is plain to see. The ‘unseen’ effect of the mineral deposits washed down to the delta and coastal areas is the pollution of mangrove and reef areas. The loss of flora and fauna species has not been fully documented, yet older folk speak of animals and birds and plants that no longer exist. Forest cover is being depleted by an estimated 7.9% per annum (DENR –FMB 1996 figures), with more than 60% of the forest cover having been lost since the 1950’s. Only 34,100 hectares of forest cover remains in Northern Samar (DENR statistics). The ‘Virgin’ forest area of Northern Samar is now made up of only 3,500 hectares. Graphic displays will show that, at the present rate of deforestation, there will be only one (1) hectare of forest remaining in this area by the year 2118. The socioeconomic and environmental effects of this will devastate the upland areas. Fuelwood collection has to be carried out deeper into the forest, as homestead resources no longer exist and no attempt at fuelwood management has been undertaken. There seems to be total lack of awareness or avoidance of dealing with environmental problems within any agency, LGU or community. Socio-Economic: For generations, the ‘farmers’ have tilled the marginal soil to provide for their families, only to find that they eventually have to clear more land just to be able to produce the same amounts of food that they used to produce in a smaller area. Crop pests and diseases are prevalent and farmers cannot afford to purchase the chemicals needed for control, although there are many ‘organic’ methods that could be used. Added to this, more trees are felled, and environmentally unsound income generation activities are attempted in order to keep up with the need to meet the family’s needs for food, clothing and schooling. It used to be that, when a coconut tree became old and non-productive, it was felled for its timber. Now, productive coconut trees are felled haphazardly for instant income from lumber and to fill the need to provide more accommodation in these areas of high birth rates. The need for fuelwood sees the felling of immature indigenous and hardwood trees that are easy to transport to the household. Whole areas under the remaining coconut cover now are covered only with shrubs and weeds. All of the household problems relate directly to the condition of the environment. It has a debilitating effect on the socio-economic status of the communities. With modern medicine and treatments come modern diseases, and although many upland folk are immune to many diseases, the costs of health care and treatment is often beyond the ability of householders to afford. In addition, getting to the nearest hospital for treatment is near impossible for many. Many children have bad Upland Barangays 21

teeth, worms and skin parasitic infections on top of their malnourishment, yet no remedies are provided by social services and many go untreated. Women have died from childbirth complications, purely because they were unable to be taken to the hospital. Girls are usually married1 before they reach the age of sixteen, with many married at fourteen. Birth rates are higher than in the delta or coastal areas, and although there are a few traditional birth attendants, only a small number of them are fully trained and registered. Visits from the municipal midwife range from quarterly to rare. The women are not allowed to take charge of their own reproductive capabilities, and reproductive health awareness and training is non-existent. In a remote barangay, how a woman at the point of giving birth, and in great difficulty, receives skilled medical attention is not known. Education in many of these barangays, for those that have schools, is often given in dilapidated buildings, neglected for years, with the typhoons contributing to the shabbiness. There may be sufficient teachers for grades one to four, but higher education has to be sought further down, in the more developed lowland areas. It is understandable that many leave school after the fourth grade. Pressure to generate income for the household often means going directly to work. Respect must be shown to those parents, mostly the mothers, who are determined that their children receive a better education than they themselves had, even if this leads to the children leaving home after completing highschool, to find opportunities outside of the municipality. There are no literacy classes for adults available. With more than 20% of the rural population leaving the barangays to seek employment outside of the municipality, the age gap is noticeable. Yet the under 18s still outnumber the adults. The only likely benefit is that there may be less demand on the environmental resources to provide for the needs of a full community. The municipal leaders are starting to take note of the rise in population in the urban areas. Many organisations and politicians now make comments about limiting the size of families, in an attempt to check the rate of population growth. These organisations and individuals ignore many of the basic beliefs and traditions about large family sizes. Traditionally, large families mean more hands for survival and this mentality is still true today. By default, the living is simpler and, by necessity, cheaper. The upland folk are hardier than those who live in lower areas, yet they lack many of the household amenities taken for granted by their neighbours. Few have toilet facilities and use the forest for their ablutions. Basic household goods are very expensive, having to be transported for many kilometres by boat, by motorcycle or by foot.

1

Marriage in this instance refers to ‘traditional’ and not legal marriage, as defined by the Philippines laws. Upland Barangays 22

The Islands: This section of the review looks at the main islands, and contributions to the province’s production. The municipal island of Laoang [inclusive of Batag Island] is, for the purpose of this document included with the mainland.

It is often predicted that tourism, or eco-tourism, will be the saviour of the islands, as it will bring in large amounts of income and jobs for the island residents. However, there are actually very few ‘tourist attractions’ within the province. Furthermore, the lack of suitable accommodation and the problems of travel do not put these beautiful places on many people’s tour itineraries. In general, the province’s potential ‘tourist’ clientele would most likely be the ‘backpackers’ who enjoy the hardships of adventure travel. Islands 1

The island of San Antonio, in some documents, is officially designated as Dalupuri Island

[Some of the Biri rock formations] Biri, with its magnificent rock formations, draws a few tourists. Successful abalone and crab farming has also earned some income for the island.

Islands 2

The Islands’ Health: At Risk Pregnancies Biri

Infant Mortalities

22.31%

1.20%

Capul

60.00%

5.49%

San Antonio

48.59%

0.56%

San Vicente

40.37%

0.62%

Provincial Av.

34.20%

1.88%

As can be seen from the above table, apart from Biri, ‘At Risk’ pregnancies are at a much higher level than the provincial average. Informal research conducted in Capul showed that the crisis level of 60.00% is nutrition based, as is the very high infant mortality rate. Capul has a clinic with two experienced doctors, yet their ability to respond to medical emergencies is minimal; they have no incubator or sufficient medicines available. Capul registers the second worst figures for at risk pregnancies within the province, behind the mainland municipality of Rosario at 72.39%. It has the worst infant mortality rate. Number Live births

More than 2.5Kg.

Less than 2.5Kg.

% Less Than 2.5Kg.

San Vicente

176

155

21

11.93%

Capul

265

257

8

3.02%

Biri

236

231

5

2.12%

San Antonio

176

174

2

1.14%

Total

853

817

36

4.22%

Research is required to determine the exact cause of these island maternal and child problems. Although there is a poverty issue, it is probably the lack and high cost of fresh fruits and vegetables that is a root cause. There is every reason to believe that small projects to produce vegetables and fruits would help in the long term to alleviate this problem. Another concern involves the difficulty in transporting patients to the nearest mainland hospital at Allen. While it normally takes 50 minutes to get there across the water, it becomes impossible for small boats to ferry patients during the typhoon season, when the seas are too rough. In 2003, the provincial government’s health office carried out a province-wide weight survey. The results show that a high percentage of the island’s children between 0 and 80 months have weights below normal. Islands 3

Weights

Very low

Moderately low

Mildly low

Total

7

126

719

852

124

850

2,253

3,227

San Antonio

3

72

337

412

San Vicente

71

194

322

587

205

1,242

3,631

5,078

Biri

0.82%

14.79%

84.39%

Capul

3.84%

26.34%

69.82%

San Antonio

0.73%

17.48%

81.80%

San Vicente

12.10%

33.05%

54.86%

Biri Capul

Totals

The island of San Vicente showed high rates of severely underweight infants, while Capul showed a high percentage of moderately low weights. The malnutrition of both children and breastfeeding mothers contributes to these results. The root cause of many of the health problems on the islands is the lack of local production of fresh produce, and the very high cost of bringing produce to the islands. Although alternative income development is important, so is the development of the basic quality of daily life gained through a healthy diet; and horticultural development should figure high on the needs list.

Agriculture: Basic soil analysis on some of the islands will show a high level of calcium in the soil [alkaline soils], evidenced by the number of alkaline loving species, like papaya, that grow there. In general terms, these islands do not provide much of the agricultural supplies, making them dependent on the mainland for basic foods. However, the island of Capul has 7.46% of the provinces irrigated rice land and this is the 5th highest amount of irrigated rice land in the province. Island

IRRIGATED

RAIN-FED

TOTAL

Biri Capul San Antonio San Vicente Total:

0 136 0 0 136

137 235 112 22 506

137 371 112 22 642

21.18%

78.82%

Islands 4

Coconut statistics: Total

Production (Trees)

Production Status (%)

Non-Bearing

Senile

Bearing

(Trees)

% Bearing

% Senile

% Non-Bearing

1,908

30,148

301,484

333,540

90.39%

9.04%

0.57%

42,418

30,569

254,740

327,727

77.73%

9.33%

12.94%

San Antonio

484

25,949

259,488

285,921

90.76%

9.08%

0.17%

San Vicente

24,438

23,593

196,606

244,637

80.37%

9.64%

9.99%

69,248

110,259

1,012,318

1,191,825

84.94%

9.25%

5.81%

Biri Capul

Non-Bearing

Senile

Bearing

2.72%

6.85%

7.51%

Given that the islands do not produce large amounts of rice, coconut production is the most important crop of the islands, although the difficulty and cost of transport to the mainland is prohibitive. Biri is the 16th largest [of 24] producer of nuts province wide, ranking highest in the province in terms of tonnage per hectare, 94.66%, eight percentage points higher than its nearest rival. Capul and San Vicente more often take their produce to Masbate or Sorsogon, as cost of transport to those places is cheaper. The islands, with their difficulties with transporting their copra, should be ideal areas for virgin coconut oil production, and this should be considered by the development agencies.

Power Services: Islanders have learned to live with small generators at barangay level, which supply a few hours power each evening. At the municipal buildings, where power is generated at night only, many staff carry out their computer work in the evening. Because power is only supplied at night, it has been interesting to note that there has been a small cultural change. Adults use the electrical appliances at night, and many youngsters roam the lit streets of public areas till midnight, when the power goes off. Overall, there is enormous scope to develop the islands, mainly to better ensure that they produce more of the own needs and become less reliant on importing the basic requirements from the mainland. There are small industries such as seaweed production, virgin oil production and other activities that could be encouraged.

Islands 5

The Agriculture: Agriculture in Northern Samar, like in many other areas of the Philippines, is not on industrial levels. It is poorly supported, produces only 45% of the basic food requirement of the province, and is often carried out on soils that have been poorly managed, overused and often no longer suitable for temporary crop production.

These two maps depict the area of land available for agriculture and depict the main areas suitable for the production of irrigated rice, the primary crop of the Philippines.

Agriculture 1

Within the land usage areas are protected areas and these should be taken into consideration by both government and non-government organisations that seek to develop the province’s agriculture. Both seem to ignore the existence of protected areas and this sets a poor example for the barangay folk.

Of the total agricultural land available [228,336 hectares] in 2005, the following map shows that 93,226 hectares [or 40.83%] are cultivatable. With an estimated population of 573,698, 1,625 square metres per person of land are available to grow

Agriculture 2

the basic crops. Put another way, 61 people need to be fed from the produce of 1 hectare of land.

From this area, it is estimated that 31,804 hectares are used [2005] for rice production. 1,822 hectares are irrigated, and 29,982 hectares are rainfed delta and upland rice lands. The total rice land accounts for 34.11% of the available cultivatable land area, or 13.93% of the total agricultural land. The NSO 2002 agricultural census shows that 31,442 hectares are used for rice production, 362 hectares less than the provincial agricultural office’s data of 31,804 hectares. Given the differing means of information collection and the season in which information is collected, 362 hectares is not a significant difference. The NSO data shows that the riceland tenure is as follows: Tenure: Owned Tenanted Leased Rent free Other Total:

Hectares: 17,316 12,217 1,082 399 408 31,422

Percentages: 55.11% 38.88% 3.44% 1.27% 1.30%

The NSO data shows the plot sizes on which the province’s palay is produced and shows that the small farmer, with less than 2 hectares, in fact produces only 10.53% of the province’s rice crop. 76.38% is grown on farm plots 3 to 25 hectares and, of

Agriculture 3

this, 55.10% is grown on plots of more than 5 hectares. Readers will note that the total hectares in the plot size chart is at variance with other palay land totals. Plot size: 0 to 0.499 h 0.50 to 0.999 h 1.0 to 1.999 h 2.0 to 2.999 h 3.0 to 4.999 h 5.0 to 7.0 h 7.001 to 9.999 h 10.0 to 24.999 h 25.0 plus h Total:

Total hectares 301 729 3,571 4,445 9,295 8,448 6,705 8,917 1,274 43,685

Percentage of all: 0.69% 1.67% 8.17% 10.18% 21.28% 19.34% 15.35% 20.41% 2.92%

Statistics [NSO] show that the province had only 155 ‘owned’ threshers and 2,177 ‘owned’ hand-tractors. There are statistics available for farmers that ‘hire’ agricultural equipment.

60%

56.14%

Palay Production Farmers to land Area (H) 55.11%

Palay Farmers

50%

Palay Land Area (H)

38.39% 38.88%

40% 30% 20% 10%

3.34% 3.44%

0.89%

1.27%

1.23%

1.30%

0% Owned

Tenanted

Leased

Rent free

Other

Agriculture 4

Rice Production: Irrigation: The 2004 statistics produced by the Provincial Agriculture Office [PAO] show that only 5.73% (1822 hectares) of the riceland used is irrigated, although the National Irrigation Authority [NIA] states that only 2000 hectares out of 3000 hectares of irrigated land is used. Within the regional, the NIA states that the province of Northern Samar has only 5.15% share of irrigation facilities and this could be interpreted in two ways: the NIA does not consider Northern Samar suitable for irrigation or that the lack of investment within the province has left the province without facilities to produce the basic crop of rice. For some years, there has been a plan to use the Bugko River in the municipality of Mondragon as a source to irrigate 4,992 hectares of extra land for rice production, at an overall cost of P1,275,000,000. However, although the engineering survey was partially funded, the bulk of the finances have not been released.

Agriculture 5

Pambujan

Mondragon

San Roque

Flood zone Liquefaction zone

Some caution may be required before continuing the Bugko River irrigation scheme, as parts of the area covered by the irrigation scheme overlap with the geological hazard areas of liquefaction and flood zones. Without appropriate drainage schemes, the ‘irrigation’ scheme could backfire during the months of heaviest rain as too much water can equally be devastating. Between 1991 and 2002, the NSO survey shows that there has been an increase of 5,035 hectares of rice land used. However, the palay percentage of agricultural land in use has decreased by 0.95% from 20.14% to 19.95%. The statistics of the VSO survey show that no coastal barangay has irrigation facilities and that only 30.26% of farmers have access to any kind of irrigation facilities. However, the survey shows that 18.18% of upland farmers use irrigation for rice production. Overall, only 2.68% of farmers grew irrigated rice. Irrigated Rice Production by Percentage of Those with land Tenure 35%

30.26%

30% 25% 18.18%

20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

0.00%

Coastal

Inland delta

Upland

Agriculture 6

Rainfed rice production statistics show that the upland and coastal farmers grow a higher percentage of rainfed rice than the inland delta areas, and that, overall, only 32.48% of farmers grow rainfed rice.

Rainfed Rice Production by Percentage of those with Land Tenure 35% 34% 33%

34.09% 32.71%

32% 31%

30.26%

30% 29% 28% Coastal

Inland delta

Upland

Upland rice production shows some popularity in both coastal and inland delta areas and farmers stated that their soil seemed to produce a higher quantity of upland rice. This is probably due to the increased acid nature of the soil, which suits upland rice better. That 7.89% of inland delta farmers grow upland rice may indicate the level of change in the soil fertility. Overall, 6.59% of farmers grew upland rice varieties. Upland Rice Production by Percentage of those w ith Land tenure 18.18%

20% 15% 10% 5%

7.89%

1.43%

0% Coastal

Inland delta

Upland

Rice production, as with other temporary crops, has shown a decline, whilst the production of permanent crops is on the increase. Overall, temporary crops have declined by 0.53% and permanent crops have increased by 2.14%, as shown in the following graph. Agriculture 7

The NSO data provides some very interesting figures on the land tenure and plot size, by farmers and by land area. Most of this information is available in the “Land Use & Tenure” sector of this review. From the NSO agricultural census of 2002 can be seen details of the land tenure changes since the 1991 census. These clearly show that ownership of agricultural land is on the decline, whilst part ownership and tenanted land tenure is on the increase. This seems to be at odds with the land tenure reform act, intended to put more land into ownership. Northern Samar Direct Comparison Between Land Tenure & Hectares Used in Tenure

Owned

Partly owned

10%

Tenanted

4.51% 4.87%

5%

Leased

1.80% 2.23%

Other forms

0.64% 0.51%

-0.11%

0% -5% -10%

Farmers

-6.20% -7.50%

Crop Temporary

Permanent

Total

Owned

Land Area (h)

Tenanted

Leased

-0.76%

Rent free

Other +

Palay

31,422

17,316

12,217

1,082

399

408

Corn

50

39

4

1

6

0

Root crops

1,045

707

173

29

109

27

Vegetables

56

24

24

1

6

1

Citrus

5,733

4,089

1,304

131

104

105

Banana

12,857

7,858

4,358

255

250

136

Mango

2,039

1,186

737

20

43

53

111,806

74,951

31,765

1,836

1,443

1,811

45

32

13

0

0

0

460

314

133

4

9

0

Coconut Coffee Pineapple Fibre crops

2,456

2,159

127

36

100

34

Total

135,396

90,589

38,437

2,282

1,949

2,139

This shows that 63.72% of the above crops are on ‘owned’ land and that 29.82% are grown on tenanted land. Owned

Tenanted

Leased

Rent free

Other +

63.72%

29.82%

1.99%

1.45%

1.51%

The VSO survey data show the percentages of crops grown by those that have some form of land tenure. The 10.48% figure for upland rice is significant, as most of this Agriculture 8

is grown in the lowland areas. Lowland farmers have realised that the upland rice varieties [mostly native] are more tolerant of the acid soil conditions in the lower areas and plant these, instead of the traditional delta varieties. Further analysis of the NSO statistics shows the ‘Assets’ owned compared to the ‘Plot Size’ of farmers. The following table shows the results of this analysis: Food

Livestock

Specialist

Fruit &

Land

Plot Size (h)

Crops

& Poultry

Cultures

Equipment Other Trees Area (h)

0 to 0.499

0.94%

5.80%

9.83%

5.36%

0.72%

0.57%

0.50 to 0.999

2.02%

2.37%

4.39%

6.63%

1.73%

1.46%

1.0 to 1.999

8.91%

49.67%

19.46%

20.07%

10.50%

8.35%

2.0 to 2.999

10.38%

7.27%

10.88%

16.56%

11.56%

11.20%

3.0 to 4.999

21.14%

6.93%

30.13%

21.20%

21.27%

20.54%

5.0 to 7.000

19.06%

21.70%

8.16%

14.14%

17.36%

19.66%

7.001 to 9,999

15.05%

2.53%

5.44%

7.47%

12.50%

12.68%

10.0 to 24.999

19.68%

3.40%

9.21%

7.82%

20.09%

21.04%

25.0 plus

2.88%

0.34%

2.51%

0.77%

4.27%

4.49%

The right-hand column shows the percentage of land used within a given plot size range (example: 1.46% of the land use is in the 0.50 to 0.999 hectare plot size range). The other columns show the percentages of ‘Assets’ owned and these can be compared and cross-indexed. From this data an analysis of the abaca strippers, compared to the number of plants on a given plot size, reveals the following:

The NSO determined that the province had 1,812 abaca strippers ‘owned’ in 2002. The analysis shows that there are more strippers than required on the small plots and that, on the larger plot sizes, there are insufficient strippers. Only the figures for owned strippers are used, to avoid duplication.

Abaca

Abaca

Plot Size (h) Strippers Plants (prod) 0 to 0.499

4.64%

1.22%

0.50 to 0.999

6.29%

2.99%

1.0 to 1.999

21.14%

10.04%

2.0 to 2.999

19.70%

11.60%

3.0 to 4.999

19.92%

18.57%

5.0 to 7.000

16.28%

17.28%

7.001 to 9,999

4.14%

12.40%

10.0 to 24.999

7.01%

21.44%

25.0 plus

0.88%

4.47%

Overall, an analysis of the ‘assets’ to ‘plot size’ supports the view that the small farmers ‘own’ a higher percentage of assets, compared with the farmers working larger plot sizes. There might be various reasons why the larger plot farmers have Agriculture 9

less assets; a further study would be required to determine whether or not these farmers use all of their land resources. Assets Percentage

Farmed Plot Size to Assets Comparison

Land Percentage

25% 21.04%

20.54% 19.66% 19.68% 17.81%

20%

18.08%

14.96% 15%

12.68% 11.34%

11.15% 11.20% 8.35%

10%

5%

3.78%

4.49%

1.87% 1.35% 1.46% 0.57%

0% 0 to 0.5

0.5 to

1.0 to

2.0 to

3.0 to

0.999

1.999

2.999

4.999

Plot size: 0 to 0.499 h 0.50 to 0.999 h 1.0 to 1.999 h 2.0 to 2.999 h 3.0 to 4.999 h 5.0 to 7.0 h 7.001 to 9.999 h 10.0 to 24.999 h 25.0 plus h Total:

5.0 to 7.0

Percentage of land 0.57% 1.46% 8.35% 11.20% 20.54% 19.66% 12.68% 21.05% 4.49% 100.00%

7.001 to

10.0 to

9.999

24.999

25.0 plus

Percentage of assets: 1.35% 1.87% 14.96% 11.15% 19.68% 17.81% 11.34% 18.06% 3.78% 100.00%

Debates will abound regarding the accuracy of these statistics, but they tend to show that the small farmers have assets commensurate with their plot sizes and that the larger farms show the reverse. It is speculated that larger farms are used for copra production, which have fewer requirements for equipment or livestock.

Agriculture 10

Main Crop Production (Owned, Leased / Tenanted Tenure) by % 2003 100%

91.13%

90% 80% 70% 60% 50%

41.13%

40%

32.26%

30% 20% 10%

10.48%

7.26% 0.81%

4.03%

0% White

Yellow

Irrigated

Rainfed

Upland

corn

corn

Rice

Rice

Rice

The adjoining table shows the NSO crop percentages of farmers with some form of land tenure. These figures are at variance with VSO data, possibly because the NSO takes into account the land used in ‘rent free’ and ‘other’ tenure forms, whereas the VSO survey does not take these into account. The rent-free tenure category may include many small farmers that live on coconut lands free of charge in exchange for harvesting and processing of the coconuts. This system is well known to exist but there is very limited documentation regarding this.

Root crops Coconut

Crop:

NSO:

Palay

18.42%

Corn

0.03%

Root crops

0.61%

Vegetables

0.03%

Citrus

3.36%

Banana

7.54%

Mango

1.20%

Coconut

65.56%

Coffee

0.03%

Pineapple

0.27%

Fibre crops

1.44%

Agriculture 11

Overall Comparison Farmers & Land Area (H) to Size of Plot (H) 50%

46.78%

Number of Farms

45%

Land Area (H)

40% 35% 30%

26.19%

27.40%

26.82%

25.07%

25% 20%

12.34%

15%

16.18%

12.52%

10%

5.73%

5%

0.95%

0% 3.0 to 4.9

5.0 to 7.0

7.1 to 9.9

10.0 to 24.9

25.0 plus

1991-2002 Crop Production Increases / Decreases Comparison Coconut 1.00% 0.50%

-1.00% -1.50% -2.00%

Banana

0. 07%

-0.22%

All Philippines

Palay

Root crops

Corn

0. 79%

0.34%

0. 54%

0.00% -0.50%

Abaca

0. 47%

0. 01 %

-0.20%

N Samar

-0.46%

-0.15% -0.77% -1 . 87%

-2.50%

Marketing: In many countries, farmers have become vendors; they market their own produce and gain extra income by selling direct to the public. There seems to be very little of this in the Philippines. A few farmer-traders in Northern Samar have regular customers for their produce. Some also have the opportunity to sell small or large amounts of produce directly to the provincial government. In Catarman market, there are three farmer’s stalls selling produce directly to the public. However, their range is limited, with mostly the tomatoes, pechay, okra and chilli peppers being sold, in addition to a few imported vegetables.

Agriculture 12

[A farmer’s vegetable stall in the market]

Lack of co-operation and planning amongst the farmers’ groups holds them back from developing their direct market. Most of these groups exist in name only; they rarely meet and have few if any communal projects within the barangay. It is also clear that the level of support from the municipal and provincial agricultural offices is insufficient. This is partly because some municipality agricultural offices get little financial support. Thus, agricultural activities are promoted near the paved roads, even while the main agricultural food producers are located ‘off’ road. Overall, poor soil and land management, agricultural offices’ autonomy, the failure of landowners and tenants to invest, and the mainly unsuitable soil for agricultural production, hinder food and non-food crop production in the province. Agricultural development here is mostly casual; professionals in the LGUs and NGOs have so far failed to promote investment and technical advancement. There is a need for the university and the provincial government to undertake a soil mapping survey. From the results of this, professional agricultural planners can draw up long-term development plans for the province, be they for food or non-food production.

Agriculture 13

Livestock There is very little official data available regarding livestock in the province and any information available is likely to be underestimated. The VSO 2003 survey employed a representative sampling of household livestock assets and is reasonably accurate for detail, although the ‘sampling’ area was small. The NSO 2002 survey shows the provincial statistics in comparison with 1991. It shows dramatic changes in the numbers of provincial herd and flock. There are livestock slaughter statistics available from the municipal abattoirs, and, although these give the ‘official’ slaughter statistics, it must be noted that there are many livestock slaughtered in the barangays for normal or special occasions that are not been accounted for. Typical native pigs kept in the backyards of Northern Samar

What is very clear, from all information sources, is that swine numbers are decreasing at a very high rate. From this, it can be assumed that the provincial swine breeding females are being depleted to the point when supplies can no longer meet the needs of the terminal [table] market. The provincial population is already reducing its intake of pork meat, replacing this with poultry. However, this forced reduction of pork in favour of poultry may have health benefits. The NSO 2002 census shows the changes since the 1991 census, especially the decreases of swine, goats and ducks. The 99.94% increase in carabao numbers is encouraging for farmers reliant on animal draft power. Carabao beef is also favoured over cattle beef as food. However, the provincial government is trying to reduce the number of breeding females that are slaughtered.

1991

2002

31,027

62,036

1,878

3,058

168

217

Swine

64,034

62,690

Goats

4,912

2,814

Carabao Cattle Horses

Chicken

269,421

1,020,441

Ducks

11,762

6,689

Turkey

1,389

0

Livestock 1

Backyard swine keeping has been the strength of the pig meat industry for many years, and the rising prices of commercial feeds, due to the domino effect of increased fuel prices, will cause a further decline in the overall numbers. The homebased production of swine feeds should be developed. Field trials show that, with some additions, quality swine feeds can be made from local resources for fattening and breeding animals. There should be some concern about the availability of animal protein foods that are affordable to low-income families, since this has consequences on family nutrition and health. Humans need animal protein and, although a diet that contains mostly Livestock 2

vegetables is satisfactory, the loss of meat proteins can cause consequential health problems. In a province that imports 75% of its meats and nearly 80% of its fish, action should be taken to better ensure the availability of low cost meat and fish proteins. It is probable that a large increase in freshwater farming of tilapia or carp would make a significant contribution to filling meat protein requirements. Likewise, dried fish or duck meat are excellent sources of the proteins, vitamins and minerals required by humans.

[A 2-kilogram tilapia ready for the cooking pot]

Livestock 3

70000 62,036

NSO 2002 Livestock Census Compared to 1991

60000

1991

64,03462,690

2002

50000 40000 31,027 30000 20000 10000

1,878 3,058

0 Carabao

Cattle

4,912 168

217

Horses

Hogs

2,814

Goats

Together with the fluctuations in livestock numbers, there have been significant changes in the farmgate, and thus market, prices of all ‘terminal’ livestock. Farmgate Prices:

2 year Increase 2003

2005

2003-05

Carabao

42.43

49.39

16.40%

Cattle

51.62

65.36

26.62%

Hog

50.57

73.26

44.87%

Goat

58.25

64.57

10.85%

Chicken

59.38

77.22

30.04%

Duck

61.35

57.43

-6.39%

Chicken eggs

66.57

72.87

9.46%

Duck eggs

44.85

52.80

17.73%

Only duck meat has shown a decline in farmgate prices over the 2003-2005 period. Together with the decrease in the number of ducks, it can be safely assumed that duck meat is not the food of choice. However, duck consumption may increase with an increase in poverty levels. Chicken is one of the staple village meat sources, and the 30% farmgate price increase the 278% increase in chicken numbers reflects the insufficiency of supply to meet the demand. It is speculated that all marketers capitalise on the high demand to inflate the costs further. There is a large disparity between most recent farmgate price of Livestock 4

P77.22 per kilogram and the general Catarman ‘wet market’ price of P120 per kilogram. This is a 55.4% mark-up that suggests profiteering. The VSO data looks at the number, and thus percentages, of female livestock and poultry, as this gives a good indication of the reliance on additional household livelihoods that supplement the usual monthly, earned income. VSO Survey 2003 Female Livestock Owned Cattle Goat Swine

Poultry

Duck

11.47%

3.27%

0.87%

27.13%

46.64%

0.87%

Inland Delta

53.82%

0.00%

0.00%

21.09%

76.91%

8.00%

Upland

29.36%

2.27%

4.00%

28.00%

70.36%

6.27%

Overall

31.55%

1.85%

1.62%

25.41%

64.64%

5.05%

Carabao Coastal

As expected, the inland delta barangays have the highest percentage of female carabao, together with poultry and ducks. Duck-raising compliments rice production as it reduces the number of destructive ‘Golden’ snails in the waterlogged rice fields. Although 36% of coastal households have some form of land tenure, overall they have only 23% of the livestock and poultry. However, a direct comparison shows that, in relation to land tenure, the coastal barangays have a higher percentage of livestock than the other barangay types. This probably reflects the need of coastal households to have other income sources during typhoon season, when fishing is not possible. VSO Survey 2003 land tenure / Livestock & Poultry comparison: Barangay Land Tenure Livestock / Poultry Coastal 36.61% 23.12% Inland delta 82.98% 40.94% Upland 93.62% 35.94% Average 60.19% 33.33%

Livestock 5

90%

Coastal

Inland Delta

Carabao

Cattle

Upland

Average Household Livestock Ow ned

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

90%

Carabao Swine

Cattle Poultry

Goat

Sw ine

Goat Duck

Poultry

Duck

Average Household Livestock Owned

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Coastal

Inland Delta

Upland

Of the households surveyed, only 16.5% had piglets for fattening, the high cost of commercial feeds being cited as a restriction to pig fattening. This may be the overriding factor behind the reduction in the provincial swineherd. However, the poor husbandry skills and casual tending approach of backyard producers will likely cause the industry to decline further. Livestock 6

Province Northern Samar Eastern Samar Western Samar Leyte Southern Leyte Biliran

Population % 13.87% 10.41% 17.76% 44.10% 9.98% 3.89%

Swine % 14.89% 6.85% 13.67% 50.30% 10.39% 3.90%

In comparison to the rest of the regional population, only Northern Samar, Leyte and Southern Leyte have high ratios of swine to population. According to the NSO census, overall there were 503,370 swine in 1991 and only 420,975 in 2002. The decrease of 82,395 heads or 16.37% is disparate with the population increase of 18.20%. The provincial government plans to disperse yet more cattle and swine; it is hoped that these dispersals will continue in order to increase the provincial herd. Also, since the veterinary support services are currently inadequate, there is scope for the NGOs to support barangay livestock workers.

Livestock 7

East

Eastern

Northern

Southern

Biliran

Visayas

Samar

Samar

Samar

Leyte

& Leyte

1991

756,342

60,097

102,019

78,632

111,002

404,594

2002

713,151

51,505

130,815

77,886

63,367

389,578

-43,191

-8,592

28,796

-746

-47,635

-15,016

As the table above shows, only in Northern Samar has the provincial livestock herd increased. This reflects a healthy response to the decline in temporary crop production; statistics show the increases in livestock corresponding with an increased percentage of permanent grazing areas. It is noted that these are not the products of the formal establishment of grazing areas, as such, but of allowing grasses and weeds to grow in areas where cropping has been abandoned. With support, the province of Northern Samar could supply the region with quality breeding and terminal livestock, with the establishment of ‘ranch style’ grazing areas. The municipality of San Roque has a fine example of this type of ranch farming, utilising the coconut plantation land. An integrated livestock and coconut farming system improves the coconut yield and keeps the undergrowth tamed. It also reduces pests and makes coconut harvesting easier. Similar integrated projects in Mindanao showed that, within 3 years, an increase of 5% in coconut yield weights can be achieved, and, within 5 years, a 15% increase. This surely must be worth considering to Northern Samar, with its heavy reliance on copra for income. Dogs and Cats: The VSO survey showed that 55.34% had dogs and 57.28% cats. Since dogs and cats are host to many intestinal parasites that can affect humans and other animals, their numbers are a good means to judge the potential worm burden of the humans and animals. There were, in 2005, 108,161 households, with 59,000 households having dogs; most of these have two dogs or more. This gives a minimum of 108,000 dogs as potential hosts to a massive worm infestation and rabies infections. However, the incidences of annual rabies infections are insignificant; the more pressing concern is the breaking of the worm cycle between man and beast. Other: There are also some fine horses and ponies in the province, used for transporting goods from the upland barangays. It is not known if horse fighting is present in the province. Despite the census figures, turkeys can be found in the province. Turkey-raising should be encouraged, as should duck-raising, in order to add to the province’s lowcost meat based protein sources. Ducks will also help reduce pests in the palay fields. Since both are scavengers, sufficient clean feed would be beneficial to quality. It was noted, however, that no turkeys are sold in the markets. Also, the tradition of duck-eating in the Philippines goes back many centuries and yet ducks are few nowadays. Livestock 8

Overall, given adequate financial and technical support, this province could become a major supplier of quality meat to the metro-urban areas of the Philippines. The province has little taste for goat meat, unlike some other areas, but goat-raising can be an excellent additional livelihood source when integrated with the keeping of other livestock for agricultural activities. In some Asian countries, goats are known as the poor mans bank, since kids can be bought cheaply and later sold to the meat market in times of household financial stress. There is also scope for the development of more commercial table meat and egg poultry products to supply the province, since, at present, 80% of eggs and 75% of table poultry are being imported. The municipal governments publish market prices that should be followed by the market vendors, to ensure affordability. However, vendors in Catarman and the other markets constantly ignore these ordinances, profiteering without constraint. Also, many vendors make adjustments to their weigh scales to cheat customers. The DTI’s occasional raids at Catarman market have revealed [and confiscated] scales that under weigh by as much as ¼ kilogram. The municipal executives should systematically respond to this problem.

Livestock 9

The Marine sector Of all of the marine sanctuaries and protected areas depicted on maps, very little marine data is available for use and analysis. It is possible to list the species caught in the provincial waters, but this is dependent on ‘local’ knowledge and limited research carried out by the science department of the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP). In provincial databases or other local sources, there is scant information or statistics regarding the marine sector. Current documentation is thus unable to provide comparative production statistics, as is possible with agriculture. Percentage of Coastal Barangay Households Dependent on Fishing 100%

91.30%

90% 76.19%

80%

69.64%

70% 60%

60.00%

60.00%

61.11%

Bara C

Bara D

Bara E

50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Bara A

Bara B

Average

Research at barangay level shows that, on average, the monthly household income of a coastal family is P3205.36, although this is not solely gotten from fishing. The table below shows that 75.10% earn between P1000 and P4000 per month, inclusive of income from other activities such as farming, copra production and small business. Monthly Income P 1000 - 2000 P 2000 - 3000 P 3000 – 4000 P 4000 – 5000 P 5000 – 6000 P 6000 – 7000 P 7000 – 8000 P 8000 – 9000 P 9000 – 10000 P10000 – 11000 P11000 – 12000 P 12000 & Over Average

11.61% 30.36% 33.04% 5.36% 7.14% 6.25% 2.68% 0.89% 0.00% 1.79% 0.00% 0.89% P3205.36

Working wives provide on average of P611.80 monthly, and P90.62 (average) per month comes from external sources, such as family members working outside of the province. Therefore, P2502.94 is the average income earned by the main breadwinner. The table below shows that the majority of fishermen use spears or hooks and lines for fishing. Field surveys show that many of those that use spears or hooks & lines do not have boats and are mainly older and young community members who fish from the beach or reefs.

Marine 1

35%

30.36%

33.04%

Coastal Barangay Average Monthly Household Income by % 2003

30% 25% 20% 15%

11.61%

10%

5.36%

7.14%

6.25% 2.68%

5%

0.89%

0% P 1000

0.00%

1.79%

0.00%

0.89%

P 2000 P 3000 P 4000 P 5000 P 6000 P 7000 P 8000 P 9000 P 10000 P 11000 P 12000 Coastal Barangay's Average Monthly Household Income (Peso)

3,900

3,783

3,700 3,556

3,500 3,300

3,205.36

3,100 2,900

3,000

3,000

Bara C

Bara D

2,762

2,700 2,500 Bara A

Bara B

The data on tenure of boats show that 74.36% of fishers own their boats, and that 40.32% of these boats have engines. 17.95% of those involved with fishing (and this is 4.15% of the fishing population over the age of eighteen years) have no boats of their own and act only as labourers on boats.

Bara E

Average

Net

14.1%

Spear or Hook

83.3%

Cages

2.6%

Boat Tenure Owns Shares Hires

Boat Type 93.55% Pump 40.32% 4.84% Paddle 59.68% 1.61%

Labourer only

17.95% Marine 2

In the graph below showing boat conditions, the figure of 11.29% of boats requiring repairs is worrying, as the waters can be unpredictable and fishermen place themselves at risk by using them. 60% Condition of Boats by % 2003

51.61%

50%

40% 30.65%

30%

20% 11.29%

10%

6.45%

0% Good

Average

Poor

Needs repair

The graph below depicts the main type of fishing gear used by small fishermen. The predominance of spear fishing shows that dependence on fish stocks from the reefs is very high; failure to conserve some of these areas will have a long-term affect on the inshore fishing industry. It has already been noted by marine biologists that more brood female and dominant male fish are now being caught, causing concern over not only the quantity of fish, but also the quality of the genetic strains.

Marine 3

90%

83.3%

80%

Type of Fishing Gear by % 2003

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20%

14.1%

10%

2.6%

0% Net & Hook

Spear

Hirapsan Islands

Cages

Caohagan Island

The province, as can be seen from the map above, has high potential for preserving fish spawning areas in both the east and west. The two major spawning areas are centred in the vicinity of Biri, Lavezares and Rosario in the west, and Laoang and Palapag in the east. The small islands of Hirapsan in Mondragon and Caohagan in Pambujan are both important as potential preserves for both spawning and migratory fish. Ordinances guarding these sanctuaries exist, but actual implementation, by LGUs and NGOs alike, has lagged behind. The following two photographs show the abandoned patrol boat, lying beached at Dona Lucia, Mondragon. The wooden hull, although lined with fibreglass started to leak shortly after purchase and was never repaired. Marine 4

In the area of San Jose, the NGO Tambuyog has established a working sanctuary where fish stocks are recovering. Some of the larger islands have set up small sanctuaries and also planted seaweeds for the production of gelatine, and it is hoped that these will flourish. The crab industry, long abused by the illegal harvesting of undersized crablets, may now have been set on the road to recovery.

The NGO ACE, the Bureau of Aquatic and Fisheries Resources [BFAR] and the provincial government promoted the forming of the Provincial Mudcrab Development Council. Shortly afterwards, they were joined by PACAP in providing resources through its Mudcrab FOCAS Project. It is sincerely hoped that these bodies can act to stop or reduce the incidences of illegal crablet harvesting and promote the potentially valuable industry of crab fattening in the province. With Northern Samar’s important supply of mudcrabs, it should be possible to eventually realize the P2 Billion potential income for the province’s fishermen. The province’s dominance in the squid industry for exports to the major metro areas and the orient; further point to the high potential of the local fishing industry.

Marine 5

The tuna fish industry is not a major industry in this province, although the eastern municipality of Palapag has a long tradition of catching and processing this fish. Mayor Ricardo Daiz wishes to maximise this tradition for additional income by improving his municipality’s processing and cold storage capabilities to cater to this important industry.

This map shows the general route of the Yellow Fin Tuna fish’s migration. Municipalities on the eastern seaboard take advantage of this seasonal migration, when the tuna are 2 to 3 kilograms in weight, to the eastern seaboard area of Mindanao, from whence they travel through to General Santos and beyond.

Onwards to Mindanao

Marine 6

Many of Palapag’s fishermen take advantage of the abundance of the tuna fish, yet the facilities for processing the tuna are insufficient to keep up with the supply. The people of Palapag need more support to process and preserve this important food. The Department of Agriculture’s quarterly figures on production and prices include reports on the ‘broad’ marine sector. The reports referred to here refer to East Visayas, as no separate report is available by province. Comparative DA reports show that production, in tonnage, has increased, although production percentage increases during the first quarter of 2004-05 are less than those for the same period of 2003-04. FISH PRODUCTION: THOUSAND METRIC TONNES 2004 2004 Commercial 253.88 273.49 Municipal 260.45 276.02 Aquaculture 302.13 424.50

2005 282.09 279.75 466.44 Overall:

ANNUAL INCREASES 2003-04 2004-05 +7.72% +3.14% +5.98% +1.35% +40.50% +9.88% +18.07% +4.79%

National Fish Production - 1000 Metric tonnes Commercial

Municipal

Aquaculture 466

500

425

450 400 350 300

302 254 260

273 276

282 280

2004

2005

250 200 150 100 50 0 2003

Marine 7

The pricing shows small increases overall, although these are balanced by price reductions in the aquaculture sector in 2003-04 and in the commercial sector in 2004-05. FISH PRODUCTION: PRICING PESO PER KILOGRAM 2004 2004 Commercial 38.47 42.28 Municipal 38.65 41.81 Aquaculture 29.10 25.39

2005 39.28 45.01 25.57 Overall:

ANNUAL INCREASES 2003-04 2004-05 +9.90% -7.10% +8.18% +7.65% -12.75% +0.71% +1.78% +0.42%

National Fresh Fish prices - Peso per Kilogram Commercial

Municipal

Aquaculture

50

45.01 42.28 41.81

45 40

39.28

38.4738.65

35

29.10

30

25.57

25.39

25 20 2003

2004

2005

The tables and graphs above may have little relevance for Northern Samar, where fishing is reliant on seasonal factors. Analysis also shows that the province has to import most of its fish from Calbuyog in Western Samar. The graph below gives a direct comparison between the production and prices.

Marine 8

Fish Production & Prices Comparison Commercial Production Aquaculture Production Municipal Prices

Municipal Production Commercial Prices Aquaculture Prices

500

466 425

450

45.00 40.00

400 350 300

50.00

302 254 260

35.00

273 276

282 280

30.00

250

25.00

200

20.00

150

15.00

100

10.00

50

5.00 0.00

0 2003

2004

2005

It would seem that the price structure is maintained within the P25 to P45 range, with only aquaculture production showing any significant increases. Fishermen with the larger boats scavenge the seas, and are often out at sea for several days at a time. They cover vast areas, from Eastern Samar to beyond Leyte, often more than 150 kilometres from land. They do not always bring their catch back to shore, as Chinese and Japanese ships often buy their catch to bring back to their lands.

Marine 9

Most diets of coastal families in the province comprise of small fresh or dried fish. It is not unusual to see nets, covered with small fish, strung across the beaches and along the roadsides by coastal barangay housewives, either for storing or selling.

This is an example of a home made compressor used for deepwater spear fishing amongst the reefs. Fishermen go down the water many metres beyond what is normally accepted as ‘safe’. They also stay underwater without wetsuits for longer times than many western divers would dare to.

In Pambujan [pronounced ‘Pambuhan’], where VSO volunteer Steve Fennelly [a marine biologist] works with the fishing groups, progress has been made not only to improve fishing methods, but also gain the interest and support of the fishermen in keeping a record of the species and numbers of fish caught. Very little hard data is available and it is hoped that, when complete, the database will act as a good guide for other areas. The many local names for fish species has added to both the fun and the difficulty of logging the species. Amongst the barangay folk, as many as 20 or more local names are known for the same fish.

The fishermen of Pambujan display and weigh their fish for classification and inclusion into the database.

Marine 10

[One of the unusual catches from the waters off Pambujan]

[Stocking the crab farm with the crablets in Pambujan] Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources [BFAR] Despite the lack of staff, the efforts of BFAR, with both marine and freshwater species, have had an effect on the province. It runs its own hatcheries, one of which [Tilapia] is based near to the university in Barangay Cawayan, Catarman. There, farmers learn the rudiments of tilapia farming and are supplied with 500 fingerlings and equipment. There are other hatcheries throughout the province’s municipalities and it is hoped that, in time, more inland farmers will take to tilapia fish farming on small plots to add to the supplies of low-cost protein foods. Marine 11

The other fish farm, this time for Bangus, is at Lavezares, where many hectares of fishponds produce the fingerlings and where many training sessions are given. The Lavezares fish farm boasts a pair of visiting Philippine Eagles that are allowed to catch fish once or twice a day.

Marine 12

Some of the municipalities have attempted to re-establish the mangroves damaged by storms, fishing boats or the crablet harvesters. These pictures show the average result, with about 20% success rate. The NGO ACE is attempting to help reestablish the mangrove areas in the riverine area between Laoang and Palapag, to help increase the habitat of the mudcrab that is an important asset for these municipalities. It hopes, in time, to replace more mangrove areas with the support of the fishermen and crab harvesters.

Some of the municipalities have attempted to re-establish the mangroves damaged by storms, fishing boats or the crablet harvesters. These pictures show the average result, with about 20% success rate. The NGO ACE is attempting to help reestablish the mangrove areas in the riverine area between Laoang and Palapag, to help increase the habitat of the mudcrab that is an important asset for these municipalities. It hopes, in time, to replace more mangrove areas with the support of the fishermen and crab harvesters.

Marine 13

Marine 14

TheA mature mangrove from barangay Cawayan through UEP swamp abounds with species and is strongly protected, although a few wood gatherers sometimes sneak in to cut the slender branches for use in baker’s ovens. The bark is used to flavour the coconut alcohol known as ‘Tuba’. In the distance in the photograph above, the island of Hirapsan sits atop a major reef structure, where some rare species such as ‘Giant Clams’ can be found, although their exact location is a closely guarded secret.

Overall, it is likely that it will be many years before concrete improvements are seen in the province’s marine sector. Yet with the activities being undertaken now, both by individual municipalities and NGOs, there is very high potential for the marine sector. There is great need to ensure that individual municipality’s ordinances are enforced and that the provincial government joins this drive by enacting a provincial ordinance. The squabbles between municipal offices over jurisdiction over the coastal areas, does more harm than good by restricting integrated development. In the meantime, the locals will continue to fish for the table, oblivious of the struggles of the marine ‘industry’.

Marine 15

Although not a major contributor to improving short-term income from the marine resources, the stabilisation of the municipal marine boundaries is very much needed. The provincial government will support an endeavour such as this. At this time, only Pambujan and San Roque are having any discussions about resolving their boundary issues. It is probable that municipal executives see little value in investing time and money in an attempt to solve these issues. However, very little control over the depleting marine resources can be achieved until these issues are resolved. The lessons of Lanuza Bay in Surigao del Sur would be well applied here, where seven municipalities agreed and participated in a marine project, supported by strong ordinances.

Marine 16

The Climate: Foreigners often wonder about the large number of ‘waiting sheds’ along the roadsides, until the rains begin. Weather affects daily life, and knowing the seasonal changes is important for development planning and intervention. Farmers and fisher folk are familiar with seasonal changes and are able to predict livelihood fluctuations. Fisher folk know that during the period September through January, many days at sea may be lost because of turbulent waves and heavy weather. Farmers know that it is important to commence land preparation well before the onset of the heavy rains in September. For the health workers, if analysed correctly, weather patterns can help predict the outbreak of seasonal illnesses so that remedies can be planned. This is also true for livestock veterinarians. This is especially so when the seasons are in flux and changeable. [Many thanks are offered to the staff of the Catarman Weather Station for

the time given to access the records, in order to compile this section.]

The climate is typical of sub-tropical areas, with distinguishable wet and dry seasons that generally coincide with the China Sea’s monsoon seasons. Northern Samar experiences its wettest months between October and February, with November and December providing more than 500 millimetres per month. Rain volume is around 3,243 millimetres each year, although this can vary between 4,600 and 2,100 millimetres. 600

Catarman Weather Station - Average Monthly Rainfall (mm) (1961 - 2001)

539.7

550

507.6

500 450

425.4

400 324.5

350 300 231.3

250

193.7

183.8

200 150

134.8

138.7

Apr

May

213.3

201.6 148.9

100 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Climate 1

Northern Samar Rainfall (mm) Pattern to NE wind direction 140 NE wind

Rainfall

Poly. (Rainfall)

Poly. (NE wind)

120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

From the graph above, it can be seen that the rainfall generally follows the direction of the northeast wind. But the following graph shows that, during the drier period between April and September, the south and southwest winds predominate. Northern Samar - Average Wind Direction (at 5 m by percentage of activity) 110

Rainfall S wind

90

SW wind

70

50

30

10

-10

Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The graphs above depict the main wind directions, although the following chart shows the full extent of the wind direction and rainfall pattern. Climate 2

Catarman Weather Station - Wind Direction (at 5 m by percentage of activity) Rainfall

N wind

S wind

SW wind

SE wind

2 per. Mov. Avg. (Rainfall)

2 per. Mov. Avg. (SW wind)

2 per. Mov. Avg. (N wind)

2 per. Mov. Avg. (S wind)

100 80 60 40 20 0 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The temperature of the province varies between a high of 32.6OC and a low of 21.9OC. The hottest months are May through September and the coldest, January through March.

33 32.6

33 32 32 31 31 30 30 29

Catarman Weather Station -Average Monthly Maximum Temperature (oC)

28.7

29 28 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Climate 3

24.0 23.7

23.5

23.0

22.5

Catarman Weather Station -Average Monthly Minimum Temperature (o C) 22.0

21.9

21.5 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The following graph shows the mean [average] temperature range of the province, with an average temperature of 26.9OC 28.5 28.1

28.0

27.5

27.0

26.5 Catarman Weather Station Mean Average Temperature (oC) 1961 to 2001

26.0

25.5

25.4

25.0 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The average temperature has increased from 26.0OC to 27.4OC since 1963. While this falls within the sphere of the global warming pattern, the deforestation of the province [at 7.99% per annum, SIBP report] may have exacerbated the local situation. Climate 4

3.5 Catarman Weather Station Average Wind Speed (mps) 1961 to 1994

3.1 2.9

3.0

2.7 2.4

2.4

2.5

2.0

1.9

1.8 1.6

1.8

1.7

1.8 1.6

1.5

1.0 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The chart above shows the average wind speeds, recorded at 5 metres above sea level. It shows an average speed of 7.7 kilometres per hour, which is insufficient to produce energy from turbines, for which an average wind speed of 12 kilometres per hour is required. 89 Catarman Weather Station Average Relative Humidity 1961 to 1995

88.3

88

87.9

87 86

86.3

86.1 85.2

85

84.3

84

84.3

84.1

83.8

83.3

83

82.9 82.1

82 81 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

In general, the average humidity has risen by 2 points since 1961, but has fluctuated wildly. Climate 5

16 14

14.0 13.1

12 10.5 10.2

10 8

9.4 8.1

6

5.7 4.4

4 2

Catarman Weather Station Average Thunder Storms 1961 to 1995 0.5

2.1

1.3

0.4

0 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The chart above plots the average storms throughout the year. The majority of storms occur during the driest part of the year, May through September, with May as the peak month. It will be noticed that the storms die down during the wettest part of the year. 60

Rainfall

Storms

50

40

30

20

10

0 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Climate 6

Storms

Humidity

Storms and Humidity Comparison

16.0

89.0 88.0

14.0

87.0 12.0

86.0

10.0

85.0 84.0

8.0

83.0

6.0

82.0

4.0

81.0 80.0

2.0

79.0

0.0

78.0 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The graph above plots the storm incidences against the humidity levels. It shows that during the driest part of the year, when the humidity is low, storm incidences increase. The following chart shows a comparison between the storm incidences and the NE wind. It would seem that the storms increase during the period prior to the dominance of the northeast wind.

Storms

NE wind

Storm Incidences Compared to SW Wind Direction

16.0

90

14.0

80 70

12.0

60

10.0

50

8.0

40

6.0

30 20

4.0

10

2.0

0

0.0

-10 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Climate 7

Northern Saman Maximum Temperature Patter over 10 year periods 31.6

31.4

31.4

31.2

31.0

30.8 30.6

30.4

30.7 30.5 1961/1970

1971/1980

1981/1990

Northern Samar Minimum Temperature Pattern over 10 year periods 23.3 23.2 23.2

23.1 23.0 22.9 22.8

22.8

22.7 22.6 22.5

22.5

22.4 1961/1970

1971/1980

1981/1990

Northern Samar Mean Temperature (oC) Increase over 10 year periods 27.5

27.3

27.0 26.8 26.5 26.5

26.0 1961/1970

1971/1980

1981/1990

Climate 8

Northern Samar Rainfall (mm) Pattern over 10 year periods 3650 3450

3558.3

3250 3050 2850

3263.2 3099.2 2862.3

2650 2450 2250 1961/1970

1971/1980

1981/1990

1991/1995

Northern Samar Humidity Pattern over 10 year periods 86.0 85.5

85.7 85.3

85.0 84.5 84.0 83.5

83.9 1961/1970

1971/1980

1981/1990

Northern Samar Wind Speed Pattern over 10 year periods 9.0 8.5 8.0

8.6

7.5 7.0 6.5

7.3

7.1

1971/1980

1981/1990

6.0 1961/1970

Climate 9

Overall, since 1980, the mean temperature has risen by 0.8oC , and rainfall has increased by an average of 696 millimetres. Humidity has risen by 0.4 points and wind speed has decreased by 0.4 kilometres per hour over a 10 year time period.

[Typical pre-storm scene in Northern Samar] The chart below shows the market price of an ‘average’ basket of food [30 items] against the rainfall pattern for the year. It shows that the costs of these foods increase with the increase in rains. However, it also shows slight increases during the drier season. Catarman Market Survey Average Monthly Value of a 'Basket of Food' (1998 to 2004) Compared to Average Monthly Rainfall data

4000

Av. Rainfall

Market prices

3000

2000

1000

0

Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Market prices fluctuate with the weather pattern at various times. Freak storms and typhoons can seriously damage cereal and fruit crops and this creates market shortages.

Climate 10

Series1

400

Rainfall Trend

Catarman Weather Station - Recorded Rainfall (mm)

Recorded Rainfall

350

300

250

200

Y1

96 Y1 1 96 Y1 2 96 Y1 3 96 Y1 4 96 Y1 5 96 Y1 6 96 Y1 7 96 Y1 8 96 Y1 9 97 Y1 0 97 Y1 1 97 Y1 2 97 Y1 3 97 Y1 4 97 Y1 5 97 Y1 6 97 Y1 7 97 Y1 8 97 Y1 9 98 Y1 0 98 Y1 1 98 Y1 2 98 Y1 3 98 Y1 4 98 Y1 5 98 Y1 6 98 Y1 7 98 Y1 8 98 Y1 9 99 Y1 0 99 Y1 1 99 Y1 2 99 Y1 3 99 Y1 4 99 5

150

As the graph above shows, trying to establish the rainfall pattern is difficult, although historically peaks and troughs can be noticed. Peaks were experienced in 1964/5, 1971, 1976, 1985 and 1988/9, and troughs in 1968, 1973, 1979, 1987 and 1992, which recorded the lowest amount of rain since records began in 1961.

Climate 11

Y1 96 1 Y1 96 2 Y1 96 3 Y1 96 4 Y1 96 5 Y1 96 6 Y1 96 7 Y1 96 8 Y1 96 9 Y1 97 0 Y1 97 1 Y1 97 2 Y1 97 3 Y1 97 4 Y1 97 5 Y1 97 6 Y1 97 7 Y1 97 8 Y1 97 9 Y1 98 0 Y1 98 1 Y1 98 2 Y1 98 3 Y1 98 4 Y1 98 5 Y1 98 6 Y1 98 7 Y1 98 8 Y1 98 9 Y1 99 0 Y1 99 1 Y1 99 2 Y1 99 3 Y1 99 4 Y1 99 5

Catarman Weather Station - Maximum Temperature (oC) (1961 / 1995)

33

32

31

30

29

28

27

Climate 12

Y1995

Y1994

Y1993

Y1992

Y1991

Y1990

Y1989

Y1988

Y1987

Y1986

Y1985

Y1984

Y1983

Y1982

Y1981

Y1980

Y1979

Y1978

Y1977

Y1976

Y1975

Y1974

Y1973

Y1972

Y1971

Y1970

Y1969

Y1968

Y1967

Y1966

Y1965

Y1964

Y1963

Y1962

Y1961

Catarman Weather Station - Minimum Temperature (oC) (1961 / 1995)

23.6

23.5

23.4

23.3

23.2

23.1

23.0

22.9

22.8

22.7

22.6

22.5

22.4

22.3

22.2

22.1

22.0

21.9

21.8

Climate 13

Catarman Weather Station - Mean Average Temperature (o C) 1961 to 1995 28.0

27.5

27.0

26.5

26.0

25.5 Y 1961

Y 1962

Y 1963

Y 1964

Y 1965

Y 1966

Y 1967

Y 1968

Y 1969 Y 1970

Y 1971

Y 1972

Y 1973

Y 1974

Y 1975

Y 1976

Y 1977

Y 1978 Y 1979

Y 1980

Y 1981

Y 1982

Y 1983

Y 1984

Y 1985

Y 1986 Y 1987

Y 1988

Y 1989

Y 1990

Y 1991

Y 1992

Y 1993

Y 1994

Y 1995

Climate 14

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

94

93

92

91

90

89

88

87

86

85

84

83

82

81

80

79

78

77

76

75

74

73

72

71

70

69

68

67

66

65

64

63

62

61

Catarman Weather Station - Average Thunder Storms 1961 to 1995

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

Climate 15

Catarman Weather Station - Average Relative Humidity 1961 to 1995 89 89 88 88 87 87 86 86 85 85 84 84 83 83 82 82 81 81 80 80 79 79 78 78 Y1961 Y1962 Y1963 Y1964 Y1965 Y1966 Y1967 Y1968 Y1969 Y1970 Y1971 Y1972 Y1973 Y1974 Y1975 Y1976 Y1977 Y1978 Y1979 Y1980 Y1981 Y1982 Y1983 Y1984 Y1985 Y1986 Y1987 Y1988 Y1989 Y1990 Y1991 Y1992 Y1993 Y1994 Y1995

Climate 16

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

Y1 9

94

93

92

91

90

89

88

87

86

85

84

83

82

81

80

79

78

77

76

75

74

73

72

71

70

69

68

67

66

65

64

63

62

61

Catarman Weather Station - Average Wind Speed 1961 to 1994

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

Climate 17

Rainfall

Rain Incidence to Wind Direction

NE wind

600

120

500

100

400

80

300

60

200

40

100

20

0

0 Jan. This

shows

Feb. that

Mar there

Apr is

most

May

Jun

rain

during

Jul the

Aug greatest

Sep presence

Oct of

Nov the

Dec Northeast

wind.

Climate 18

The overall change in the provincial climate – with the rise in temperature, reduced wind speed, increased humidity, yet decreased amount of rainfall and reduction in the number of storms – may indicate a general change in the climate. There is some indication that the climate is cyclical, although no definite pattern has emerged. General global warming, together with local deforestation, may eventually result in the persistence of this type of annual climate, without returning to the ‘normal’ cycle of weather patterns. Spells of heavy rain, which can last for several days, can be followed by several days of searing heat and bright sun, at times leading to the fast evaporation of the groundwater and leaving crops wilting in the soil. By far the biggest affect of the weather is on agriculture, fishing and the construction industries that provide employment/livelihood to the low-income households. 105%

Work

100%

Opportunity

95%

Trendline

90% 85%

Northern Samar

80%

Low-Income Household Work Opportunity Monitoring

75% 70% 65% Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The graph above shows the weather related ‘Work Opportunities’ experienced by most of the manual labour force. This has a considerable affect on the incomes of these families.

Climate 19

The Environment In topographical terms, Northern Samar is mostly low lying, with its maximum height rising to 580 meters [above sea level] in the municipality of San Isidro. Most of the province has a height of below 100 metres. Northern Samar lies between co-ordinates 124’07’20” to 125’20’18’ East and 12’43’0” and 12’12’0” North on the international maps.

The six major rivers feed from the upland areas into the delta and coastal areas, and, as can be seen from the graph below, most rain falls during the months October, November, December and January. Catarman Weather Station - Average Monthly Rainfall (mm) (1961 - 2001) 600 550 500 450

507.6

539.7

425.4

400

324.5

350 300

231.3

250

193.7

183.8

200

213.3 148.9

134.8 138.7

150

201.6

100 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The Environment 1

Catarman Weather Station Mean Average Temperature (oC) 1961 to 2001 28.5

28.1

28.0 27.5 27.0 26.5 26.0 25.5

25.4

25.0 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The temperature range of the province varies little, with the lowest at 25.4 in January and highest in August at 28.1; these are the averages recorded at the Catarman weather station. Many visitors during the drier periods suffer from the heat, which is boosted by the drying winds from the Southwest. During rainy times, the Northeast wind dominates, often bringing with it storms that can last for a week, or the occasional typhoon. Although recent typhoons have not created too much damage, many expect a major typhoon to rip through the province at any time, causing major damage and flooding. The graph below shows the incidences of storms, with most flash storms occurring during the drier periods of the year when humidity is at its lowest. Catarman Weather Station Average Thunder Storms 1961 to 1995 16 14

13.1

14.0

12

10.5

10.2

10 8

9.4 8.1

6

5.7 4.4

4 2

0.5

0 Jan.

0.4

Feb.

2.1

1.3

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The Environment 2

The pictures below show the typical landscape of the province, with heavily reefed coasts and low-lying land areas.

[Typical topography of Northern Samar]

The map above shows the areas where agriculture is restricted. It also shows the areas where severe soil erosion has occurred and still occurs; this erosion has led to severely silted rivers, and has reached and destroyed many of the reef areas. The iron oxides washed down from the upland areas interact with the calcite nature of the corals and kills them. The BFAR regional director is now lobbying for soil erosion defence projects in the upland areas, to reduce the problems caused to the coastline. Many of the rivers can no longer be navigated easily, except by the very shallow boats that can only be partially laden with goods or passengers. In many places, during most of the year, less than 300mm of water is in the rivers, with very narrow channels that only the small boats can navigate. During the periods of heavy rain, many parts of the rivers become raging white waters that are unnavigable, often leaving upland barangays isolated for days. With tracks that only carabao or horses can manage, upland barangay life grinds to a halt. The Environment 3

The main potable and irrigation groundwater sources of the province lie in the delta and coastal areas, with the map above showing the sources above and below the 20-metre ground level. The following map shows the main rivers feeding the groundwater sources.

In the upland areas, householders rely on the many springs for potable water, although many are now polluted. The municipal areas marked have limited supplies of potable water, and suffer the health consequences related to this.

The Environment 4

The official agricultural land area is depicted on the following map, which also shows the official forested area. Although parts of Lope de Vega, Mondragon, Silvino Lobos and Las Navas have parts of their interior included in the ‘Samar Island Nature Park’ [Depicted by the blue line on the map below], the province of Northern Samar has very limited protected forests. The lack of protection may account for the rapid decrease in the forested area at a rate of 7.9% per annum [DENR figures].

The map above is of the Samar Island Bio-diversity Project and shows the physical resources as of 2004. It shows the low level of forest cover in the province and the need to reforest the main watershed and upland areas. The following map shows the general areas of main agricultural production, showing the main irrigated rice production areas in the central coastal and riverine parts of the province. It should be noted that the island of Capul also has a small irrigated rice area.

The Environment 5

In fact, most agricultural production is opportunistic, except for those in the riverine areas. Many parts of the upland lands are utilised for agricultural production, causing the breakdown in the environmental balance of these areas, leading to further erosion, land slides and river and inshore marine pollution. Many ordinances exist to reduce the riverside agricultural production of corn and vegetables, but these are generally ignored and riverbank erosion continues to be a major problem.

With all the efforts to take advantage of income generation opportunities, it is the environment that may bear the consequences, as the farming and fishing industries must produce more if this province is to have a reasonable chance of becoming self-sufficient. The Environment 6

From 1990 to 2002 an extra 27,339 hectares of land came into agricultural use [an average of 2,278 hectares every year]. Using this average, by 2010, a further 18,226 hectares will have been converted to agriculture, whether the land is suitable or not. It is probable that abaca and coconut production will take a major slice of this land; the production of other permanent crops will also likely increase. Most suitable land for temporary crop production is already accounted for, although it is expected that new land will be used once or twice for temporary cropping, before shifting to permanent crops. These steady encroachments onto non-agricultural land will create more fertility decline and greater soil erosion, as the land available is sloping. Yet, there seems to be thousands of hectares lying idle, where landowners have stopped investing their money in agriculture. These abandoned hectares have mostly been ‘farmed out’, with soils now too acid to grow rice. Rice seems to be more of a ‘cultural’ crop than a serious agricultural crop, except in the main delta areas. 6,000 5,000

5,684

1960-2003 Northern Samar Area Private Forested - Hectares

4,000 2,983

3,000 2,000

2,477

1,000

625

0 1960

1971

1980

1991

179 2002

The graph above shows the Department of Agriculture’s figures regarding the rapid decline of private forested areas. The following graph shows the DENR census figures on the overall decline of the natural forest of the province, showing an alarming annual decline of 7.9%. Eastern Samar registers a little over 2% decline per annum; it is there that the risk to the ‘Samar Island Nature Park’ is greatest because of the rich mineral resources. The SIBP figure for forested lands differs from the ‘official’ provincial figure. The SIBP figure refers to the Samar Island Nature Park protected forest within the province.

The Environment 7

36000 34000 32000 30000 28000 26000 24000 22000 20000 18000 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0

34100

Northern Samar Forest decline at 7.9% per annum

17654

3135

Y1996

Y2004

Y2025

401

51

7

1

Y2050

Y2075

Y2100

Y2118

Illegal logging in Northern Samar is rife and DENR has done little to reduce this problem. Much of the illegally gotten timber is planed smooth before being transported through the national highways, making it difficult to determine its legality. As the graph above shows, by the year 2118, it is projected that there will be just one hectare of forest left, making Northern Samar a barren wasteland similar to the ‘Red Mountain’ in Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur in Mindanao. With the interest of the San Jose logging company to renew its logging licence within the Natural Park in Samar Island comes the greatest threat to the environment in many years. The Supreme Court waived the ban on this company so it is now up to the municipalities to grant or refuse logging licences. Together with the proposed mining, continued logging may spell the death knell on one of the few remaining pristine forested areas in the Philippines.

Millions 16

1960-2002 Northern Samar Coconut Trees Planted

14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 1960

1971

1980

1991

2002

The graph above shows that between 1991 and 2002, an extra 39,535 hectares of The Environment 8

coconut land were planted in the province. Although this is a smaller increase than in previous decades, the land for this can only have come from the environmental land reserves. Likewise, the intensive planting of abaca will increase as farmers and landowners see the value of this crop, further threatening the conversion of more of the environmental reserve. It is true that, by default, most abaca is grown organically, with little fertiliser or chemicals used to contaminate the soil. Thus, it is mostly the secondary forests that will suffer. Should entrepreneurs ever decide to industrialise abaca production, which is entirely possible, it is then that major concerns may arise regarding environmental damage. Whether or not compromises can be reached, that would both benefit the abaca industry and the environment, would have to be seen. It is perfectly possible to formulate an acceptable compromise that would allow the much needed development of the abaca industry. It is not only the land based environment that suffers; as the pressure to create more income increases, more and more enterprising individuals and groups take advantage of the marine resources. As a result, fish catches have been reduced by approximately 50% over the last ten years [fisher folks’ estimate], and marginal species are being lost to dynamite fishing. As can be seen from the map below, the islands that stretch along the Northern coast are built on reefs that are the major habitat and spawning areas of the fish. Although there are seasonal migratory fish, the main fishing depends on the small but resident fish, and it is these that are at risk of further depletion. The two prime areas, as outlined on the map, are major spawning areas and very much at risk; they are already suffering from over-fishing. Without these two areas, there will be no steady fishing industry in the province, only seasonal and casual fishing of migrating fish.

The Environment 9

To the west lie other islands and these are the Naranjo Islands as shown in the following map.

The Naranjo Islands lie north of San Vicente Island and southwest of Capul Island, and consist of six small islands as shown.

The slow decline of the marine environment is caused by illegal crablet harvesting, illegal fishing activities, and damage to the mangrove areas. The following pictures show this decline in Rosario, which has large areas already lost, with little successful replacement.

The Environment 10

The eastern seaboard area, being open to the Pacific Ocean’s occasional violence, has little to offer as sanctuary to marine species. It is the areas of Biri, Lavezares and Rosario and Pambujan, Laoang and Palapag that harbour the spawning grounds for the province. Overall, both the land-based and marine environmental sectors are at increasing risk, and the pressure to grow food and provide incomes can only increase these risks. As there are no financial or other resources to protect the ‘at risk’ areas and species, only with the environmental education of the teachers and children will it be possible, in the long-term, to arrest the environmental decline. Geophysical Hazards: As with most of the Philippines, the province has its fault lines and disaster-prone areas. The Provincial Government has recently installed a ‘Provincial Disaster Management Office’ to aid disaster planning and management response. The following map shows the province’s share of the hazard areas.

The Environment 11

The flood prone areas are of particular concern, as Catarman, San Roque, Pambujan and Laoang are highly populated areas. The province, as surveyed by GTZ, has areas prone to land slides. These once heavily forested areas are covered with coconut that does little to protect the soil against saturation and consequential slides.

The Environment 12

Of particular concern is the coastal area of San Isidro, where steep hillsides, laden with rocks, are a threat to the national highway. In this province where the incidences of poverty are very high, many lowincome families practice the age-old income generating activity of rock breaking. Authorities class these activities as ‘illegal’, although no attempts have been made to introduce alternative sources of incomes for these families.

Municipality of San Isidro

The extract below from the GTZ Geological hazard map shows that San Isidro is very prone to land slides.

The Environment 13

The provincial government has shown great concern regarding this area and are exploring the potential responses to the problem.

Bobon

Lapinig

The shaded areas on the map above, coastal areas from Bobon through to Lapinig, indicate the tsunami-prone areas. The following map shows the area of land below 100 metres (Red outline). Unfortunately, no map is available that shows the land area below 50 metres. The blue coloured area is the area where large underground water resources are found.

The Environment 14

The Agencies As with many other provinces, Northern Samar is host to a collection of development and donor agencies, with stated intents to assist the province to develop its governance and livelihoods.

Many of municipal local government units [LGUs] and the home-grown local and national development agencies in the province are concerned with planning and appraisals in the barangays. Municipal activities appear to be concentrated in the barangays that have paved roads leading to them. There is generally a lack of coordination with the provincial authority. Many organisations lack the proper accreditation and seem to have little interest to cooperate with the provincial government. Some NGO ‘executives’ are part timers, primarily employed at the provincial and municipal government offices or the university. This poses questions regarding the independence of NGOs from government. A strong group culture within the barangays can make it difficult for NGO staff members to build trust and integrate. They are perceived as outsiders who know little of the real inner workings of the barangay. The most successful development projects have shown that NGOs that employ people from the communities are most successful; this can only be because they become known and part of the group, minimising the ‘gap’ between implementers and beneficiaries. Advocacy and capacity building are carried out by outsiders, enforcing a hierarchical system and maintaining a dependence on external organisations. This does little to enhance the independence of the barangay groups and certainly provides little in the way of empowerment. In an area with 85% dependence on the environment for its livelihood, with no manufacturing capability and with a very limited processing capability, it seems strange that some agencies, including the provincial departments, have chosen to concentrate on eco-tourism. Many thousands of Pesos are spent on planning meetings and it is probable that there are more meetings than there are tourists. The The Agencies 1

province is not an area with notable ecological sites, with few small waterfalls or other attractions that have little significance compared to other destinations in the wider Philippines. Many of the non-government agencies have credit schemes providing loans to groups or individuals, and yet there exists no savings schemes to back up the credit facilities. Bangladesh learned many years ago, that prior to giving credit facilities, beneficiaries should undergo a period of voluntary savings, before being considered worthy of credit. This installed a money management mentality in the households, which made it easier for the lending agency to gather the repayments and pass these on to other beneficiaries. In a community that is heavily dependent on credit, be it at the local mini store, agricultural trader or bank, some non-government agencies seek to install their own systems and compete with the commercial sector for their customer base. With the coming of another ‘rural’ bank in the area, the indebtedness of the low-income households is liable to increase. The recent intervention of the Australian funded Philippines/Australian Community Assistance Programme [PACAP] is by far one of the better development projects to reach the province in many years. In co-operation with the provincial government, PACAP is assisting the local agencies to identify some of the development issues areas where responsive projects could be most beneficial. However, PACAP’s decision to ignore the areas under the HCAAP scheme (Help for Catubig Agricultural Assistance Project) takes away much needed humanitarian based development assistance to low-income households reliant on copra. Within six months of signing a Memorandum of Agreement [MoA] [1st April 2005] with the provincial government, PACAP has received FOCAS project proposals for consideration; this demonstrates the professional approach to development taken by AusAID. PACAP’s FOCAS projects cover coconut production and processing, mud crab farming, Pili nut production and processing, potable water and solid waste management. PACAP has a Project Officer installed at the provincial capitol, giving reasonable access to consultation to all.

Coconut FOCAS: Both Catubig and Las Navas come under the HCAAP project and have been excluded from the PACAP coconut FOCAS. The HCAAP project deals mostly with the delta areas, concentrating on temporary agricultural crop production; vast areas of coconut land are not included in HCAAP. It is well known that the coconut areas of Catubig are in desperate need of assistance with a high rate [27.64%] of malnourishment in pre-school children, 4.66% infant mortality, 60.47% at risk pregnancies and 6.70% low birth weights. Catubig is the 5th largest producer of coconuts (2001) and 7th in tonnage produced per hectare of coconut trees.

The Agencies 2

Overall, the province’s coconut plantation is in decline, with only 60 trees growing per hectare against a standard rate of 100 per hectare. Of these 60 trees, only 46 are productive and it is paramount that this province implements a coconut plantation rehabilitation programme. The increasingly popular production of ‘Virgin’ coconut oil has come to the province and is the latest fashionable project to be involved with. Carica, the national flag carrier of some herbal products is assisting some areas to set up virgin coconut oil projects, even investing in equipment and training for interested groups. Other than this, some NGOs are encouraging householders to take up part time production, but and this is already giving rise to several problems. The householders are producing small amounts of virgin oil of questionable quality and yet expect a purchaser to pay retail prices similar to branded products. PACAP would be well advised to engage a wholesale buyer that would re-process and filter the householder’s small amounts of virgin oil and barrel these for delivery to the branded processors. Virgin coconut oil is expensive and attempts have been made to sell the oil locally. But vendors very quickly saw the market flooded with poor quality oil despite the lack of purchasers. It seems that producers have gone for the quick profit and spoiled the market, instead of aiming for the international market that has higher demand. Because household producers have no access to the international market, the development agencies should take the role of ensuring that the oil is suitable for sale to this market. Without some professional intervention, virgin coconut oil production will fade out and the potential will be lost. We will then have the sari-sari store syndrome, where one starts and very soon a street is lined with sari-sari stores, none of which are making a profit. Mud Crab FOCAS: For many years, Northern Samar has been the prime source of mud crab, which commands high prices in the metropolitan areas. However, small crablets have been The Agencies 3

systematically and illegally harvested for transporting to Manila for fattening there. There are various estimates of the financial and ecological losses to the mud crab areas, and these losses are probably worth more than P50 million per annum. Their retail value, when fattened, could exceed P2.5 billion and the province has missed out on this potential. With co-ordination of municipal ordinances to reduce the illegal harvesting of crablets and to implement effective crab farming systems, the province may at last start to financially benefit from this industry, bringing much needed income to the municipalities involved. Provision of alternative sources of income must, however, be given to the out-of-school youth who were involved in illegal crablet harvesting.

Pili FOCAS: PACAP’s pili FOCAS management committee has taken the opportunity to further enhance the production and processing capabilities of Allen and Lavezares but have failed to include the eastern section of the province, which has large assets of wild Pili resources and is in dire need of development.

The Agencies 4

With the completion of the highway bridge that connects Laoang to Palapag, the municipalities of Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay and Lapinig will demand to be included in any and all potential income generation opportunities, as well as ask for greater access to the markets for their produce. PACAP would be well advised to set aside a small amount of their considerable development budget for Pili development in these municipalities. Above all, there is need to assure the quality of the processed nut as there have been cases of food poisoning from processed candy and other Pili products sold by street and airport vendors. Quality control is essential, and transgressors should consistently punished by the provincial health and safety office. The Pili project may be small by comparison to other FOCAS projects, yet its potential for generating extra income and for the rehabilitation of the province’s watershed areas cannot be overlooked.

Potable Water FOCAS: The wise choice of the FOCAS Management Committee to support potable water projects could and should reduce the supply lack in the municipalities of Biri, Capul, San Vicente, San Antonio, San Isidro, Victoria, Mondragon, San Roque, Gamay and Silvino Lobos. It is hoped that Allen, with its worsening potable water supply problem in the poblacion and market area, will also benefit from PACAP’s potable water project. Although there are World Health Organisation [WHO] regulations about the sources of potable water, few know these and fewer implement the regulation of keeping domicile 50 metres away from potable water sources.

The Agencies 5

The table below shows the areas with the worst potable water problems [2004]: Without Potable water source

2004

San Roque

73.96%

24

Las Navas

25.78% Excluded from PACAP

23

Lavezares

24.50%

22

Laoang

24.36%

21

Palapag

22.60%

20

Gamay

21.69%

19

Allen

21.67%

18

San Jose

19.33%

17

Silvino Lobos

17.78%

16

Capul

17.76%

15

San Vicente

17.55%

14

San Antonio

15.68%

13

Mapanas

14.90%

12

Mondragon

14.42%

11

Catarman

13.67%

10

Victoria

13.61%

9

Pambujan

12.07%

8

Bobon

11.45%

7

Rosario

11.37%

6

Lapinig

6.29%

5

Lope de Vega

5.42%

4

San Isidro

4.62%

3

Biri

3.53%

2

2.12% Excluded from PACAP

1

Catubig

The table above contain the official statistics provided to the provincial government.

The Agencies 6

As can be seen from the potable water ranking table, PACAP’s FOCAS project includes some municipalities with minor potable water problems and excludes other with worthy claims for assistance.

Solid Waste Management FOCAS:

If ever there is ever a need for a solid waste management project; that of the province of Northern Samar certainly should have been considered many years ago. In the municipality of Mondragon especially, garbage is discarded in many places, despite the municipality having a garbage truck and a dumpsite. Thankfully, the municipal dumpsite of Catarman has been partially closed after many years of polluting a river. The provincial government has ‘gone the extra mile’ to provide a new dumpsite for this municipality’s garbage. Of utmost importance to promoting change for this PACAP FOCAS project is the need to engage in mass promotion of household and barangay cleanliness, and proper garage disposal [and recycling]. The proliferation of garbage pickers and scavengers around the barangays tells a story of poverty and lack of employment. With the Chinese demanding an increasing amount of scrap metal and the world market price rising alarmingly, the pickers have attempted to make a profit from this enterprise. If it has achieved nothing else, this activity has cleared many barangays and households of scrap metal, as householders now save these to make a few Pesos from the scavengers. The recent appearance of AusAID’s ‘STRIVE’ programme, which aims to provide education projects, as well as assistance to ‘out of school youth’, gives the province a boost since these lead to gainful employment of the beneficiaries. Above all, it is The Agencies 7

the ability to obtain gainful employment that is crucial to the development of this province. Whether or not those that benefit from the 'STRIVE' programme remain in the province should be of little concern. In Malawi, Africa, the employment situation of the youth became a major problem and this was partially solved by two means. [a] Reducing government assistance to students who take up ‘art’ degree courses in college and university, and encouraging greater involvement in science based degree courses, and [b], assisting government and private agencies to put up vocational training establishments that cater to the youth to learn useful life skills and trades. In some way, the Philippines also requires training in trades and skills, however mundane they seem to be. Even to cater to an expanding population, the country needs skills that can serve the nation. Within the province of Northern Samar, there may not be the opportunity for all to gain work, yet opportunities do exist outside of the province and there is no reason why the province cannot be a supplier of these skills. TESDA and other similar agencies do not have the resources to be able to expand to meet the needs of the youth; support for vocational skills training is by far the most important addition that could be made to the province’s ability to succeed. Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF): The Peace and Equity Foundation has recently become active in the province, with ‘partner’ meetings designed to promote development projects within the province. As an umbrella agency, their use of local NGOs to ascertain and manage programmes and projects has sound basis. PLAN Philippines: Part of PLAN International, PLAN Philippines opened for business here in early 2005, after studying potential target areas. They have elected to concentrate their efforts on Lope de Vega, followed by Catarman. Their child-focused programme encompasses every aspect of development. The rural barangays of Lope de Vega and Catarman are much in need of development projects, as they have been ignored for many years. With the paving of the road from Catarman through Lope de Vega, it is hoped that the transportation of produce will become easier and that family incomes will improve. PLAN’s additional development project will greatly benefit this municipality. Mayor Cinco has worked very hard to gain development opportunities for her municipality. It is hoped that eventually, PLAN will spread its projects further across the province.

The Agencies 8

Tourism At first glance, one may be forgiven for asking, “What Tourism?” as it would seem that the few old churches, lighthouses, waterfalls, rock formations and beaches can hardly be described as national or international tourist sites. Yet the province spends thousands of Pesos chasing the dream of a province inundated with high spending tourists, when even the local affluent go outside of the province for their holidays.

[Biri rock formation] Three 50 minute flights from Manila by Asian Spirit arrive in the province during a normal week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Although a few hotels and beach resorts can offer adequate accommodation to tourist, the very small potential of the tourist industry makes it pointless to invest in the promotion of the area as a tourist destination.

Tourism 1

[Capul church of which the original terra cotta floor tiles and marble still exists] Although there are some beautiful sites and old buildings to be found in the province, it cannot hope to compete with areas that are easier to access and also easier to travel around in. The province is better suited to the ‘backpackers’ who can rough it on low budgets. It may be a novel idea to promote hardship tourism and challenge groups to traverse the province to carry out worthy projects. Following this line of thought, the province is an ideal place for scouting activities. Of the few ancient churches, the church on Capul Island is worth visiting, but it is mainly the rock formations of Biri and Palapag that are of interest. The many waterfalls, ranging from 30 metres to 10 metres are often difficult to get to and have few facilities for tourists.

Tourism 2

Bobon has a secluded waterfall of about thirty metres that has carved a small cave at its base. It has a shallow pool of ‘ice cold’ water that spreads fifteen or so metres at the foot of the waterfall. It is an idyllic spot set amongst rock pools, evergreen forest plants and pristine trees. However, getting there involves being dropped off at the nearest barangay, from where one has to go on foot through muddied tracks and rice fields for one hour.

There are other worthy sites, but large amounts of investment would be required to improve access and provide facilities, and the prospects of earning enough to offset the capital outlay are dim. Those who wish to visit these sites should be prepared to tolerate the minor hardships that they would encounter.

Tourism 3

Security As with the other provinces in the Philippines, very little is known about the ‘true’ status of the security issues within Northern Samar. No foreigner can truly determine the situation as local knowledge and feeling is required for an accurate assessment.

Very little is known about the existing rebel groups and the numbers that give them open support. Less is known about those that give tacit support. Occasionally, reports are heard of the NPA terminating the life of someone, or being involved in supporting barangay members that are in disagreement with a municipal government. It may be that these ‘terminations’ are carried out on behalf of people that have appealed to the NPA for justice, and summary sentences are carried out in support of a complaint. However, the exact truth is never determined. Rumour often spreads far and wide, about one aggressive act or another, only to be forgotten within days. Occasionally slogans, denouncing the national government or the president, are daubed or re-daubed on walls in prominent places. It is also not unusual to see slogans daubed by the pro-government voices. No one should ever discount the presence and impact of these rebels in this province, regardless of whether or not they command only a minority of support. They are here and growing in number, although insufficient to take any major offensive. They use the issue of poverty and the present [and worsening] economic situation of the province to recruit members and supporters. They seem to be encamped in the eastern side of the province, with direct links to rebels in Eastern Samar. It is said, however, that their relationships with the groups in Western Samar are not cordial. Far more influential to the progression of the province is the local politics that dominates nearly every facet of life. The rebels only have control over some areas, although it is rumoured that nobody gets elected without their support. This rumour Security 1

is probably exaggerated, although towards the eastern side of the province, their influence is probably more substantial.

Yet, the presence of rebels is not the main concern of a conservative province that is generally Liberal by inclination. Leanings range from adoration for Marcos and Estrada, to those that give tacit support for the present stewards of the national government. The two municipalities of Rosario and Mondragon are dominated by internal political fighting, thus restricting development in these municipalities. It is said that ‘gangs’ dominate Bobon, whatever they are perceived to be. Silvino Lobos is so remote that few are aware of the happenings there.

However, some of the rebel groups have stated that they would welcome development projects for the people. What they do not welcome, is the permanent presence of an NGO or of provincial extension workers. If there is ever to be any co-operation or co-ordination with these groups, compromises must be made to leave aside political issues and concentrate on humanitarian issues, which are by themselves great. Although useful detail from the remote areas is often scarce, it is plain that these remote areas suffer some of the worst poverty and health issues that need addressing. As already stated, the rebels feed off poverty, and alleviating poverty will greatly contribute to a peaceful resolution. Also, unhealthy supporters are a burden, whichever side one is on. There are also underlying human rights issues here. Every government office is dominated by national politics, but probably no more than any other province. This is restrictive of genuine development, since sights are limited to the next election as the target.

Security 2

Some of the forward looking mayors have learned to live in a tenuous stand-off with rebel groups, turning an occasional ‘blind eye’ to rebel activities in order to peacefully be able to implement some development projects and allow some progress. It is often the personal strength of individual mayors that shows through municipal achievements.

Security 3

E-VAT and Agriculture In November 2005, the national government extended the Value Added Tax [VAT] to cover many items that had been exempt in the past. Foods items were included for the first time. The VAT level of 10% in 2005 was expanded to 12% starting January 2006. Great concern has been voiced about the additional burden this will place on low-income families.

At that time [November 2005], the international crude oil market experienced a dizzying round of price increases that affected every facet of life, including access to the most basic food items. During the last quarter of 2005, fuel prices escalated by 18% and, with E-VAT implementation, translated into a 19.8% increase on the price of all transported goods within a short period of time. By December, the fuel price increase settled back to 14.3% above the August price, although the international business papers predicted that the fuel prices would again rise. With 10%, and then 12%, added on to many non-food items as direct E-VAT, the burden on the low-income families would be greater than many of the government documents stated. With the need to transport many of these goods either around or to the province, there may be an overall increase of some 8%. Northern Samar has been affected more than many other areas, as its remoteness entails high transport costs of the 65% of fresh produce it ‘imports’ and nearly 100% of other commodities and goods. Northern Samar enters into its ‘typhoon season’ in November, with heavy rain and storms; this reduces work opportunities for many of the low-income families. Agriculture, fishing, construction and other weather dependent livelihoods are affected. The typhoon season also restricts the ships that can bring in the produce, either directly to Allen and Laoang, or indirectly via truck from the port in Tacloban, Leyte. There has been and probably will remain some confusion regarding which agricultural products are to be subjected to this extra tax, as the guidelines do not clarify many points, doubtless leaving individual BIR offices to interpret as best they can. To quote one of the guidelines’ documents, “Briefer on VAT Reform Law”, “nonfood agricultural products” are to be included. This term may have been left vague E-VAT and Agriculture 1

deliberately, and legal challenges may have to be raised before any clarification is made.

This document states, [page 4] “Among these exempt commodities are; agricultural and marine products in their original state such as vegetables, meat, fish, fruit, eggs and rice. These goods remain exempt from VAT even if they had undergone simple processes of preparation or preservation for the market (such as freezing, drying, salting, broiling, roasting, smoking or stripping). Prior to any implementation, the term “simple processes of preparation or preservation” should be subject to question. The document “Reformed Value Added Tax [R.A. 9337] Primer” makes it clear that copra is exempt, but coco-coir and shell, as non-food crops, are to be taxed once processed into mats or charcoal. “The milling of palay into rice, corn into grits and sugar cane into raw sugar” are not subject to E-VAT, although the cost of milling will rise because mills are either electrically or liquid fuel driven. Thus the cost of power will carry an extra 10/12%. However, there is no statement regarding the wheat or corn used to make confectionary and bread and this should be clarified. Wheat and corn would pass through a “simple process of preparation” to remove the outer hulls, before being subjected to a secondary process to turn these into flour for baking.

Coconut: For the coconut industry, which has great importance to Northern Samar, the E-VAT will be significant. Once picked, the coconut is split and the nut removed. After this, the nut is split and the flesh removed and the ‘simple process” of drying takes place. This then becomes ‘copra’ which is exempted from E-VAT. After drying, the copra is transported to the processors, from which it emerges as coconut oil and becomes subject to E-VAT. The transportation is also subject to E-VAT. The process leaves the coconut shell and outer casing to be, where required, processed into coco-coir or charcoal. There is no definition in the documentation for burning the coconut shell to make charcoal. It would be open to debate whether or not E-VAT should be charged once the charcoal is entered into the market for sale to the general public, although the same documentation states that ‘coal, natural gas and other indigenous fuels” are subject to E-VAT. Furthermore, coconut lumber is now subject to E-VAT, whether it will be used as fuelwood or for construction. E-VAT and Agriculture 2

Abaca: Abaca falls squarely under the ‘non-food’ category and it may be debatable at what stage it becomes liable to E-VAT. Having cut the abaca stems, the abaca farmers’ strip and dry the raw abaca into dried fibre and bundle this for delivery to or collection by the abaca traders. From the hands of the traders, the abaca bundles will be transported to the pulp processors, some of which will in turn be exported. Raw or partially processed materials for export are exempt from EVAT, IF the processor exports more than 70% of its materials.

The RA Briefer [page 15] states that the “Sale of raw material or packaging materials to export orientated enterprise whose export sales exceed seventy percent (70%) of total annual production”, are zero rated transactions for E-VAT. There may be a rebound from the E-VAT and extra fuel costs for the abaca farmers. It is very unlikely that the processors will pay the traders more to cover the extra costs of transport. In order to maintain their profit level, the traders may force the abaca farmers to accept less for the raw dried material. It may only be the high international demand for abaca pulp that maintains or increases the value of the pulp, thus keeping market prices high at the producers’ end of the chain. Yet, the traders are sure to take every advantage that they can to keep the prices from rising, and the low-income families reliant on abaca production may have to bear this burden. Should the provincial government manage to collect their additional levy of P0.25 [25 Centavos] per kilogram of dried fibre from the traders, the traders in turn will naturally seek to recover this. To the provincial government, a ten tonne truckload of dried abaca fibre has a value of P2500 and the many truckloads that pass along the provincial highway may have an annual value to the provincial government of some P5 million and more, according to FIDA estimates. However, without a weighbridge, the provincial government may have some difficulty in collecting this levy. The E-VAT of 12% of sales from the traders, estimated to be some 32,000 tonnes per annum [and growing] at an average of P25 per kilogram, amounts to a considerable P96 million per annum for the national government. In total, the local abaca industry may find itself with an annual tax bill of some P100 million, plus an additional 12% on the fuel used to transport this valuable material out of the province. Perhaps the provincial government can alleviate some of the tax burden, on the condition that a processing plant is established in the province.

E-VAT and Agriculture 3

Entertainment of the Masses: Those who engage in or follow the ‘sport’ of cock fighting will find that the costs of feeds and the various veterinary concoctions are now subject to E-VAT. Many low-income families have gamecocks, not only for sporting purposes, but on the chance that they will win a pot of money that can help feed the family. The imposition of E-VAT will not deter the aficionados of this sport, although the specialist feed makers will now have to add E-VAT to the price of their goods.

The Humble Dwelling Place and E-VAT: The RA 9337 Primer [page 12] also states that the previously exempted “Sale of non-food products, marine and forest products in their original state by the primary producer or the owner of the land where the same are produced” are now subject to E-VAT. This brings E-VAT additions to many forest products used by the low-income families.

The majority of humble dwellings of low-income barangay folk in Northern Samar, such as the ones above, are made from local materials, such as coco lumber, bamboo, nipa panels, woven bamboo panels, and rattan. These are classified as construction materials and are now subject to E-VAT.

Travel: During the period August through December 2005, the cost of fuels rose by 12%, peaking at 17.8% in November. Predictions from DTI and service station proprietors state that further rises would be inevitable during 2006. Some think that the national government’s reduction of excise tax on fuel would have little effect on prices ‘at the pumps’, as the suppliers have other high costs to contend with.

E-VAT and Agriculture 4

16%

14%

This Establishes August (0%) as the

14.91%

Point From Which the Percentage Increases Have Been Measured. 11.70%

12%

10%

7.34%

8%

6%

4%

2%

0.00% 0% Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

-2%

It is the higher costs of kerosene that will affect many householders, as kerosene is used for lighting. The rising costs of transport by jeepney will also place a burden on poor householders.

With the province dependent on diesel fuel for the importation of the 65% of fresh foods and nearly 100% of all other commodities, as well as for all domestic transport, prices are likely to escalate with the implementation of the E-VAT. The commodity monitoring set up by the author with the DTI and NSO showed a 9.36% increase in prices due to fuel price increases, prior to the introduction of the E-VAT. Prices in the fresh market showed an average rise of 4.25%, although some items showed rises of 20% or more. With fuel prices rising by 12% or more, other increases can be expected. In addition, the steeply rising cost of electricity, of 9.47% during the last year and 2.09% since August, will significantly influence the prices of all commodities, including the cost of milling. It can be safely assumed that the millers will raise their prices, leading to an increase in the price of the most basic of foods. The E-VAT and Agriculture 5

government documentation on E-VAT predicts an increase on rice of one Centavo (P0.01), or 0.05% per kilogram, an estimate that most observers believe is a gross underestimate. This prediction, it must be noted, used the 10% E-VAT as basis for calculations. The following is an extract from “Briefer on VAT Reform Law” and shows the expected increases on several fresh food commodities. Commodity: Rice Corn Milk fish Tilapia Cabbage Eggplant Chicken Pork

Price per kilo: Impact of R-VAT per kilo % Increase 20.76 20.77 0.05% 10.60 10.603 0.03% 83.01 83.05 0.04% 67.93 68.04 0.016% 24.01 24.01 0.00% 43.37 43.40 0.05% 97.33 97.41 0.09% 141.67 141.94 0.19% Price estimate at 10% VAT. Prices quoted above may vary depending on location and other factors.

E-VAT Exempted Transactions: The RA 9337 Primer [page 19] states that “Sale or importation of fertilisers, seeds, seedlings, and fingerlings, fish, prawns, livestock and poultry feeds, including ingredients, whether locally purchased or imported, used in the manufacture of finished feeds (except specialty feeds for race horses, fighting cocks, aquarium fish, zoo animals and other animals considered pets)” are E-VAT exempt. It should be remembered that VAT has been in the Philippines for some time and that the additional taxes are extensions or reforms to that VAT, from which many commodities remain exempt.

E-VAT and Agriculture 6

Summarising: Looking through many of the statistics shows that neither government nor nongovernment agencies have truly addressed the social problems in the remote municipalities; as a consequence many of these areas have serious health related and other social problems. Many of these problems are livelihoods related and in this seasons dominated province the low-income families have little chance of progressing and greater chances of regressing into greater poverty. As the economic situation declines, those in the marginal income sector may find themselves joining those lower down on the scale. To be fair, the autonomy of the various departments has failed the provincial government and also failed the community. Autonomy in a fully functioning democratic government system works because of the support and participation of the people. That the Philippines has yet a way to go before it achieves stability is accepted, but stability comes through the civil service departments, aswell as through the people. It is also clear that the few beautiful natural sites, a few old churches and lighthouses do not amount to tourist attractions, sufficient to warrant the amount of attention that has been given to the ‘tourist industry’ of the province. These are mere paper moons promoted by paper tigers and had there been a potential tourist industry in the province, commercial enterprise would have taken advantage of this, many years ago.

Of course there are nice beaches as there are thousands of nice beaches all over the Philippines and most are in provinces that are much easier to reach than this one. In many ways, the province of Northern Samar is suffering the consequences of the greed of the past and present businessmen that have and still are taking the best assets of the province, saying thank you for the vast profits that they make and invest these profits outside of the province. It is said that the profit from the province’s abaca goes to fund a national TV station and few here can receive this channel.

Summary

It is also said that the few rich people in the province are not Nortehanons’ and this seems to be true. There is a big presence of Chinese or Filipino-Chinese business people based mostly in Catarman that have, at a healthy profit, provided many of the commodity stores, gas stations and other goods outlets and without these, the province would be even further behind in commerce. However, profits are invested in Manila or other metropolitan areas, where many of these businessmen have families and other business interests. It could be asked why these businessmen and women have not reinvested their profits in the province and yet, it could also be asked, what is there to invest in? The province needs a stable electrical power generation system; it also needs the processing capability for local value adding of the raw materials. These are large investments that few individuals can afford and without a stable power supply, all are reluctant to invest. Will these businessmen and women also be expected to invest in the infrastructure that would help open up the trade areas of the inland or remote coastal municipalities? Of course not, this is not their role.

The map above shows the areas of Allen, Catarman and Laoang as the main ‘trading’ places, whilst the large outline shows the vast area that is underserved by infrastructure or commerce. The vast agricultural resources of Lapinig, Gamay, Mapanas, Palapag, Las Navas, Silvino Lobos, Lope de Vega and parts of other municipalities could be wasted, as the means of transport is limited, the cost is high and fresh farm produce often rots before it can reach the market. It is hoped that when the bridge that will connect the main highway from Laoang to Palapag is completed, it will allow and ‘open up’ the municipalities of Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay and Lapinig to transport their produce to the main marketing areas with ease. Their present dependence on water transportation is economically restrictive to their advancement. However, like many other projects, the essential bridge to connect Palapag is held up by politics, with the adjoining municipality of Laoang claiming that they have priority. These petty squabbles serve no one. Summary

The map above shows the small amount of paved highway that serves mostly the coastal municipalities together with Catubig. Recent investment will completely pave the road from Catarman through Lope de Vega, thus reducing the time taken to travel through to Catarman for the trucks from Catarman and Calbuyog.

The province’s river system extends from many of the remote areas and used more efficiently could act as the alternative highways. Investment in low cost means of river transport is much needed and the technology is available to support this. The very high cost of transporting food and non-food produce to the main centres is prohibitive and should low cost river transport become available, would create greater income in the areas where it is needed but would also open up these areas for commerce in consumable goods. Other than supplying the much-needed roads and bridges at phenomenal cost to serve these remote communities, a means of economical river carriage should be high amongst the development needs. There is also potential for increasing the generating of power from some of the water sources and even the tidal waters off the shore.

Summary

12.0 11.0

Catarman Weather Station Average Wind Speed (kph at 5m) - 1961 to 1994 11.0 10.4

10.0

9.8

9.0

8.7

8.6

8.0 7.0

6.7

6.0

6.6 5.8

6.6

6.0

6.6 5.9

5.0 Jan.

Feb.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

An experiment by the university to generate power with wind turbines may die a natural death, as weather statistics show that the average wind speed is 7.7 kilometres per hour, whereas an average speed of 12 kilometres per hour is required to maintain turbine activity. The typical wind speed for the average year is shown in the foregoing graph and shows that for 7 months of the year [April through October], the wind speed is very low indeed. Education: 2004

English Maths Science FilipinoHEKASI MESP

EPP

MPS

Northern Samar 58.53% 47.59% 56.29% 57.59% 54.84% 42.88% 66.56% % Below Av 11.69% 9.58% 4.46% 6.30% 5.33% 7.11% 2.26%

54.43% 8.00%

Amongst the many desperate needs of development is the education system to support the needs of the youth, who are underserved at this time. The achievement and diagnostic results for this province are the lowest in the region and once studied, it is not hard to determine why. Although TESDA have facilities and there are highschools that promote agriculture and industry, these are not enough and cannot hope to serve the growing number of youth seeking employment, in a province with one of the highest population expansion rate of the nation. The recent coming of the AusAID funded 'STRIVE' programme in education for five years, may start to change teaching abilities, yet it remains to be seen if the attitude of the teaching staff can also be changed. It is hoped that the ‘out of school youth’ can be encouraged to take up this opportunity for furthering their education, but greater pressure to earn income may restrict this. Often, they consider that their ‘street skills’ and knowledge are sufficient for their lives and see no need to attain further education. Should the opportunity arise to greatly expand vocational training opportunities, the out of school youth may well respond. They have attended the university of life, which suits them well, at this time.

Summary

Perhaps, it is worth accepting that with the very limited employment opportunities within the province there may not be guaranteed work for those that do pass through the vocational schools. There may be value in considering training these youth in livelihoods that would allow them to gain employment outside of the province and become an exporter of skills. Studies show that many of the teachers are not accredited, not having passed a board examination, although it is probably true that many schools are so desperate for staff, they hire those available, whether or not their abilities have been tested. As the STRIVE documentation shows, many teachers are expected to teach subjects that they have little knowledge of and this again, restricts advancement of the youth. The few private schools and colleges do not cater for the elite of the province; they cater for the few hopefuls with money from hard working parents. The children of the elite are educated in Manila or abroad, thus depriving the province of the educational challenge to perform. Many students passing through the province’s university colleges seem only to do so to obtain a certificate of completion, although the occasional brilliant mind, from an economically challenged family, rises above all. Many have questioned the direction in which the university appears to be going. There is investment in beautifying the campus and plans for a beach resort, yet the investment in scientific facilities falls behind the needs and senior provincial figures question the ability of the university to serve the needs of the province’s youth and education system. The university has even failed to keep the student’s toilet facilities open for more than a few days each week and yet beautifying projects abound. The university’s once leading role in agriculture has waned, with nursing, law and business studies holding the advantage, yet of all requirements, agricultural progress is much needed, backed by competent university courses.

Summary

Health: One of the reasons why those doctors that remain, do remain, is that they receive extra financial allowances from the provincial government to persuade them to stay. There is already a major shortage of doctors and nurses and hospitals are often without medicines and have very limited equipment with which to serve to populace. The pro-life stance by some of the senior physicians is reflected in the provincial stance regarding birth control, thus leaving the women with no freedom of choice. Region VIII has an average annual population expansion rate of 1.71323%, with the lowest Southern Leyte at 1.1282% and the highest, Northern Samar at 2.6972%. With an annual population expansion rate of 2.6972% the province of Northern Samar not only ranks as highest in the region, it is highest by 0.98397% [over the average] and this is a very large margin indeed and also one of the highest in the nation. For the present, ‘import based economy’ of the province, the population expansion rate cannot be sustained and considering that at the present rate, by 2026 the population of the province will reach one million [from nearly 600,000 in 2005], the demand for imported foods and commodities will have a ripple affect on every aspect of daily life. Where are the gender activists to support the women’s rights to determine the number and frequency of childbirths? With a high percentage of pre-school children malnourished and a growing percentage of elderly folk showing malnourishment problems and few government health projects to address these problems; this province, that depends on so few months of the year for its main income generation opportunities, may show increases in all health related problems.

Summary

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

105% 100% 95%

Work Opport unit y Trendline

90%

Northern Samar

85%

Low-Income Household

80%

Work Opportunity Monitoring

75% 70% 65%

This graph shows the average work opportunities for the low-income families and shows that there are only five months of the year, when full employment may be enjoyed. The remainder of the year is totally dependent on the weather. When this is related to market prices, as seen in the following graph, the seasonal ‘Spending Power’ ability shows that for half of the year, the low-income families suffer.

Jan

Feb

Mar

15%

Apr May Jun 7.99%

10% 5%

5.43%

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov Dec

3.34% 3.66% 3.00%

0% -5%

-3.42%

-10% -15% -20% -25% -22.10% -30% -35% -40%

-8.41%

-10.05%

Low-Income Households

-9.91% -17.57%

"Monthly Spending Power Index" -33.26%

This shows that from April through August the families can earn sufficient to meet their needs and have ‘disposable income’ available. However, from November through March economies in the household budgets have to be made and this is where the health related problems factor into the scene. NGOs with credit schemes would be well advised to factor in the seasonal ‘Spending Power’ index, as their credit repayment schemes may be responsible for increasing the seasonal impoverishment of the low-income families.

Summary

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

30% 26.53% 23.85%

25% 20%

Catarman 'Fresh' Market Monthly Price Fluctuations Over Average This uses the average price over 9 months February through October

15% 10% 5%

2.76%

1.82%

0.20%

2.15%

2.45%

1.68%

0% -0.30%

-5%

-3.43%

-2.16%

-2.41%

From monitoring of the ‘fresh’ market in Catarman, the graph above shows the general price fluctuations of a basket of 30 items, which are available all year round. Corresponding to the seasonal pattern of weather change, the prices in November, December and January increase at the time of lowest incomes and so, not only is spending power reduced, the fresh market goods are at their highest and this again links into health related problems. The provincial databases follow the monitoring of health related issues and by amalgamating these, it can be seen that certain municipalities have higher percentages of the basic health problems than others. For the purpose of depicting the maternal and child health problem ranking, a mapping system was used and this clearly shows the municipalities where mothers and children face higher health risks. Health Stress Ranking:

Summary

This map, depicting a combination of the 0 to 59 months malnourished, low birth weights, infant mortality, ‘At Risk’ pregnancies, maternal mortality and poor household sanitation and ranks the municipalities [worst 24] according to the combined statistics. This shows that Lapinig [24], San Isidro [23], Mondragon [22], San Jose [21] and Silvino Lobos [20] have the worst rankings. With the isolation of Lapinig and Silvino Lobos, some understanding is duly given, although all have health budgets that should address these known problems. There can be little sympathy for the municipal executives of San Isidro, Mondragon and San Jose as all are on the main transport routes with easy access to facilities and remedies. It may be that as is usually the case, the available 5% Gender and Development [GAD] budgets, are used for other purposes and it is not unusual to find that less than 0.25% has been utilised and savings made to be spent on the ‘sexy’ vote catching projects. Together with the worsening economic situation in the province, with more than 60% well below the poverty line, pitiable health support programmes only exacerbate the socio-economic decline of the majority of the populace and it could be assumed that in 2005 the situation is not ‘healthy’. Add in the declining economic situation regarding rising general inflation, fuel price increases and the implementation of E-VAT, a further assumption could be that the populace in the marginal sector, can only deteriorate, slowly sinking into the poverty trap and caught up in the seasonal ‘spending power’ rut that many others face daily.

Summary

The Map above shows the municipalities with the worst potable water supply problems and it can be seen that most are upland or remote municipalities. The main island poblacion area of land has good water resources although Laoang and Palapag potable water supply is often too saline for use. Surprisingly, Catubig with its vast water catchment area, should not suffer potable water problems, yet is the fourth worst. Part of any health related issue is the potable water service to small communities, especially those that nestle in the remote areas. Although these have many natural sources of water, usually nearby the barangays, the means of transferring the water to the communities are, if they exist, broken and have remained un-maintained for many years. Barangay folk complain of the lack of maintenance support given by the municipal executives and yet, it is the barangay folk that have failed to carry out, even the basic maintenance of usually simple water transfer systems. To lay total blame on the authorities is unjust, although they should ensure that systems are updated and ensure also that the barangays have the capability to carry out the maintenance required. Some barangay councils in Mindanao charge a small monthly fee to householders, to maintain their water systems and this should be adopted by the local barangays to improve and maintain this essential need. Sanitation & Potable Water:

Summary

The map above depicts the four municipalities that have the least household sanitation facilities and these clearly align with municipalities that have a potable water supply problem. The PACAP potable water FOCAS project addresses only two of the municipalities where potable water and sanitation problems occur.

From the provincial database, it was possible to gather information regarding the municipalities on health, education and other statistics and a ‘Ranking’ chart was made, showing the municipalities

Summary

All Data - Poverty Ranking 2004

0%

1%

2%

3%

4%

5%

6% 5.36%

SanIsidro 4.88% 4.82%

Lapinig

4.82% 4.76% 4.64% 4.58%

SilvinoLobos SanJose

4.49% Laoang

4.39%

Biri

4.33% 4.30%

Catarman

4.30% 4.21% 4.12% 4.09% 4.06%

Gamay

3.97% 3.88%

Victoria

3.85%

LopedeVega

3.52% 3.49% 3.46% 3.34%

Palapag SanVicente 2.32%

Summary

INDEX RANKING: San Antonio -17 San Vicente 8 San Roque 11 Lavezares 12 Palapag 12 Lope de Vega 20 Mapanas 21 Victoria 23 Allen 25 Gamay 26 Las Navas 27 Catarman 29 Biri 31 Bobon 31 Capul 32 Laoang 33 Catubig 35 San Jose 38 Pambujan 39 Silvino Lobos 42 Lapinig 43 Mondragon 43 Rosario 45 San Isidro 56

For those that have a preference for an index system of comparison, the table shows the ranking index for the municipalities [2004]. This index system uses the following issues: 0 to 11 months malnourished, 0 to 59 months malnourished’ Low birth weights, Infant mortality [under one year old], ‘At Risk’ pregnancies, Maternal mortality, Households without sanitation, Households without potable water [250 metres or more], Education non-completion rate, Elementary school dropout rate, Personal robbery rate, Household theft rate, and Population drift. The municipality with the highest ranking rate worst for this system and this shows that San Isidro commands an index 11 points higher than its nearest rival for worst place and this should be of most concern to provincial departments and genuine NGOs. The island of San Antonio seems to be the municipality that is not only best served by its municipal leaders, but also well served by a large margin of 25 points from its nearest rival, the island of San Vicente. It is very interesting that two islands top the list for best municipality and the

three municipalities with the worst statistics all are situated by the main coastal highway, with easy access to facilities, although San Isidro is situated well away from the provincial capitol. In health related issues, Lapinig and Silvino Lobos feature in the worst rankings and this appears to have been the case for many years. The Economics and Livelihoods: The quandary in this province is which livelihoods to develop or what alternatives there are, that could be developed. There are few skilled work opportunities and it worrying to see so many men standing idle in the barangays. With the strong requirement for coconut oil from copra and the increasing demand for abaca pulp it would seem reasonable to further invest finances and development time in these trusty enterprises. But these cannot satisfy the need to develop

Summary

livelihoods for the masses, including the need to develop the short-term cash income that is much needed to boost household income. Not only to boost incomes but to ensure that some of the extra costs incurred by E-VAT and fuel price increases are covered. Other than assistance to improve the spending power index, the low-income and now the marginal-income families are at risk from greater poverty. Will the municipal and provincial social services even attempt to respond to a provincial lowincome populations’ crisis, it seems unlikely? Will more children from low and marginal-income families that are already deprived of a decent education system, be dropping out? This is probable and already happening and not only due to poverty. Will the health services that are already losing their prime staff members and that have scant supplies of medicines available; be able to cope with those in dire need? This also seems unlikely. Man hours of paid work opportunity are the only immediate short-term answer to the province’s problems, whether these are natural resources based, infrastructure based, or community based. However, the 2006 IRA is unlikely to satisfy the existing spending needs of the provincial budgets and however humanitarian based the provincial executives motivations are, the budgets will just not stretch that far. Current estimates are that the province will receive P415.3 million for 2006 and at the present budget spending rate; this will be some P27 million short of the P442.5 million required. Of course, pruning of budgets will happen and some of the development projects that are intended to assist, such as Governor Daza’s “Food Security Project” or the “Galutan Housing Project” may be shelved. With the province ‘importing’ 65% of its basic foods and most provincial agricultural activities stagnant, there is a dire need to reduce this external dependence and also to rebuild the agricultural system as quickly as possible. Short-term agricultural benefits can be made, but only through a responsible NGO system that will pick up the pieces of the failed municipal and agricultural support system. Autonomy is independence and all strive for this, yet the autonomy of the civil service based agricultural sector has failed the people and should be amended. Some municipalities have shown improvements in vegetable production and this is to be applauded. More please. However, it may be time to pose the question, as to whether or not the province can be a major food producing area and accept that it is best suited for non-food production. Alternatives? In Northern Samar, other than radical ideas there are none, other than what already exists and these certainly need to further development, although the provincial ‘balance of payments’ and certain individuals would gain, few lowincome families would in the short-term. Soil-Mapping: Without ‘soil-mapping’1 to establish the base condition and fertility of the province’s soil structure, farmers, land-owners and agricultural development 1

Soil-mapping: The process of testing the fertility and condition of the soil, to be able to determine the areas where suitable crop production can be carried out.

Summary

agencies are working in the dark and the province’s agriculture will continue to decline. Rice: In most areas of the province the soils are no longer suitable for rice production, yet the ‘cultural’ demand for local rice pervades. That many are changing to alternative ‘permanent’ crops shows this loss of confidence. It is only in the delta areas that rice production can achieve expectations and it is these areas alone that should be supported with development projects. With average yields of 1.5 tonnes to the hectare, most farmers are making a loss, as it requires a yield of 2.5 tonnes to the hectare to be in profit. Corn: With average yields of corn being less than 500 kilograms to the hectare, this can only be a cultural or catch crop, as at these levels of production, corn is not worth growing and is certainly not profitable. Corn will tolerate the acid soil, but there are probably nutrients such as boron or phosphorous missing from the soil structure and without these minerals, corn does not thrive. The alternative crop of peanut should be further investigated, as much of the coastal area soil is suitable for this leguminous plant and the Filipino love of roasted and candied peanuts make this a good crop to consider. It is known that abaca production, even at its present rate can yield P21,000 per hectare per annum and competes well with rice production that yields P11,000 per hectare per annum, at its present rate. It therefore makes some sense to industrialise abaca production and use the increase in income to buy in the required food crops. Coconut: Further analysis has shown that the number of coconut trees per hectare stands at 60, whereas 100 trees per hectare is expected for successful productivity. This again shows the poor investment by the coconut plantation owners. By improving the local variety and cleaning out the 9.13% senile trees and improving the non-productive coconut tree percentage from its 14.4% to reduce this to 5.0% and plant up the large open spaces in the coconut groves. The PCA only wants to see the hybrid trees planted, whilst the owners and tenants will not tolerate these; somewhere there must be a compromise. Coconut production is probably only at 60.0% of what it could be and the non-productive trees reduce this by a further 15.0%, leaving only 46% of the coconut lands productive. Whether or not the local processing plant could deal with the extra production is not known, but they might be encouraged to increase capacity. Abaca: There is some confusion in the provincial abaca production information, with varying sources having different statistics. In depth analysis shows that in all probability, there are approximately 45 to 46 thousand hectares of abaca planted. The NSO statistics are probably Summary

nearest, with the local FIDA office not seeming to have much idea of the provincial abaca plantation. Whatever the true statistics are, it is clear that the potential of abaca planting is only at 50.0% and the production of abaca fibre is also only at 50.0% of potential. There is wide scope to improve both of these. However, low cost stripping machines are greatly needed to aid primary processing and greater ‘fair trading’ should also be high on the list. Most of all, it is the urgent need for the province to benefit by value adding, within its own borders, by having some ability to pulp and export its own product. At present estimation the value of the 35,000 tonnes of dried fibre that leaves the province is P875 million [assuming a low kilogram value of P25]. The traders and hauliers are those that profit and yet the industrialising of the province’s abaca industry and construction of a processing plant, could turn around the economics of this province. The levy that the provincial government wanted to charge the traders would have partly been used to assist much needed further development of the abaca industry, but is not to be, as FIDA have not allowed this. The rapid increase in diseases of abaca in other provinces is worrying and great effort is being made to keep these under control in this province. There is talk of genetically engineering the abaca strains to help eradicate the disease problems and this is much needed if the provinces abaca industry is to survive and prosper. Pili: The increased yet small number of people that would benefit from Pili production and processing still makes further development worthwhile; as part of a province wide watershed reforestation programme [with other tree species] there would be many rewards. It was this VSO volunteer that pointed out the potential problems of the Pili industry to Governor Daza, as it had become a fashionable ‘project’ for many and was likely to be overrun by opportunists. Governor Daza immediately implemented a ‘Provincial Pili Development Council’ to monitor and control the development. Since that time, PACAP have joined the drive to promote and improve the Pili industry and it is hoped that this will show province wide benefits. Cattle: The ideal grazing for the ‘Brahman’ type of cattle makes this province a model area for livestock keeping. Course grazing it may be, but with the crop residues available and rearing systems already existing that would hasten production, this province could become a major producer of quality meat, to supply the metropolitan areas with quality meat on a regular basis. The average yearly increase 3.9% in cattle numbers shows that there is support from the farmers and this should be capitalised upon and cattle dispersals increased.

Summary

Goats: It is unfortunate that Nortehanons do not have the taste for goat meat, as this could be a cheaper source of protein and would make use of the many areas of grazing and forage that are available and unused. These little creatures mature and fatten quickly and are ideal for low income families. There is a large market for goats in Calbuyog and efforts could be made to service this market. Swine: As with many areas, the provincial swineherd has seen a rapid decline, not only in overall numbers, but also in the provinces breeding herd. It is true that the provincial economics do not support intensive swine rearing systems, yet the native / crossbred type, do very well here, mostly foraging for themselves with small amounts of inputs. Most of all, it is the provincial ‘breeding herd’ that must be rebuilt. The Marine Sector: Despite being a province with large expanses of coastal fishing and spawning areas, the province fails to provide sufficient table fish to feed the population and approximately 80.0% of the fish eaten is imported although there are seasonal fluctuations. Fishermen will state that their catch has reduced by 50% over the last decade and this rate is likely to increase. Worst of all, the brood fish are disappearing at an alarming rate and this does not bode well for the incomes or tables of the province. With the increasing interest in the farming of bangus fish comes a potential pollution problem, if allowed to expand unchecked. Added to this, some of the bangus farming project are financed by private or municipal money and there will be little gains for the low-income folk that require income improvement and the waste from these farms may pollute prime fishing or spawning areas. Add in the growing importance of abalone farming, the increasing interest in sea grasses and the local squid of which all are in good demand and highly exportable, the potential for the marine sector is not so bleak. Aquaculture of tilapia is increasing in the province with the support of BFAR and there is potential to increase this many fold. This also has suitable short-term yield potential. However, it is the fishermen in their small boats, which ply the inshore waters that are not only the cause of marine depletion, they are also part of the cure and this must be addressed. The Crab Industry: For many years, the illegal harvesting of undersized crablets, for transportation to Manila and other metro areas, has carried on unabated and this has cost the industry dearly. With encouragement, Governor Daza helped persuade BFAR and an NGO to form the ‘Provincial Mud Crab Summary

Development Council’ and they started to get the concerned municipalities together. With the arrival of PACAP, the focus switched to an integrated approach and it may well be that the days of the illegal harvesters are numbered and that the province may at last benefit by at least P50 million from the potential, each year. BFAR and NGOs need each other for this and sensible credit programmes installed to allow farming of these much sought after species. Savings: In the ‘cash [or black] economy’ of the province, where living is often hand to mouth and where cash savings, if any exist are very small, there is a need to install a ‘savings mentality’ amongst the low and marginal-income families. There is always a demand for credit for this or that project and in the past, NGOs have suffered heavy losses to their budgets and many have now stopped credit schemes. In poorer countries returns from credit schemes are reasonable good and this is because, prior to credit, potential beneficiaries have to show their ability to save regularly for many months, during which they undergo training for the project they wish credit for. There should also be realisation that paid work opportunity in the province is dominated by the weather system and there are several months of the year, when ‘work opportunity’ decreases, as would the ability to repay scheduled loans. Without including consideration for the work opportunity cycle, NGOs will always fail to recoup their credit outlay. Bangladesh, one of the poorest nations in the world and once described by Henry Kissenger as “The basket case of the world”, dependent on external handouts for many years, has very good credit systems for the low-income households. The NGOs BRAC, Grahman Bank and RDRS have very high rates of loan repayment, despite the floods and the droughts that affect the country. Their approach is holistic, includes savings schemes, progressive loans and training support and their credit outlays are in many millions of Dollars. RDRS, the smallest of these three large NGOs, had at one time $5 million available for loan dispersals and their recovery rate was at 97%. Anyone wishing to study loan systems for low income families would do to visit the main NGOs in Bangladesh and learn from them. From some of the potential development projects listed, it becomes clear that a level of municipal and provincial governance is required and this is where active NGOs could have an impact. There are enough NGOs that achieve little, except maybe at barangay level, what is required in these instances is a provincial approach that pulls together the administration and governance required and it is probable that the provincial government, PACAP and others may appreciate this special intervention. That privateer’s profit is fine; that the low-income families get left out [again] is not. The personalities within some of the existing NGOs in the province, make it hard for any level of co-operation and as some of the NGO executives have revolved around Summary

several of the NGOs, they mostly know each other’s business. NGOs will always compete for donors, areas or beneficiaries and this is usual. However, in this province, some NGO executives will not meet in the same room or speak to each other and there is an undertow of the Brotherhood of Masons that has an unhealthy influence. As one of the donor agencies is also staffed by ‘Bros’, biases are inbuilt and unhealthy also.

Points Arising: There is growing support amongst some international development and business ‘experts’ that the Philippines should be left to its own destructive devices and that it might, in the long term, be kinder to allow the Philippines to collapse, sooner rather than later. Given all of the facets of a ‘developing’ country and reflecting on most ‘modern’ democracies, is not the Philippines only going through the same stages that other countries have experienced, on their way to stability? Many countries have gone through the civil strife, the corruption, the politicking and the environmental destruction before emerging, albeit slowly, onto a more stable system of society, so why the fuss and pretence? Of greatest concern must be the decline in the education standards of the Philippines, with both the aptitude and the attitude of the teaching staff to be able to educate the next generations to be part of a stable society. More and more, the conclusion could be reached that we are letting down our youngsters and they will rightly, blame us for this neglect.

Adding ignorance to the cycle of poverty and lack of opportunity will only produce generations of discontented labourers. With the increasing pressure on incomes, caused mainly by the rise in the cost of living [fuels, E-VAT etc] and the increasing competition for any work, with more teaching staff [and other professionals] electing to seek posts in the Americas or Europe and it is likely that these countries will take the cream of the teaching staff. Many teachers also invest in small stores, hoping to create extra income and some neglect their school duties for their stores or other small businesses. Some university staff have opted to form NGOs to earn extra income and concentration of time is often centred on these. It is well and good if these wish to use their intelligence to aid the province, yet it is often personal income generation that is the motivation. Parents seem to be little concerned whether or not their children go to school at all and only those that have achieved some educational standard seem to see benefits of educating their own children. Looking at some of the colleges, it appears that the students are little more than numbers or labourers to further the career of the tutor. Some tutors do not have the legal right to teach, not having passed the board examination required, whilst others put greater priority on attending seminars, fiestas and social occasions rather than being in the classroom with their pupils.

Summary

In the barangays, it is often the mother that compels the children to school, seeking to give her children a better opportunity than she achieved, especially with their daughters. In a patriarchal society, it is the women that determine the future and it is mainly girls that are in secondary education. It is the working mother in the barangay that ensures the basic food on the table and who often finds the money for school expenses. However, this need to work is often at the cost of educating the older daughter, who has to stay at home to deputise for the mother and who often, becomes the surrogate mother or servant in her own household. The low cost food shortages will worsen, due both to a decline in agriculture and its ability to be able to produce enough for an expanding population, or the capacity of the soil to be able to produce, and also because of the rising cost of basic commodities such as crude oil. Add in the seasonal fluctuations in paid work availability and market prices rising when work opportunity it at its least, the household economical situation must decline, with its domino affect on health and other social issues. This province along with Eastern Samar suffers from a cyclical poverty dilemma every year during the months November through March, when weather related work opportunity declines and families face many shortages. Many fishing families go long periods without putting to sea and only those that have backyard alternatives get by unscathed. Construction and agricultural workers often suffer long periods without work, as construction sites and fields become waterlogged. It is becoming clearer that it is the cyclical work opportunity fluctuations that are a root cause of the low-income and marginal-income families failing to advance. These families spend seven months of the year recovering from the reduced work opportunities and only tread water. A seasonal ‘Food for Community Service’ programme may decrease the incidences of poverty and this has been recommended to the provincial executive.

Adding inadequate health and social services to ignorance, poor education services, a high population expansion rate and lack of opportunity for the low-income families will produce many generations of malnourished and unemployed casual labourers.

In Northern Samar, a province that relies heavily on the importation of basic foods and commodities, the cost of living and an increasing poverty situation may drive more people to the anti-government activists, yet they will never obtain the moral majority or numbers to take action. Yet, we already see the summary ‘justice’ carried out by the anti-government activists on behalf of citizens that cannot achieve alternative satisfaction. Add to this, the extra burden caused by the fuel price increases and the implementation of the E-VAT laws, the anti-government activists may find that their numbers swell and in October 2005, they already hold rallies to declare the onset of ‘The Revolution’. It may be wise not to underestimate the attraction of the low-

Summary

income earners to giving tacit support for a movement that may be seen to herald their cause. Respectively submitted

Summary

Lessons Learned: Having visited many communities in several countries of the world, I became more and more dissatisfied with the excessive formal structure used when conducting surveys and interviews and was often frustrated by the quality of the resulting information gathered and the gradual diminishing interest or fatigue of the survey enumerators. Also, I realised that in order to carry out similar and repetitive interviews, the enumerators also had to be able to enjoy the experiences. Having accompanied many government and NGO staff visiting communities for information gathering, I have always been shocked by the way in which the canvassers lead the questions, not allowing the community members time to evaluate their personal responses. This often seems to be a deliberate action, [a] to hasten the process and [b] to elicit the responses required. Time taken is wasted, time

given is productive. Too often surveys become a clinical gathering of facts and figures and we forget the human side of visits to communities. More often than not, communities look forward to visits, as it breaks the daily routine. When the canvassers are low level employees of government or NGOs, they often have a tendency to establish dominance over the community members to set the social status of the visitors. Surveys can and should be directed at the various ‘livelihood’ community types, as attempting to draw conclusions from a ‘one size fits all’ or macro survey cannot work. There is no comparison between remote agricultural or upland communities to urban and sub-urban communities and depending on the type of programme in hand; surveys should be specific to be able to refine the lifestyles present. However, any survey at micro level, throws up many variables, all of which are pertinent to future development, but not pertinent at the time of a ‘primary survey’. The definition of primary is important in development planning, as no organisation has the financial or human resources to carry out a survey that encompasses every variable, even if it is known what these variables are. In development terms, a primary survey provides specific information within a specific set of parameters that reflect the end users needs. Although a primary survey throws of many variables and anomalies, this is neither the time nor place to follow these up. This is where ‘secondary surveys’ fit into the sequence of development advancement. The primary survey will provide usable information that assists development agencies to determine physical and social areas in which they would wish to become involved. A secondary survey can be targeted at the results of the primary survey and fill out detail that will allow specific focuses to be undertaken. For example, a primary survey takes place at a certain time of year and may not account for seasonal changes and it important to know these, as they have an affect on the daily lives of all community members.

Lessons 1

An example of this is the seasonal change in Northern Samar from October through March each year. Both November and December produce, on average, more than 500mm of rainfall, with January’s average at 425mm. Historical data shows that December has many times produced more than 900mm of rainfall [6 times in 35 years]. The consequences of these amounts of rainfall on low-income families are manifold and can affect any survey taken at this time of year. Too often visits are arranged well in advance and officials often are more numerous than the community leaders and protocol and hierarchy, almost tribalism takes over. Add in that many surveys are taken in places that are easy or convenient to get to and these communities become used to the visits and are well rehearsed in the expectations. This becomes an inquisitorial situation, where fear plays a minor role and it is probable that the respondents say what they think that you want to hear, rather than what we, as canvassers want to know. In Bangladesh and Nepal, we spend many weeks trekking to the remote and river island communities and frequently stayed several days and although these were often first visits, rapports were built. Of course, being a foreigner helped, as there was always interest in the looks of a foreigner, although these communities always worried that they would have to prepare special foods. Many weird and wonderful foods were eaten and many strange sleeping experiences found. In the Philippines, it seems that the canvassers want to leave as quickly as possible and this is usually very obvious and insulting to the community members. When devising the VSO survey in 2003, we had no choice at the start, but to use the informal contacts that were available, although formal visits were required for municipal and provincial leaders; these became more courtesy visits rather than meetings. Above all, the survey format was constructed to give as wide a picture of a household or community as possible and to gather the information that was thought necessary to give the most comprehensive picture given the short duration of a visit, in order that should the end user wish to be involved in a project in any of the communities, it had as much basic information as needed to be know. Any extra knowledge required could be gathered on follow-up or secondary visits. Surprisingly, it was often the children that acted as ice breakers, as their curiosity at seeing a foreigner led to some humour and this became easy to build on, to create a rapport with the adults. The size of the nose and hair colour seems to fascinate the kids, but I noticed that the whiteness of the skin often scared the animals that I was attempting to treat. It was similar to the things that happened at the start of training sessions in the communities. I would often compliment a woman on her hat and this added some humour, but, more importantly, eased tension. This was suitable for the Philippines and South America, but not so in Bangladesh or remote Africa, where any remark made to a woman is strictly taboo. Lessons 2

All were pleased to answer questions about the family assets or farming and fishing matters. Asking about incomes is obviously more difficult and very few families keep track of incomes in these, hand to mouth, cash economies. It often takes a few minutes for a farmer or fisherman to remember how much he earns each month, but we always managed to get to a figure. Asking the lady of the house about her earnings was more difficult, as she was often shy to discuss these matters in front of her male partner. Many will say that this informal method does not produce usable figures, yet the results usually matched each other; not only in the households, but comparative to differing communities. Questions about incomes were always left until last, as the people were by this time more relaxed. Part of every community survey was always dedicated to enquiring about the basic development needs of these communities and they were asked to determine which three development needs were priorities. These usually were improved infrastructure, livelihoods and improved health facilities. Also part of any canvassing must include the women’s issues and also the views of the teenagers were usually sought, as they are the next generation of adults. Interviewing the community elders, be they elected or dynastic figures had always to be judged at the start of an interview, as it was clear, at times, that sometimes hierarchical status was visible and was dominated by one person, or one family. Tribal systems are dynastic and insult can easily be taken and any opportunity to carry out an in depth survey, can be lost. Likewise, as often happened in Bangladesh and the Philippines, the communities are dominated by the community chairman [Bangladesh] or barangay captain [Philippines] and they wish to be the only one to answer questions. If the dominance was too strong, we usually made excuses and left, as any data gathered was of little value. Even at household level, some householders would either refuse to take part or were frightened to say much, if the community leaders were present. In all communities, it became clear that training in record keeping skills and coordination of records is of prime importance and although there were usually records available, these were often scattered amongst the community and had to be chased down. This problem was often reflected at district or municipal level, where most records were out of date or missing. How municipalities in the Philippines keep track of the statistics for good governance is difficult to understand. Too often, we found municipal statistics completely at variance with the facts from the communities and we came to rely on the community statistics more than those available at higher levels. Even though the community statistics showed where inputs were most needy, they had very little ability to raise funds from a higher authority, even for malnourished children or the safe delivery of babies. Potable water systems required urgent Lessons 3

repairs to reduce the infection levels or to repair leaking school buildings. The communities were always at the mercy of the political whims of those in higher authority and it was tempting to advise them to be more reliant upon themselves and less so on the higher authority. However, although all NGOs carry out Participatory Rural Appraisal [PRA] and have governance projects, little benefit is seen in the barangays and these seem to be paper exercises to make an impression on the donor agencies. Like businesses, all NGOs are competitive and this is healthy, but the lack of coordination or co-operation between the NGOs and between the NGOs and local governments serves nobodies interest, least of all the potential beneficiaries. Add to this that some NGOs do not gain accreditation and this further antagonises the situation between NGOs and local governments. Above all, there seems to be a very large gap in community organising, whether it is at barangay or municipal level. The absence of community special interest groups that meet regularly and that have active projects is very disturbing and the longevity of NGOs active in a community has to be questioned. Few have exit strategies, even if they comprehend what these are, as it seems to be convenient to adopt a community for many years, maintain a loose presence and put down roots; this is irresponsible. After five years, working with women’s and mixed groups in Bangladesh, I was often approached and told, “Thank you, but we do not need you anymore, we can stand alone.” A very large NGO [BRAC] and the World Bank conducted research in Bangladesh, which showed that the minimum amount of time to ensure a community’s self-sufficiency was four years and nine months. Adding an extra three months as part of a six month exit strategy was seen to have worked very well. However, these groups had been well organised and had achieved discipline with money management, unlike the groups in the Philippines. Another point that rises to the surface, is the confusion caused by poor poverty indicators that many organisations use and the absence of genuine or co-ordinated monitoring systems. Assumptions are made that are often incorrect and misleading; or deliberately abused for the sake of time saving. Added to this, too many poverty indicating systems use complicated ranking systems and indexes, which may be understood by mathematicians, but are incomprehensible to lay NGO staff. When agencies decide to co-ordinate and simplify their ranking systems and poverty indicating criteria, they will do a great service to the relief and development organisations.

Lessons 4

Bullet points of findings: 

Of all of the municipalities surveyed, not one had a programme for physically or mentally challenged children,



Only one municipality had any programme for support for the handicapped adults and this was giving P500 per month to a few individuals,



No municipality has any programme of promoting the importance of elementary education,



Only one municipality had an active literacy programme for out of school youth and adults,



Few municipalities have validated statistics and seem unable to grasp the need to collect and store information for planning or monitoring,



Where municipal surveys or monitoring is carried out, it is usually the same barangays that are targeted and this has become common practice amongst both municipal offices and NGOs,



Although many municipal offices have computers, they are mostly used for letter writing and few staff members have the capability to [a] use databases, [b] implement information management systems and [c], analyse statistics for use in planning or monitoring,



Many barangay council members stated that very few municipal staff visit their barangays and once a year is not unusual and this only socially, at the barangay fiesta time,



Many upland barangays are difficult to reach, as some only have access by carabao trails or by river and this difficulty is exacerbated by heavy rain between October and February,



Although many barangays have usable information, this is loosely gathered and not focused in one central area,



Few barangay council members have simple bookkeeping skills, often having to rely on a municipal bookkeeper and thus losing control of their accounts,



Few barangay council members understood the concept of planning for development within a barangay, be it for infrastructure, waste management, health needs, potable water, livelihood development etc,



Few barangay council members have the skills to present a proposal for barangay development projects,



Some NGOs deliberately fail to gain accreditation at municipal or provincial level and the provincial planning office has a very small list of known NGOs. The PPDO has little awareness of the NGO projects, or where NGOs are active,

Lessons 5



Very few barangays have active livelihood or gender groups, although ‘on paper’ many groups exist,



Of the existing NGOs, very few have qualified staff capable of planning or implementing a technical training programme for barangay livelihoods; often dependent on the local university to supply the skill training, of which they have little to offer,



The lack of community organisers at municipal, provincial or NGO level is a restraint to development,



Many municipal and barangay staff posts are awarded to non skilled personnel who have little interest or knowledge of the requirements of the post,



Most NGOs have experienced very low loan repayments, with one stating that for every 100 Peso loaned, they retrieved one Peso only,



No single NGO has a beneficiaries savings scheme to supply the essential money management skills required,



One NGO directs beneficiaries to a ‘micro finance loan’ office, to which they are affiliated,



Some NGOs have duplicate projects with more than one donor agency,



Governor Daza is poorly supported by department heads and many much needed projects get lost in multiple planning meetings and reams of documentation,



At its present rate of spending, the provincial government will be forced to make cutbacks and economies in order to balance the books. This is exacerbated by the national inflation rate, the addition of E-VAT and the higher cost of fuels,



Autonomy of the provincial agricultural and other essential offices, has reduced the access to agricultural development for farmers and fisher-folk,



Agricultural and other government offices are overstaffed with office staff and lack field extension officers,



The province lacks a soil map, although there is an existing laboratory capable of soil testing,



Illegal logging is at a very high rate [DENR estimates 7.9% forest reduction per annum] and no action is taken to reverse this situation,



There is very limited information regarding the existing marine resources,



Although Mondragon has a document stating its municipal water boundary, the information contained in the documentation is erroneous. Pambujan and San Roque are attempting to designate their municipal waters boundaries, yet most municipalities are in contention over their boundaries,



The provincial government lacks a statistical analyst to correlate and interpret information, as it is fed into the system; thus losing a valuable source of planning and monitoring capability, Lessons 6



The provincial and municipal governments are not always aware of what they require from data analysis and most plans, as they exist, are reactive and not proactive,



The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics [BAS] has one validator for the whole province, has no working computer for information storage and retrieval and the provincial manager is absent for long periods of time,



Improving coconut production and encouraging replacement of unproductive and senile trees would increase income for the tenant farmers,



Industrialising and expanding abaca production would create increase income at source,



A fair trade programme to support the raw material producers, would enhance incomes and stabilise production,



Encouraging processors to construct an abaca processing plant would [a] encourage greater planting, [b] add value to an important raw material, [c] give direct access to the export market and [c] create a stable source of income to assist balancing the high cost of importing basic fresh foods,

From the above, the most pertinent lessons that should be learnt and stand out most of all are the following three:

♦

The great lack of community organisation,

♦

The lack of community management skills, and

♦

The lack of household money management skills.

Communities have little choice, other than to organise themselves and their own community development projects, although they may be aided by NGOs, but certainly ignoring the politically biased false promises made at municipal level. Without these, most communities will continue in the rut of subsistency and in some cases, will be left behind by those that take responsibility for their own affairs.

Lessons 7

CASE HISTORY 1:

Name: Age: Location: Riza; Education: Father: Mother: Family: Dwelling:

Services: Income:

Dependants: Date: Background: Situation 1:

Situation 2:

Situation 3:

RIZA: 15, nearly 16 years Northern Samar, Region 8, Philippines Petite, Pretty, Intelligent [top five in class], Class President, Very polite, Very shy, Well mannered and helpful, Well liked, Very honest 3rd year highschool Fisherman / Small farmer / sole breadwinner Housewife Two sisters, two brothers, grandparents & aunty Older brother married & working in Manila Roadside nipa house on stilts by steep river bank The parents and children, plus the grandparents and aunty live in the house on stilts No electricity and communal water pump supply Very small amounts and only in emergencies from older brother in Manila Aunty contributes very small amounts occasionally from roadside vending No income but a few vegetables from a small upland farm Some from fishing but lost own boat in storm and dependent on sharing a small boat without an engine. Dependent also on good weather Grandparents, one sister and small brother Early September 2005 Father has not been fishing for more than ten days, due to very rough weather at sea and very heavy rain preventing fishing in the river At this date, the family have no cash resources [for one week] and there is only rice in the house to eat. No vegetables, fruits or protein sources. Weather still very severe, with heavy rain causing local flooding. There are no livestock assets to eat or sell and the whole family is hungry. Father has gone to the farm in the hills to dig a few local root vegetables to bring home; he has been away for three days. The family will have to borrow money or ask for credit from the local stores, knowing that in this village, mainly dependent on fishing incomes; more than 50% of the households are experiencing the same problems. Riza has not been able to attend school because there is no money for transport or money to get food for her midday meal. Riza cannot buy the sanitary napkins that she needs during her menstruation and is ashamed.

CASE HISTORY 2:

Name: Age: Location: Cappela; Education: Father: Mother: Family: Dwelling: Services: Income: Date: Background: Situation 1:

Situation 2:

Situation 3:

Situation 4:

Situation 5:

CAPPELA: 12 years Northern Samar, Region 8, Philippines Small, underweight, very shy, average intelligence 1st year highschool Dead Moved to another area and has children by another man No sisters, one brother Older brother drives a pedicab in local municipality Nipa hut behind the house of a distant relative Communal water pump, no electricity Very small amounts from the brother and none other Early September 2005 Another brother aged 9 years collapsed and died in the 5th grade classroom that he attended, at the local public elementary school. The children have for practical purposes been abandoned by the mother and relied solely on the income provided by the older brother. As a consequence of this, the children ate very poor food, with little nutritious value and the younger brother became weak and also dehydrated. On learning of the death, the sister attempted to contact the mother for support, but found the mother absent and was told that she would be absent for many days. The sister attended the municipal government building to try and access emergency funds held by the Social Welfare office to purchase a casket and pay for funeral. Despite the social welfare department having funds available for a situation such as this, the girl was refused assistance. The sister appealed to the teacher of her class for help and was directed to the principal, who is a Sister of the Sacred Heart Foundation and this Sister immediately gave the P1500 from her personal money to the girl and assisted her to gain financial support from the provincial social welfare office. The provincial social welfare office has not, as yet, paid the money. The Sacred Heart Foundation immediately moved the girl into a teacher’s house, so that she could be given emotional support and be provided a reasonable diet until it is considered that she can again, if possible, live with the older brother. Because of this, the school is considering ways in which to better ensure that all of the children in their school have the basic vitamins and minerals available, as they have noticed that many of the children are losing weight. They also have ensured that sufficient potable water is available in every class.

CASE HISTORY 3: Name: Age: Location: Maricel; Education: Father: Mother: Family: Dwelling: Services: Income:

Date: Background: Situation 1:

Situation 2:

Situation 3:

Situation 4:

Situation 5:

Maricel: 12 years Northern Samar, Region 8, Philippines Small, underweight, lively, above average intelligence 6th grade elementary school Upland farmer – abaca and corn Died, due to haemorrhaging during childbirth Six, Father, two sisters and two brothers all below 11 years old Nipa hut perched on the side of a small hill, near to a river. Communal spring-fed water faucet, no electricity Father’s income only from abaca Mother used to make handicrafts from abaca for extra household income; now this is lost June 2005 A ‘normal’ upland barangay family, dependent on hand to mouth existence. The barangay in which they live is 22 kilometres from the poblacion of Mondragon, reachable only with great difficulty on foot, as it is impossible for even rugged motorcycles to navigate the deeply muddied tracks. Trekking from the nearest neighbouring barangay takes 50 minutes. Since the death of the mother, the father has struggled to be able to tend to the normal family needs of his children and all are suffering from malnutrition. Maricel and her friends trek daily to the neighbouring barangay to attend the elementary school, as her own barangay no longer has any schooling facilities, due to a typhoon destroying the small elementary school eight years ago. The father appealed to a sister that lives in the Mondragon poblacion to take the baby and Maricel, so that the baby could be cared for and Maricel could attend highschool after completing elementary sixth grade. The sister refused, stating that she had many problems of her own to contend with. The father appealed to the municipal social services for help and support and was ignored and has received nothing. The barangay captain’s wife has shown an interest to adopt the baby, if Maricel also can be ‘adopted’ to act as maid and the father may have little choice, other than to accept. This will mean that Maricel’s education would cease and she would lose any chance of gaining the higher education that she deserves.

The young barangay captain has shown an interest in Maricel for several months and Maricel’s neighbours are concerned for her moral safety. No agency or organisation has been able to offer any form of moral or physical support to this family and it is likely that the children will become casualties of a system that has little interest beyond paved roads and political motives.

CASE HISTORY 4: Name: Age: Location: Hosef: Education: Father: Mother: Family: Dwelling: Services: Income: Date: Background: Situation 1:

Situation 2:

Situation 3:

Situation 4: Situation 5:

Hosef: 23 years Catarman, Northern Samar, Region 8, Philippines Skinny, underweight, tired Dropped out during elementary school Dead Gone to Manila and lives with another man and makes no contact with her children Two sisters and a brother Stilted Nipa hut in a nipa swamp area near the central market. Communal pump 400 metres from dwelling, no electricity Was a pedicabs driver, now casual worker November 2005 Came from Mondragon after mother left for manila to look for work to support his siblings. All pedicabs drivers experienced less customers due to the increasing economic problems and the pedicabs that he hired daily, was subject to a price hike for hiring. Two of his siblings have had to quit school to help scavenge for casual work and buy food. His brother and the older sister, who acts as surrogate mother. She is 15 and wants to get married to a market stallholder. All have lost weight, are malnourished and cannot afford new nipa panels to replace the old on their dwelling roof. Without small amounts of food given by a stallholder, they would probably starve. Hosef appealed to the social services for food support for the youngest siblings and was refused. The youngest child, a girl, was taken to hospital severely dehydrated and malnourished. The hospital was only able to provide an overnight stay with a saline solution drip, for which they made no charge. Hosef admits that he is stealing from the market and other places to get food and fuelwood. The police questioned his younger brother but released him after 24 hours. The older sister has used prostitution to get some money, but she is not very popular with the men, being short and squat.

CASE HISTORY 5: Name: Age: Location: Marivic: Education: Father: Mother: Family: Dwelling: Services: Income: Date: Background: Situation 1:

Situation 2:

Situation 3:

Situation 4: Situation 5:

Marivic: 12 years An island of Northern Samar, Region 8, Philippines Skinny, underweight and emotionally disturbed Elementary school 6th grade Working in Manila - has not been heard from for four years Working in Manila - has not been heard from for four years One sister and a brother Was a Native dwelling in a fishing village on an island and now with temporary foster parents on the same island but away from the barangay. Communal pump 200 metres from dwelling, no electricity None provided by the parents for four years August 2005 Parents moved to manila to work in order to support the family, leaving the children to be cared for by the grandparents. Marivic at the age of 12 trekked the five kilometres from the barangay and collapsed on the doorstep of the Mayor’s house. The Mayor called a doctor and after examination, she advised the Mayor that the girl had been sexually active and from appearances regularly sexually active. The Mayor gave the girl shelter and questioned her as to her history. Within a short time, the girl broke down and told her story of her grandfather continuously sexually abusing her since the age of five years old, or so she thought. Attempts to contact the parents in Manila have failed and the barangay officials have been warned to watch for signs of trouble with the other siblings. Marivic said that it was only she who had been abused. To date, no action has been taken against the grandfather, as he disappeared from the island and has not been heard of or seen since. Marivic has been placed with a local family known to the Mayor and they act as temporary foster parents until matters can be resolved. No counselling facilities or staff are available for girls that have suffered sexual abuse and time as a healer is the only medicine available. Marivic attends a new school and may be recovering to some degree.

CASE HISTORY 6: Name: Age: Location: Ruth: Education: Father: Mother: Family: Dwelling: Services: Income: Date: Background: Situation 1:

Situation 2:

Situation 3:

Situation 4: Situation 5:

Ruth: 25 years Lavezares, Northern Samar, Region 8, Philippines Medium weight, naïve, Completed Elementary school and to 2nd year highschool Dead, lost at sea with his boat Housewife One sister and two brothers Part block; part native dwelling in a fishing barangay. Communal pump, electricity Ruth has had various low-income jobs October 2005 Lived with a carpenter for six months until she became pregnant and he left to work in Manila, where he now has another family Ruth has worked in a fast food joint, a supermarket and two restaurants to earn enough money to keep herself and feed her daughter, who stays with her grandmother. Her jobs have been lowly paid and live in, to act as maid after hours. She would receive one day a month off from work and would spend the day with her daughter. Her daughter does not recognise her as her mother any more and is dependent solely on her grandmother. Due to the economic situation in the province the restaurant went out of business, but the brother of the owner expressed an interest to ‘help’ Ruth. He agreed to support her through a one-year secretarial college course in return for certain favours. To help her restart and support her daughter, Ruth had no other option available. Ruth has found some part-time work to earn a little money for her daughter’s upkeep. Ruth’s sponsor has become very sick and no longer wants her and has told her that he will have to stop supporting her after the month has ended. Ruth has swallowed her dignity and has become a ‘call girl’, visiting men in the evenings at their hideaways or in motels and now makes enough money from this to support herself and her child. She hates what she is doing but likes the money and states that after she has qualified at college she will quit being a call girl and move to Manila for work. Her mother does not know what she does but enjoys the share of Ruth’s earnings.

The Statistics of Northern Samar Mapped for Easy Reference

Northern Samar Statistics Mapped There are many documents that refer to the statistics of Northern Samar and many of these documents are accompanied by maps that provide a visual reference of the data sheets. This documentation is intended to provide an ‘at a glance’ guide to the provincial statistics, allowing ease of access. The maps shown in this documentation are the latest available, although maps for earlier years are also available. For all of these maps, Excel databases are available to provide more detail for analysis.

The province has 24 municipalities, 20 of which are mainland and 4 are island municipalities. It has a population expansion rate of 2.6972% per annum, the highest in the region and one of the highest of the nation. The population as of 2005 was 573,554 and is expected to reach one million by 2025. It is estimated that 18% of the population has left the province to earn a living elsewhere. The province in 2005 imported 65% of the fresh foods that it requires to feed the population, and analysis shows that agricultural food crops are on the decline. Copra production is the province’s main income generator, with the production of abaca increasing yearly. Other than a small coconut oil processing plant, the province has no other processing capacity.

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

THE PROVINCE OF NORTHERN SAMAR Northern Samar lies between co-ordinates 124’07’20” to 125’20’18’ East and 12’43’0” and 12’12’0” North on the international maps.

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

Actual supply at 2005

26

Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

31

Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

Biri

2004 Leprosy Incidences Pambujan Lav ezares

San Rosario Jose

Capul Allen

Catarman

Victoria San Antonio

Mondragon

Ñ

ÑSan

Ñ Mapanas

Catubig

Ñ

Ñ

Gamay

Ñ

Lope de Vega

San Vicente

Palapag

Laoang

Ñ

Bobon

Isidro

San Roque

Lapinig

Las Nav as Silv ino Lobos

2004 High Dengue Fever Incidences

Biri

Pambujan Lavezares

San Rosario Jose

ÑAllen

Capul

Victoria San Antonio

San Vicente

Ñ

Laoang Mondragon

Ñ

Catarman

Bobon

Ñ

Ñ

San Roque

Ñ

Palapag

Ñ Mapanas

Catubig Gamay

San Isidro

Lapinig Lope de Vega

Las Navas Silvino Lobos

40

Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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Northern Samar Statistics Mapped

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The Region by Map In a provincial statistical analysis, readers may wish to compare the province with the other provinces in Region VIII. The following maps will allow the reader a quick reference.

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