Some statistics are now in and is time to assess how the region fared in 2009.
The major strides gained in 2008 could not be sustained in 2009. That is how the economy of the region can be assessed, particularly from the viewpoint of agricultural production. Data from industry and services are not yet in, so the picture can still change.
Production of all major crops declined. Palay production by 7.6 percent, coconut by 1.6 percent, corn by 1.8 percent and abaca by 10.7 percent.
However, significant improvements in root crops production were recorded. Camote production grew by 14.0 percent, gabi registered a 2.3 percent growth, and cassava production increased by 33.2 percent.
Why did the declines happen? Palay production was affected by flooding and pest infestations such as rice black bug and tungro virus in some rice fields of the region specifically in Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte and Northern Samar. Coconut production was affected by “fruiting fatigue” which is a cyclical pattern. Abaca production continues to be affected by bunchy top and mosaic diseases particularly in Southern Leyte and Baybay, Mahaplag, Inopacan, Ormoc City and Burauen in Leyte.
In livestock and poultry production, it was not all declines. Cattle production increased by 3.9 percent and carabao production went up by 6.3 percent. However, hogs declined by 4.2 percent, goats by 10.1 percent, chicken by 1.3 percent and ducks by 3.5 percent.
There were positive performances in fisheries, with aquaculture increasing by 5.1 percent and municipal fishing by 7.8 percent. However, commercial fishing declined by 3.8 percent. The decline in commercial fishing was due to the massive and coordinated enforcement of fishery laws that prohibit commercial boats from operating in municipal waters. Fishing boats have to travel over long distances to fish legally. Also some commercial vessels were dry docked. Fishing trips were reduced due to high operating cost.
These statistics show that the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of Region VIII could show a decline in 2009, unless industry and services performed better than agriculture.
This will be further tackled in future issues of this column. From the data now available, one thing is sure, though, the region’s economy slowed down as agricultural production declined.
Efforts to stop this downturn should be exerted immediately and intensively if we want to have a better agricultural performance in 2010.
Copyright © Eastern Visayas Information Sharing Network All rights® reserved Philippines
Designed by: Vicky O. Abestros; Date Modified: March 04, 2010