REGIONAL ECONOMIC SITUATIONER Fourth Quarter of 2019

National Economic and Development Authority Region

NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MIMAROPA Region City

REGIONAL ECONOMIC SITUATIONER FOURTH QUARTER 2019

I. Macroeconomy

A. Prices, CPI, and Inflation Rate

MIMAROPA’s average inflation rate remarkably eased to 1.8 percent in October-December 2019 from previous year’s 7.8 percent. This was also lower than the 3.9 percent average inflation rate recorded in the third quarter of 2019. All provinces registered lower inflation rates. recorded the lowest inflation rate with 1.0 percent. This was followed by Oriental and with 1.8 percent and 2.2 percent, respectively (refer to Figure 1).

MIMAROPA’s inflation, however, increased to 2.6 percent in December 2019 from 1.1 percent in October 2019 and 1.8 percent November 2019. This may be attributed to the price increases of commodities under alcoholic beverages and tobacco and non -food items during the holiday season.

Figure 1. Inflation Rate by Quarter and Province, MIMAROPA, 2018 -2019 8.8 9.0 7.8 7.7 8.0 8.1

7.0 6.2 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.0 4.0 3.9 3.7 3.8 3.8 4.0 3.4 2.7 3.0 2.2 1.8 1.8 2.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 MIMAROPA Occidental Oriental Palawan Mindoro Mindoro

Q4 2018 Q3 2019 Q4 2019

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) MIMAROPA

All commodity groups except food and non-alcoholic beverages registered upward price movements compared to previous year’s index levels, which contributed to the region’s 1.8 percent average inflation rate in October-December 2019 (refer to Table 1). Alcoholic beverages and tobacco’s index rose 30.4 percent in October-December 2019 compared to previous year. It also recorded the highest CPI of 216.4. On the other hand, communication registered the lowest CPI of 102.4.

Table 1. Consumer Price Index, Inflation Rate, and Purchasing Power of Peso, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Period Percent 2018 2019 Change/ Item Difference Q4 Q3 Q4 (4th Quarter 2019/2018) Average Consumer Price 121.6 122.5 123.8 1.8 Index (All Items) Food 131.9 127.4 127.9 (3.0) Food and Non- 132.1 128.0 128.6 (2.6) Alcoholic Beverages Alcoholic Beverages 166.0 203.4 216.4 30.4 and Tobacco Non- Food 110.5 114.3 115.9 4.9 Clothing and Footwear 115.1 116.0 116.4 1.1 Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and 111.4 115.7 117.4 5.4 Other Fuels Furnishing, Household Equipment, and Routine Maintenance 112.7 115.2 117.3 4.1 of the House Health 108.7 113.3 115.3 6.1 Transport 105.3 109.7 112.1 6.5 Communication 102.4 102.4 102.6 0.2 Recreation and 111.2 113.9 115.1 3.5 Culture Education 111.7 117.1 118.0 5.6 Restaurant and Miscellaneous Goods 112.9 117.4 118.1 4.6 and Services Average Inflation Rate 7.8 3.9 1.8 (6.0) (%) Average Purchasing 0.82 0.82 0.81 (0.01) Power of Peso Source: PSA MIMAROPA

In terms of selected food items, fruits recorded the highest CPI with 170.9 in October-December 2019. This was followed by vegetables and corn with 162.7 and 159.9, respectively. Corn registered the highest inflation rate with 28.6 percent, followed by fruits with 12.6 percent.

The purchasing power of peso in the region decreased from 2018’s 0.82 to 0.81.

B. Labor and Employment

The region’s working age population increased by 3.09 percent from 2,103,000 in October 2018 to 2,168,000 in October 2019. Labor force participation rate decreased by 0.8 percentage point from 59.4 percent in October 2018 to 58.6 percent in October 2019 (refer to Table 2).

Table 2. Labor and Employment Statistics, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Percent 2018 2019 Change/ Difference Item (4th quarter October July October 2019/2018)

Population 15 years old & 2,103 2,146 2,168 3.09 above (in ‘000) LF Participation Rate (%) 59.4 61.7 58.6 (0.80) Employment Rate (%) 95.6 95.6 96.3 0.70 Unemployment Rate (%) 4.4 4.4 3.7 (0.70) Underemployment Rate 14.5 22.5 16.1 1.60 (%) Source: PSA MIMAROPA

Employment rate increased by 0.70 percentage point from 95.6 percent in October 2018 to 96.3 percent in October 2019. The region’s employment rate was higher by 0.8 percentage point compared to the national average employment rate of 95.5 percent.

The region’s unemployment rate of 3.7 percent was lower by 0.80 percentage point compared to the national a verage unemployment rate of 4.5 percent. This was also lower by 0.7 percentage point compared to October 2018’s 4.4 percent.

Underemployment rate increased by 1.6 percentage point s from 14.5 percent in October 2018 to 16.1 percent in October 2019. This was also higher by 3.1 percentage points compared to the national average underemployment rate of 13.0 percent.

The total number of jobs generated in MIMAROPA in October-December 2019 remarkably increased by 252.54 percent from 1,713 jobs to 6,039 jobs in October-December 2018 (refer to Table 3). This was also higher than the 3,533 jobs generated in the third quarter of 2019. This may be attributed to the increase in number of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) assisted in the region .

All MIMAROPA provinces recorded higher number of jobs generated. recorded the highest number with 3,333 jobs generated. This was followed by Palawan and Romblon with 1,451 and 609 jobs generated, respectively.

Table 3. Number of Jobs Generated, MIMAROPA 2018 2019 Percent Change (4th Province 4th 3rd 4th Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2019/2018)

MIMAROPA 1,713 3,533 6,039 252.54 Marinduque 387 1,010 496 28.17 Occi. Mindoro 121 455 150 23.97 Oriental Mindoro 536 1,216 3,333 521.83 Palawan 468 148 1,451 210.04 Romblon 201 704 609 202.99 Source: Department of Trade and Industry ( DTI) MIMAROPA

II. Agriculture and Fisheries

A. Cereals

Palay production during the quarter increased by 7.14 percent, from 615,425 metric tons during the fourth quarter of 2018 to 659,3 46 metric tons in 2019. This may be attributed to the use of high yielding varieties of seeds and adequate irrigation water supply. Occidental Mindoro remains the highest contributor to the region’s palay production with a share of 39.68 percent. Palawan recorded a noticeable increase in palay production of 17.39 percent.

Table 4. Palay production, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Province 4Q 2018 4Q 2019 Percent Change (MT) (MT) (2019/2018) Marinduque 4,341 4,146 4.49 Occ. Mindoro 225,223 261,661 2.52 Or. Mindoro 189,129 199,153 5.30 Palawan 150,857 177,088 17.39 Romblon 15,875 17,298 8.96 Total 615,425 659,346 7.14 Source: PSA MIMAROPA

Corn production slightly increased by 0.36 percent, from 12,609 metric tons in 2018 to 12,645 metric tons in 2019. This was associated with the consistent increase in production of corn in Occidental Mindoro. Marinduque showed a huge increase in corn production by 393.48 percent, from 46 metric tons in 2018 to 227 metric tons in 2019. Romblon also showed a noticeable increase in corn production of 52.42 percent while Palawan's production has dropped to 11.99 percent.

Table 5. Corn production, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Province 4Q 2018 4Q 2019 Percent Change (MT) (MT) (2019/2018) Marinduque 46 227 393.48 Occ. Mindoro 4,002 4,440 10.94 Or. Mindoro 1,949 2,008 3.02 Palawan 6,364 5,601 (11.99) Romblon 248 378 52.42 Total 12,609 12,654 0.36 Source: PSA MIMAROPA

B. Major Crops

Banana production reached 34,462.56 metric tons, an increase of 3.72 percent from its production during the fourth quarter of 2018. Saba remains the dominant variety of banana being produced in the region with 63.77 percent share to the total banana production. This was followed by Lacatan and Latundan with a share of 17.08 percent and 16.25 percent, respectively.

Calamansi production slightly declined by 0.04 percent, from 1,201.91 MT in the fourth quarter of 2018 to 1,201.45 MT in the same quarter of 2019. This may be attributed to the occurrence of typhoons that affected calamansi production areas. The mango production increased by 3.76 percent from 129.14 metric tons in the fourth quarter of 2018 to 133.99 metric tons in the same period in 2019. The increase in production may attributed to the higher demand for mango in the market.

Coconut production slightly improved by 0.53 p ercent, from 381,081.95 metric tons in 2018 to 383,887.16 metric tons in the fourth quarter of 2019. The growth may be attributed to the sufficient rainfall during its fruit formation stage. On the other hand, the production of cassava in the region decreased by 6.42 percent in the same period, from 5,367.71 metric tons in 2018 to 5,028.49 in 2019. The decrease may be attributed to the lower demand from feed manufacturers.

Abaca production decreased by 6.46 percent during the given period, from 25.91 metric tons in the fourth quarter of 2018 to 24.24 percent during the same period of 2019. On the other hand, cacao production in the region recorded an increase of 13.51 percent during the reference period.

Table 6. Major crops production, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019. Percent 4Q 2018 4Q 2019 Major Crops Change (MT) (MT) (2019/2018) Banana 33,225.36 34,462.56 3.72 Calamansi 1,201.91 1,201.45 (0.04) Mango 129.14 133.99 3.76 Coconut 381,081.95 383,887.16 0.53 Cassava 5,367.71 5,028.49 (6.42) Cacao 53.29 60.48 13.51 Abaca 25.91 24.24 (6.46) Source: PSA MIMAROPA

C. Livestock

The livestock subsector recorded a decrease in outputs by 7.08 percent during the fourth quarter of 2019. Carabao production decreased by 21.33 percent. The reduction in outputs was due to the lesser stocks available for slaughter in the region. Moreover, goat production decreased by 9.09 percent because of relatively low demand for the animal which resulted to lesser number of goats slaughtered. Hog production was 6.98 percent lower during the quarter, from 21,827 metric tons in the fourth quarter of 2018 to 20,304 metric tons during the same period of 2019. Factors that contributed to the decline in hog production were the lesser demand for pork due to threat of African Swine Flu (ASF). A decrease of 4.99 percent was also noted in the production of cattle during the reference period due to lesser number of stocks available for slaughter.

Table 7. Livestock production, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Percent 4Q 2018 4Q 2019 Livestock Change (MT) (MT) (2019/2018) Carabao (live wt.) 797 627 (21.33) Cattle (live wt.) 5,015 4,765 (4.99) Hog (live wt.) 21,827 20,304 (6.98) Goat (live wt.) 682 620 (9.09) Source: PSA MIMAROPA

D. Poultry Increased demand for chicken meat during the quarter resulted to the increase in chicken and chicken egg production by 0.95 percent and 5.75 percent, respectively. Duck recorded a noticeable increase of 39.58 percent while duck egg production durin g the same period also increased by 3.93 percent. The increase was attributed to the increases in the inventory of laying flock.

Table 8. Poultry production, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Percent 4Q 2018 4Q 2019 Poultry Change (MT) (MT) (2019/2018) Chicken (live wt.) 3,162 3,192 0.95 Chicken Eggs (live wt.) 1,652 1,747 5.75 Duck (live wt.) 144 201 39.58 Duck Eggs (live wt.) 178 185 3.93 Source: PSA MIMAROPA

E. Commercial Fishery Commercial fisheries declined by 9.20 percent. The decline of fish catch in the quarter may be attributed to the decrease in fishing days and trips due to typhoons and rough sea conditions. Marinduque shows an evident increase of 135.73 percent from 26.67 metric tons to 62.87 metric tons. Romblon and Occidental Mindoro posted a double-digit decrease of 52.97 percent and 20.90 percent, respectively. More than two-thirds, or 71.51 percent, of the total commercial fishery products were from Palawan.

Table 9. Commercial fishery, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Percent 4Q 2018 4Q 2019 Province Change (MT) (MT) (2019/2018) Marinduque 26.67 62.87 135.73 Occ. Mindoro 1,677.97 1,327.22 (20.90) Or. Mindoro 391.89 410.50 4.75 Palawan 5,011.18 4,731.84 (5.57) Romblon 179.66 84.50 (52.97) Total 7,287.37 6,616.93 (9.20) Source: PSA MIMAROPA

F. Municipal Marine / Inland Fishery Municipal fishery slightly increased by 0.92 percent during the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to 2018. The municipal marine fishery has the highest contribution to the total regional fish production with 98.25 percent share. Palawan was the highest producer of municipal marine output with a share of 83.20 percent during the reference period.

Marine municipal fishery slightly increased by 0.67 percent. The provinces of Occidental Mindoro and Palawan recorded an increase of 10.54 percent and 1.51 percent, respectively. The provinces of Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, and Romblon recorded decreases in production by 10.35 percent, 8.15 percent, and 5.19 percent , respectively.

The overall inland municipal production recorded an increase of 16.91 percent, compared to the outputs last 2018. Significant increases were recorded from Occidental Mindoro and Palawan.

Table 10. Municipal fishery, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019

Percent Change Province 4Q 2018 4Q 2019 (2019/2018) Marine Inland Marine Inland Marine Inland Marinduque 1,289.93 9.98 1,156.47 6.63 (10.35) (33.57) Occ. 1,370.19 17.11 1,514.58 37.91 10.54 121.57 Mindoro Or. Mindoro 1,492.23 398.91 1,370.67 405.23 (8.15) 1.58 Palawan 26.056.26 57.76 26,449.45 116.10 1.51 101.00 Romblon 1,371.11 1.68 1,299.95 1.67 (5.19) (0.60) Total 31,579.72 485.44 31,791.12 567.54 0.67 16.91

Source: PSA MIMAROPA

G. Aquaculture Aquaculture contributed 247,773.01 metric tons or 86.41 percent of the total regional fish production. About 6.96 percent increase in aquaculture production was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the same quarter of 2018. Palawan remain s the biggest producer of aquaculture products harvesting 99.80 percent of the total aquaculture production of the region.

Table 11. Aquaculture fishery, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 4Q 2018 4Q 2019 Percent Change Province (MT) (MT) (2019/2018) Marinduque 153.99 147.22 (4.40) Occ. Mindoro 63.42 120.92 90.67 Or. Mindoro 232.19 203.69 (12.27) Palawan 231,190.23 247,284.04 6.96 Romblon 20.43 17.13 (16.15) Total 231,660.26 247,773.01 6.96 Source: PSA MIMAROPA

III. Investments and Industry

A. Investments

Business Name Registration

Business name registration in the region slipped by 5.66 percent from 2,048 business names registered in the fourth quarter of 2018 to 1,932 business names registered in the same period of 2019. The province of Palawan recorded the highest number of business names registered, which comprised 47.72 percent of the region’s total or 922 business registered during the quarter. This was followed by Oriental Mindoro with 468 business names registered. During the quarter, Marinduque recorded the biggest drop at 41.04 percent from 134 business names registered in 2018 to 79 business names registered in 2019.

Table 12. Business Name Registration, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Percent 4th Quarter 4th Quarter Region/ Province Change 2018 2019 (2019/2018) MIMAROPA 2,048 1,932 (5.66) Marinduque 134 79 (41.04) Occidental Mindoro 251 233 (7.17) Oriental Mindoro 454 468 3.08 Palawan 1,049 922 (12.11) Romblon 160 230 43.75 Source: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MIMAROPA

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Assisted

The total number of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) assisted in the region increased by 71.61 percent from 1,085 MSMEs assisted in the fourth quarter of 2018 to 1,862 MSMEs assisted in the same period in 2019.

The provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Palawan have the highest number of MSMEs assisted with 657 and 627 MSMEs, respectively. On the other hand, only Marinduque recorded a decrease in number of MSMEs assisted by -47.44 percent, from 215 MSMEs assisted in the 4 th quarter of 2018 to 113 MSMEs assisted in 2019.

Table 13. MSMEs Assisted, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 4th Quarter 4th Quarter Percent Region/ Province 2018 2019 Change (2019/2018) MIMAROPA 1,085 1,862 71.61 Marinduque 215 113 (47.44) Occidental Mindoro 192 215 11.98 Oriental Mindoro 310 657 111.93 Palawan 278 627 125.54 Romblon 90 250 177.78 Source: DTI MIMAROPA

The Department of Trade and Industry assisted the enrolled MSMEs under the food sector in terms of laboratory and shelf life analysis of the product through the program “One Town, One Product Next Generation.” DTI MIMAROPA also assisted MSMEs in securing license to operate from the Food and Drug Administration. For non -food MSMES, product development assistance and participation to trade promotion activities were also facilitated.

Startup MSMEs were provided skills trainings/upgrading facilitated by Negosyo Centers. MSMEs also benefited from the processing equipment provided under the Shared Service Facilities.

B. Mining and Quarrying

Production of the four mineral commodities in the region decreased during the fourth quarter of 2019 except nickel direct shipping ore, which recorded an increase of 78.87 percent. The total sales value of the mineral produced in the region reached ₱3.73 billion, a 7.18 percent increase from the ₱3.48 billion sales in 2018.

Table 14. Mineral Production, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Mineral 4th Quarter 2018 4th Quarter 2019 Commodity Volume Value (₱) Volume Value (₱) Sand and 167,458.00 37,752,543.80 39,328.00 10,329,525.00 Gravel (cu. m.) Nickel Direct 240,271.32 307,981,953.00 429,775.96 700,442,993.12 Shipping Ore (DMT) Main Metal 9,365.00 3,061,868,000.00 6,970.00 2,952,994,000.00 Product (DMT) Limestone 80,032.00 69,027,361.00 72,506.00 62,536,208.00 (MT) TOTAL 3,476,629,857.80 3,726,302,726.12 Source: Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) MIMAROPA

The volume of sand and gravel production decreased by 76.51 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the same quarter in 2018. This resulted to the decrease in sales by 72.64 percent. However, it has to be noted that the recorded volume and value of sand and gravel production are highly dependent on the submission of reports from the permit holders. For this quarter, permit holders from the provinces of Marinduque and Oriental Mindoro failed to submit their reports while data from the rest of the MIMAROPA provinces were incomplete.

Nickel direct shipping ore volume and value of production significantly increased during the fourth quarter of 2019 by 78.87 percent and 127.43 percent, respectively, compared to the same period in 2018. The improvement may be attributed to the increase in the demand for batteries which resulted to the increase in the prices of nickel direct shipping ore in the market.

The production of main metal decreased by 25.57 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the same quarter of 2018. Its value at ₱2.95 billion was 3.56 percent lower than the 2018 record of ₱3.06 billion. The decline was attributed to the limited supply of low grade ores and the decrease in the world market prices for nickel and cobalt.

Decreases in both volume and value of limestone production were noted in the fourth quarter of 2019. The decrease in volume of limestone by 9.40 percent was due to the lower recovery of limestone in the permit area which affected the operations of Coral Bay Nickel Corporation and Unichamp Mineral , Inc. The total value of limestone produced in the region was recorded at P62.53 million.

IV. Services

A. Transportation

1. Land Transportation

The number of motor vehicles registered in MIMAROPA decreased by 1.17 percent from 41,321 motor vehicles in October -December 2018 to 40,839 motor vehicles in October-December 2019 (refer to Table 12). This was still lower than the 62,215 motor vehicles registered in July - September 2019.

Of the 40,839 registered motor vehicles, 35.12 percent or 14,344 motor vehicles are newly registered, while the remaining 26,495 motor vehicles are registered for renewals.

Table 15. Number of Motor Vehicles Registration, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 2018 2019 Percent Change Region/Province (4th quarter Q4 Q3 Q4 2019/2018) MIMAROPA 41,321 62,215 40,839 (1.17) Marinduque 2,611 4,601 2,458 (5.86) Occidental 2,994 5,917 3,482 16.30 Mindoro Oriental Mindoro 27,045 39,683 27,206 0.60 Palawan 6,929 12,257 6,518 (5.93) Romblon 1,742 2,757 1,175 (32.55) Source: Land Transportation Office (LTO) MIMAROPA

Among the MIMAROPA provinces, Oriental Mindoro recorded the highest number of registered motor vehicles with 27,206 motor vehicles. Romblon recorded the lowest number of registered motor vehicles with 1,175 motor vehicles.

2. Water Transportation

Shipcalls increased by 7.23 percent from 13,428 in fourth quarter of 2018 to 14,399 vessels in fourth quarter of 2019. The number of domestic shipcalls increased by 7.25 percent, while foreign shipcalls increased by 4.55 percent.

Total container port traffic increased by 0.43 percent from 20,124 twenty-foot equivalent units (teu) in fourth quarter of 2018 to 20,209.75 teu in fourth quarter of 2019. Only domestic container port traffic was recorded in the region.

Total cargo volume discharged and loaded at the ports in the region increased by 13.69 percent from 1.950 million metric tons (mmt) in fourth quarter of 2018 to 2.217 (mmt) in fourth quarter of 2019. Total cargo volume for 2019 comprised of 53.35 percent (1.183 mmt) domestic cargoes and 46.65 percent (1.034 mmt) foreign cargo es.

Total passenger traffic increased by 6.56 percent from 2,320, 285 passengers in fourth quarter of 2018 to 2,472,588 passengers in fourth quarter of 2019. RORO traffic increased by 1.63 percent from 241,763 vehicles in fourth quarter of 2018 to 245,708 vehicles in fourth quarter of 2019.

Table 16. Water transport statistics, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Percent Particulars 4Q 2018 4Q 2019 Change (2019/2018) Shipcalls 13,428 14,399 7.23 Domestic 13,340 14,307 7.25 Foreign 88 92 4.55 Container Port Traffic 20,124 20,209.75 0.43 (teu’s) Domestic 20,124 20,209.75 0.43 Inward 11,581 10,638.25 (8.14) Outward 8,543 9,571.5 12.04 Cargo Throughput (mt) 1,950,883.05 2,217,868.01 13.69 Domestic 817,703.94 1,183,231.89 44.70 Inward 699,900.23 918,764.82 31.27 Outward 117,803.71 264,467.07 124.50 Foreign 1,133,179.102 1,034,636.11 (8.70) Import 25,3821.89 238,433.10 (6.06) Export 879,357.21 796,203.01 (9.46) Passenger Traffic 2,320,285 2,472,588 6.56 Disembarked 1,242,338 1,281,552 3.16 Embarked 1,066,156 1,184,165 11.07 Cruise Ships 11,791 6,871 (41.73) RORO Traffic 241,763 245,708 1.63 Inward 123,395 125,238 1.49 Outward 118,368 120,470 1.78 Source: Philippine Ports Authority

3. Air Transportation

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) was able to submit complete 2018 and 2019 fourth quarter data on air traffic for the San Jose, Romblon, and Busuanga, Palawan, airports only.

Based on the CAAP data, the recorded fourth quarter 2019 aircraft and passenger traffic for the three airports increased by 15.43 percent and 14.71 percent, respectively, compared to the recorded data in the same period in 2018. However, air cargoes declined by 5.80 percent for the same reference period.

San Jose airport registered a 49.33 percent decrease in aircraft movement for the fourth quarter of 2019. Passenger traffic also declined by 22.31 percent during the period. Air cargoes likewise decreased by 90.23 percent.

Romblon airport registered no change in aircraft movement for 2019, while recorded passenger traffic increased by 40.82 percent. On the other hand, air cargoes recorded a decrease of 31.78 percent.

Busuanga airport registered a 20.07 and 16.79 percent increase in aircraft movement and passenger movement, respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the previous period. However, air cargoes were recorded a 4.63 decline for the same reference period.

Table 17. Aircraft transport statistics, MIMAROPA, 2018 -2019 Airport 4th 4th Percent Quarter Quarter Change 2018 2019 (2019/2018) MIMAROPA Aircraft 2,580 2,978 15.43 Passenger Traffic 162,493 186,391 14.71 Air Cargoes 1,287,505 1,212,838 (5.80) San Jose Aircraft 150 76 (49.33) Passenger Traffic 11,253 8,743 (22.31) Air Cargoes 6,845 669 (90.23) Romblon Aircraft 78 78 0.00 Passenger Traffic 4,199 5,913 40.82 Air Cargoes 34,102 23,266 (31.78) Busuanga Aircraft 2,352 2,824 20.07 Passenger Traffic 147,041 171,735 16.79 Air Cargoes 1,246,558 1,188,903 (4.63) Source: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines -MIMAROPA

B. Tourism Partial data from the Department of Tourism MIMAROPA showed that tourist arrivals in the region recorded a decrease of 31.43 percent, from 590,507 tourists in the fourth quarter of 2018 to 404,930 tourists in 2019. Majority or 70 percent of the tourists in the region were considered domestic tourists. Foreign tourists and overseas Filipinos accounted 29.98 percent and 0.02 percent share to the total tourist arrivals in the region, respectively.

Table 18. Tourist Arrivals, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Percent 4th Quarter 4th Quarter Region/Province Change 2018 2019 (2019/2018) Tourist arrivals 590,507 404,930 (31.43) Domestic 399,333 283,442 (29.02) Foreign 188,239 121,411 (35.50) Overseas Filipinos 2,935 77 (97.38) Source: Department of Tourism (DOT) MIMAROPA

The number of tourist arrivals per province recorded a double digit decrease during the quarter except Romblon. The province of Palawan, particularly City and municipality of Coron, remains the most visited tourist destination in the region.

Table 19. Tourist Arrivals, MIMAROPA, by Province, 2018-2019 Percent 4th Quarter 4th Quarter Region/Province Change 2018 2019 (2019/2018) Marinduque 9,363 7,901 (15.6) Oriental Mindoro 69,041 48,713 (29.4) Occidental Mindoro 45,604 19,051 (58.2) Palawan 455,426 318,192 (30.1) Romblon 11,073 11,073 0 Source: Department of Tourism (DOT) MIMAROPA

The South Koreans (26,198), followed by the Americans (13,134) and the Chinese (11,009), were the top foreign tourists in the region during the quarter.

C. Foreign Trade

1. Exports

The export revenues significantly improved by 89.21 percent, from US$ 30.52 million in October to November of 2018 to US$ 57.75 million in the same period of 2019. This was attributed to the shipment of crude petroleum oil to South Korea.

The region’s exports products comprised primarily of crude petroleum oils, ores, and condensates which were all originated from the province of Palawan.

In contrary, the aggregate volume of the region’s exported products decreased by 20.01 percent from 652.52 million kilograms in October to November 2018 to 521.95 million kilograms in the same period of 2019. The decline in the quantity of exported products was mainly attributed to the decrease in shipments to China, Japan, and Thailand.

Table 20. Export Earnings in MIMAROPA, October to November, 2018-2019 Value of Export in US$ Volume of Export in kilogram Month 2018 2019 2018 2019

October 16,699,220.00 32,409,000.00 361,329,000 349,143,000

November 13,823,412.00 25,344,491.00 291,193,552 172,813,000

Total 30,522,632.00 57,753,491.00 652,522,552 521,956,000 Source: PSA MIMAROPA

South Korea emerged as top export destination during the period. Other countries of destination include China, Japan, and Thailand.

2. Imports

The value of imports in the region for the months of October to November increased by 61.17 percent, from US$8.6 million in 2018 to US$13.87 million in 2019. The increase in imports may be attributed to imports commodities from Japan. However, the region’s import showed a drop in quantity at 21.53 percent from 132.22 million kilograms in 2018 to 103.75 million kilograms in 2019.

Table 21. Value of imports, MIMAROPA, October to November, 2018-2019 Volume of Import in kilogram Value of Import in US$ Month 2018 2019 2018 2019

October 3,375,273.00 8,566,025.00 57,692,427 56,399,947

November 5,232,439.00 5,307,299.00 74,530,224 47,348,780

Total 8,607,712.00 13,873,324.00 132,222,651 103,748,727 Source: PSA MIMAROPA

The port in Rio Tuba Export Processing Zone in Palawan recorded a huge quantity of imported products from Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and United Kingdom, among others. Japan recorded the highest account at US$ 3,812,865.00, or 27.49 percent of the total import record for the month of October and November.

V. Peace and order

The total crime volume in MIMAROPA decreased by 2.05 percent from previous year’s 1,414 incidents to 1,385 incidents in October to December 2019 (refer to Table 17).

Table 22. Crime Statistics, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 2018 2019 Percent Change/ Indicators Q4 Q3 Q4 Difference (2018/2017) Crime Volume 1,414 813 1,385 (2.05) Crimes Cleared 1,165 733 1,101 (5.49) Crimes Solved 958 483 851 (11.17) Average Monthly Crime 15.37 8.69 4.04 (11.33) Rate Source: Philippine National Police-MIMAROPA

Cleared and solved crimes decreased from last year by 5.49 percent and 11.17 percent, respectively. These are, however, higher than the recorded cleared and solved crimes in July to September 2019.

The region’s average monthly crime rate in October to December 2019 of 4.04 percent significantly decreased by 11.33 percentage points from last year’s 15.37 percent.

VI. Natural Disasters and other Calamities

In November, severe tropical storm Quiel (internationally named Nakri) brought light to heavy rains in the region.

A total of 1,171 individuals living in the coastal areas were evacuated in some barangays in the municipalities of , Paluan, Rizal, , and Sta. Cruz in Occidental Min doro.

A total of 20 totally damaged houses and 77 partially damaged houses were recorded in the municipalities of Lubang, Paluan, Rizal, Sablayan, San Jose, and Sta. Cruz in Occidental Mindoro.

A total of 39 totally damaged bancas and 233 partially damag ed bancas were recorded in the municipalities of , Lubang, Paluan, Rizal, Sablayan, and Sta. Cruz in Occidental Mindoro.

A total of 15 small fishing boats were damaged due to an irregular sea level incident in the municipality of San Vicente in Palawan. Sea swells that caused damages to bancas were reported in the municipalitites of Paluan and Lubang in Occidental Mindoro.

A fishing boat with 14 crew members onboard capsized in the waters of Northern Palawan. One crew member was rescued and 13 crew members were reported missing. A motorized banca with 12 passengers onboard was capsized in the waters of San Jose in Occidental Mindoro. All passengers were rescued without physical injuries incurred.

Damages to infrastructure, particularly in bridge s and flood control facilities, were reported in the municipalities of Calintaan, Lubang, and Paluan in Occidental Mindoro. The estimated cost of damages to infrastructure amounted to ₱107,810,000.00.

Classes at all levels were suspended in the municipali ties of Paluan and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro.

The Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro declared a state of calamity in the municipality of Paluan on November 11, 2019.

On November 12, 2019, all evacuees were sent home and all classes resumed. All national roads and bridges in MIMAROPA were passable for all types of vehicles.

The Occidental Mindoro Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and various Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices provided foo d and non-food items to the affected families. The Occidental Mindoro PDRRMO, together with the Philippine Coast Guard, is currently conducting a rapid damage assessment and needs analysis in the affected areas.

In December, tropical storm Tisoy (internat ionally named Kammuri) brought moderate to heavy rains with strong winds in the region.

Four individuals was reported dead: three individuals in Oriental Mindoro and one individual in Marinduque. A total of 36 individuals were reported injured: 19 individuals in Oriental Mindoro; seven individuals in Marinduque; and 10 individuals in Romblon.

A total of 4,716 totally damaged houses and 39, 532 partially damaged houses were recorded in the municipalities of Gasan and Sta. Cruz in Marinduque; municipalities of Calintaan, Magsaysay, and Lubang in Occidental Mindoro; municipalities of Baco, , Soccoro, , Gloria, , , and in Oriental Mindoro; and municipalities of Alcantara, Banton, Concepcion, , , Calatrava, Ferrol, Looc, Magdiwang, Romblon, Sta. Fe, and Sta. Maria in Romblon.

Damages to infrastructure, particularly on roads and bridges, government infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, were reported in all municipalities of Marinduque; all municipalities of Occidental Mindoro; city of Calapan and municipalities of San Teodoro, Naujan, Vict oria, Soccoro, Pola, Pinamalayan, Bansud, Bongabong, and Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro; and municipalities of Corcuera and Calatrava in Romblon. The estimated cost of damages amounted to ₱513,288,057.02.

Damages to agriculture, particularly on fisheries, fishing vessels and accessories, crops, and livestocks, were recorded in the municipalities of Boac, Buenavista, Mogpog, Santa Cruz, and Torrijos in Marinduque; municipalities of , Calintaan, Looc, Lubang, Mamburao, Sablayan, Santa Cruz, and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro; municipalities of Baco, Bansud, Pinamalayan, Roxas, San Teodoro, Socorro, and Victoria in Oriental Mindoro; and municipalities of Cajidiocan and Calatrava in Romblon. The estimated cost of damages amounted to ₱1,057,262,410.40.

State of calamity was declared in the municipalities of Boac, Buenavista, Gasan, and Torrijos in Marinduque; municipalities of Corcuera, Romblon, San Andres, and San Fernando in Romblon; municipality of Mamburao in Occidental Mindoro; and in the provin ces of Marinduque and Oriental Mindoro.

Also in December, Tropical Storm Ursula (internationally named Phanfone) caused significant damages to infrastructure, lifelines, and agriculture in the provinces of Romblon, Marinduque, and Oriental Mindoro.

A total of nine individuals were reported dead: four individuals in Occidental Mindoro and five individuals in Oriental Mindoro. Five individuals were reported injured in Oriental Mindoro. Two individuals were reported missing in Occidental Mindoro.

A total of 9,400 totally damaged houses and 31,023 partially damaged houses were recorded in the municipalities of Calintaan, Magsaysay, Rizal, Sablayan, and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro; municipalities of Bulalacao, , Roxas, an d Victoria in Oriental Mindoro; and municipalities of Alcantara, Calatrava, Ferrol, Looc, , San Agustin, San Andres, San Jose, Sta. Fe, and Sta. Maria in Romblon.

Damages to infrastructure, particularly on roads and bridges, government infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, were reported in the municipalities of Calintaan, Magsaysay, Rizal, and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro; city of Calapan and municipalities of Bulalacao, , and Roxas in Oriental Mindoro; and municipality of Looc in Romblon. The estimated cost of damages amounted to ₱336,211,855.00.

Damages to agriculture, particularly on fisheries, fishing vessels and accessories, crops, and livestocks, were recorded in the municipalities of Calintaan, Magsaysay, Rizal, Sablayan, and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro; municipalities of Baco, Bansud, Mansalay, Pola, Roxas, and Socorro in Oriental Mindoro; and municipalities of Looc, San Andres, San Agustin, Sta. Fe, and Sta. Maria in Romblon. The estimated cost of damages amounted to ₱331,218,622.59.

The municipality of San Jose in Romblon was declared under state of calamity on December 26, 2019, by virtue of Resolution No. 122, s. 2019. The province of Occidental Mindoro was declared under state of calamity on December 30, 2019, by virtue of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 297, s. 2019.

Weather Condition

In October to November, the region experienced a below normal to near normal amount of rainfall, while above normal amount of rainfall was experienced in December.

Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) remain at El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral across the tropical Pacific Ocean. Most climate models predict this condition to continue until September 2020. There is a little probability for the occurrence of El Niño.

All provinces will likely experience a below normal to near normal rainfall condition from February to April 2020 , except Occidental Mindoro and Romblon, which will likely experience way below normal rainfall for the month of February 2020.

NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MIMAROPA Region Calapan City

ANNUAL REGIONAL ECONOMIC SITUATIONER 2019

I. Macroeconomy

A. 2018 Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP)

Among the 17 regions of the country, MIMAROPA ranked 2nd — together with Davao Region and next to Bicol Region —in terms of growth rate.

Among the major economic sectors, the Industry sector recorded the fastest growth of 11.2 percent in 2018 from 1.6 percent in 2017. This was followed by the Services sector, which grew by 9.3 percent in 2018 from 8.7 percent in 2017. The Agriculture, Hunting, Fishery and Forestry (AHFF) sector also grew, but at a slower pace at 2.6 percent in 2018 from 3.0 percent in 2017 (refer to Table 1).

Table 1. Economic Performance by Sector and Subsector, MIMAROPA, 2017-2018 (at constant 2000 prices, in percent except GVA) Contribution Percent 2017 2018 GRDP Growth rate Sector/Subsector GVA GVA distribution growth (in P '000) (in P '000) 2017 2018 17-18 16-17 17-18 Agriculture, hunting, 26,733,849 27,416,774 20.24 19.12 0.5 3.0 2.6 forestry, and fishing Agriculture and 21,056,140 21,704,747 15.94 15.13 0.5 4.4 3.1 forestry Fishing 5,677,709 5,712,027 4.30 3.98 0.0 -1.9 0.6 Industry sector 42,649,103 47,445,680 32.29 33.08 3.7 1.6 11.2 Mining and 23,830,735 25,179,054 18.04 17.56 1.0 -5.5 5.7 quarrying Manufacturing 6,811,537 7,304,895 5.16 5.09 0.4 4.9 7.2 Construction 11,006,722 13,875,546 8.33 9.68 2.2 17.1 26.1 Electricity, gas, 1,000,110 1,086,186 0.76 0.76 0.1 14.8 8.6 and water supply Service sector 62,713,384 68,548,716 47.48 47.80 4.4 8.7 9.3 Transportation, storage, and 14,532,340 15,620,967 11.00 10.89 0.8 7.3 7.5 communication Trade and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles, 7,005,413 7,491,681 5.30 5.22 0.4 7.6 6.9 personal, and household goods Financial 6,960,718 7,677,428 5.27 5.35 0.5 12.1 10.3 intermediation Real estate, renting, and 9,352,228 9,606,444 7.08 6.70 0.2 2.8 2.7 business activities

1 Contribution Percent 2017 2018 GRDP Growth rate Sector/Subsector GVA GVA distribution growth (in P '000) (in P '000) 2017 2018 17-18 16-17 17-18 Public administration and defense, 6,745,505 7,770,266 5.11 5.42 0.8 8.7 15.2 compulsory social security Other services 18,117,180 20,381,930 13.72 14.21 1.7 12.5 12.5 Gross domestic product 132,096,336 143,411,171 100.00 100.00 8.6 5.2 8.6

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) MIMAROPA

The industry sector remarkably expanded by 11.2 percent in 2018 from 1.6 percent in 2017, making up 33.1 percent of the region’s economy. Mining and quarrying recorded the highest growth among industry subsectors and among major sub -industries, posting a significant turnaround from negative 5.5 percent in 2017 to 5.7 percent in 2018. This may be attributed to the increased average price of nickel at the world market by 26.5 percent from US$4.68 per pound in 2017 to US$5.92 per pound. The quantity of directly shipped nickel ore and production of mixed nickel-cobalt sulfide also increased by 9.3 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively. The construction subsector also grew faster at an impressive 26.1 percent in 2018 from 17.1 percent in 2017. Manufacturing subsector slightly improved to 7.2 percent from 4.9 percent.

The Services sector, which remained the biggest contributor to the region’s economy with 47.8 percent share in 2018, grew by 9.3 percent from 8.7 percent in 2017. Only two of its subsectors registered accelerated growth: transportation, storage, and communication with 7.5 percent from 7.3 percent in 2017; and public administration and defense, compulsory social security with a remarkable 15.2 percent from 8.7 percent in 2017. This may be attributed to the implementation of the third tranche of the salary standardization law, increase in base pay of the military and uniformed personnel, conditional cash transfers and rice subsidies under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, and reduction of income taxes brought by the implementation of TRAIN Law Package 1.

The AHFF sector grew by 2.6 percent in 2018. This was, however, slower than the 3.0 percent growth recorded in 2017. The increase was due to the growth of agriculture and forestry subsector, though at a slower pace. Fishing subsector rebounded from negative 1.9 percent in 2017 to 0.6 percent in 2018. This may be attributed to increased value of production and higher demand for aqua culture products.

B. Prices, Consumer Price Index (CPI), and Inflation Rate

MIMAROPA’s average inflation rate eased to 3.9 percent in 2019 from 5.1 percent in 2018. This was, however, higher than the national 2 average inflation rate of 2.5 percent. All provinces registered lower inflation rates, except Romblon. Occidental Mindoro registered the highest inflation rate with 4.8 percent. This was followed by Romblon and Palawan with 4.2 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively (refer to Figure 1). Lower inflation rates may be attributed to the continued anti - inflationary measures implemented by the government to bring down the prices of major agricultural commodities.

For three consecutive months, ease in monthly inflation rates were recorded: 2.2 percent in September, 1.1 percent in October, and 1.8 percent in November. This was contrary to the faster inflation rates recorded in 2018 with 4.5 percent in August, 7.3 percent in September, and 9.0 percent in October.

Figure 1. Inflation Rate by Province, MIMAROPA, 2018 -2019 5.9 6.0 5.1 5.1 5.1 4.7 4.8 5.0 4.2 3.9 4.1 3.6 4.0 3.3 3.4

3.0

2.0

1.0

0.0 MIMAROPA Marinduque Occidental Oriental Palawan Romblon Mindoro Mindoro

2018 2019

Source: PSA MIMAROPA

All commodity groups except education registered upward price movements compared to the index levels recorded in 2018, which contributed to the region’s 3.9 percent average inflation rate in 2019 (refer to Table 2). Education’s index decreased from 116.4 in 2018 to 114.8 in 2019, registering a 1.4 percent decrease.

Among the commodity groups, alcoholic beverages and tobacco recorded the highest CPI of 198.8, higher by 29.3 percent compared to its CPI of 153.8 in 2018. This may be attributed to the current excise taxation system on alcohol and tobacco products. This was followed by food and non-alcoholic beverages and restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services with 128.8 and 116.8, respectively. Communication registered the lowest CPI of 102.5.

3

Table 2. Consumer Price Index, Inflation Rate and Purchasing Power of Peso, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Percent Change/ Item 2018 2019 Difference (2019/2018) Average Consumer Price Index 117.6 122.2 3.9 Food 126.6 128.3 1.3 Food and Non-Alcoholic 126.5 128.8 1.8 Beverages Alcoholic Beverages and 153.8 198.8 29.3 Tobacco Non-Food 108.2 113.3 4.7 Clothing and Footwear 112.0 115.8 3.4 Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas 108.4 114.3 5.4 and Other Fuels Furnishing, Household Equipment and Routine 109.2 115.1 5.4 Maintenance Health 107.1 111.5 4.1 Transport 103.3 108.7 5.2 Communication 101.8 102.5 0.7 Recreation and Culture 108.6 113.3 4.3 Education 116.4 114.8 (1.4) Restaurant and Miscellaneous 109.9 116.8 6.3 Goods and Services Average Inflation Rate 5.1 3.9 (1.2) Average Purchasing Power of Peso 0.85 0.82 (0.03) Source: PSA MIMAROPA

In terms of selected food items, fruits, vegetables, and mineral water, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices recorded the highest CPI of 167.8, 159.5, 146.7, respectively, in 2019. These food items registered higher inflation rates of 15.6 percent, 2.8 percent, and 9.2 percent, respectively, compared to 2018’s inflation rates.

The region’s purchasing power of peso decreased to 0.82 in 2019 from 0.85 in 2018.

C. Labor and Employment

The region’s working age population increased by 2.63 percent from 2,093,000 in 2018 to 2,148,000 in 2019. Labor force participation rate decreased by 1.7 percentage point from 62.0 percent in 2018 to 60.3 percent in 2019 (refer to Table 3).

4 Table 3. Labor and Employment Statistics, MIMAROPA, 2018 -2019 Percent Change/ Item 2018 2019 Difference (2019/2018) Population 15 years old & 2,093 2,148 2.63 above (in ‘000) LF Participation Rate (%) 62.0 60.3 (1.70) Employment Rate (%) 95.3 95.6 0.30 Unemployment Rate (%) 4.7 4.4 (0.30) Underemployment Rate (%) 20.6 19.6 (1.00) Source: PSA MIMAROPA

Employment rate increased by 0.30 percentage point from 95.3 percent in 2018 to 95.6 percent in 2019. The region’s employment rate was also higher by 0.7 percentage point compared to the national average employment rate of 94.9 percent.

The region’s unemployment rate of 4.4 percent was lower by 0.7 percentage point compared to the national average unemployment rate of 5.1 percent. This was also lower by 0.3 percentage point compared to 4.7 percent in 2018.

Underemployment rate decreased from 20.6 percent in 2018 to 19.6 percent in 2019. This was, however, higher by 5.6 percentage points compared to the national average underemployment rate of 14.0 percent.

The total number of jobs generated in MIMAROPA increased by 73.09 percent from the 9,297 jobs in 2018 to 16,092 jobs in 2019 (refer to Table 4). All MIMAROPA provinces recorded increase in jobs generated. Among provinces, Oriental Mindoro posted the highest increase in number of jobs generated at 209.11 percent from 2,173 in 2018 to 6,717 in 2019. This was followed by Marinduque and Palawan with 3,042 jobs generated and 2,389 jobs generated, respectively. This may be attributed to the increase in number of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) assisted in the region.

Table 4. Number of Jobs Generated, MIMAROPA, 2018 -2019 Percent Province 2018 2019 Change (2019/2018) MIMAROPA 9,297 16,092 73.09 Marinduque 2,417 3,042 25.86 Occidental Mindoro 1,012 1,674 65.42 Oriental Mindoro 2,173 6,717 209.11 Palawan 1,964 2,389 21.64 Romblon 1,731 2,270 31.14 Source: Department of Trade and Industry -MIMAROPA

5 II. Agriculture and Fisheries

The production of agriculture and fishery commodities in the region generally decreased in 2019. Improvements in the production of banana, cacao, cashew, coconut, calamansi, onion, mango, goat, chicken, chicken eggs, duck, and duck eggs were recorded during the year.

A. Cereals

Palay production in the region dropped by 2.91 percent, from 1,230,988 metric tons (MT) in 2018 to 1,195,197 MT in 2019. The decline was attributed to occurrences of typhoons and the El Niño phenomenon which affected the rice production in the region. Oriental Mindoro was the highest contributor to the region ’s palay production with a share of 35.14 percent. This was followed by Palawan and Occidental Mindoro with a share of 31.94 percent and 29.10 percent, respectively. All provinces in the region recorded decrease in palay production except Palawan.

Table 5. Palay production, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Percent Change Province 2018 (MT) 2019 (MT) (2019/2018) Marinduque 17,101.00 11,526.00 (32.60) Occ. Mindoro 374,223.00 347,849.00 (7.05) Or. Mindoro 435,709.37 420,002.00 (3.61) Palawan 367,032.00 381,704.00 4.00 Romblon 36,923.00 34,116.00 (7.60) Total 1,230,988.00 1,195,197.00 (2.91) Source: PSA MIMAROPA

Corn production dropped by 17.83 percent, from 130,146 metric tons in 2018 to 106,939.80 metric tons in 2018. The decrease may be associated with the drought experienced by the corn production areas in Occidental Mindoro which resulted to a 22.41 percent decline in the corn products of the province. Despite the decrease in outputs, Occidental Mindoro remained the highest contributor to the region’s cor n production with a share of 73.50 percent. Only the provinces of Marinduque and Palawan recorded increase in outputs in 2019 with 84.57 percent and 6.57 percent growth, respectively.

Table 6. Corn production, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Percent Change Province 2018 (MT) 2019 (MT) (2019/2018) Marinduque 243.00 448.5 84.57 Occ. Mindoro 101,304.00 78,605.00 (22.41) Or. Mindoro 5,510.06 3,609.30 (34.50) Palawan 21,418.35 22,825.00 6.57 Romblon 1,671.00 1,452.00 (13.11) Total 130,146.00 106,939.80 (17.83) Source: PSA MIMAROPA

6 B. Major Crops

In 2019, banana production reached 108,084.09 metric tons, an increase of 3.81 percent from the outputs in 2018. The increase may be attributed to the sufficient rainfall during the fruiting stage. Oriental Mindoro and Palawan were the major banana producers in the region during the period, producing 64,318.38 MT (59.51 percent) and 32,935.29 MT (30.47 percent) of banana, respectively.

Calamansi production improved by 34.89 percent, from 39,153.82 MT in 2018 to 52,813.65 MT in 2019. This may be attributed to the increase in yield due to the lesser occurrence of rain during the second quarter. All provinces in the region experienced decrease in calamansi production except Oriental Mindoro. This province remained the highest contributor to the total calamansi production of the region with a share of 97.77 percent.

Mango production went up by 9.26 percent, from 15,724.76 MT in 2018 to 17,180.55 in 2019. The improvements may be attributed to the high demand in the market and lesser occurrence o f pests during the year. All provinces in the region recorded increase in production. Palawan was the highest producer of mango in the region contribut ing about 14,064.78 MT or 81.86 percent share of the region’s mango production.

Coconut production slightly went up by 0.06 percent, from 790,677.72 MT in 2018 to 791,120.73 MT in 2019. All the provinces i n the region recorded an increase in production except for Romblon. Palawan and Romblon were the highest coconut producers in the region contributing 51.80 percent and 27.42 percent share to the total coconut production of the region, respectively.

Abaca production dropped by 0.40 percent, from 121.75 MT in 2018 to 121.26 MT in 2019. The slight decrease may be attributed to the 47.86 percent decrease in abaca production of Marinduque.

Cacao production in the region also recorded an increase of 12.41 percent, from 88.91 MT in 2018 to 99.94 MT in 2019. The increase may be attributed to the expansion of planted areas for cacao during the year. All provinces in the region posted increase in cacao production except Romblon. About 81.31 percent of the region’s cacao production came from Palawan.

The region’s onion production went up by 87.45 percent in 2019. There was an oversupply of onion during the first quarter which resulted to the decrease in onion prices in the market. On th e other hand, garlic production decreased by 7.85 percent. The decrease may be due to the decrease in area planted and shortage of rice hays that are used for mulching during the first quarter of 2019. All pro vinces in the region recorded decrease in garlic production except Oriental M indoro. About 87.64 percent of the region’s garlic production came from the province of Occidental Mindoro.

7 Cassava production slightly decreased by 0.97 percent. The decrease may be attributed to the lower demand from feed manufacturers during the fourth quarter.

Table 7. Major Crops, MIMAROPA, 2018 -2019

Percent Change Major Crops 2018 (MT) 2019 (MT) (2019/2018) Banana 93,174.90 104,120.48 11.75 Marinduque 612.98 648.62 5.81 Occ. Mindoro 3,922.73 4,063.03 3.58 Or. Mindoro 49,802.93 59,794.92 20.06 Palawan 32,397.19 32,990.15 1.83 Romblon 6,439.07 6,623.76 2.87 Calamansi 39,744.89 39,153.82 (1.49) Marinduque 45.09 46.78 3.75 Occ. Mindoro 214.04 214.80 0.36 Or. Mindoro 38,576.33 37,957.93 (1.60) Palawan 794.86 816.92 2.78 Romblon 114.57 117.39 2.46 Mango 15,399.06 15,724.76 2.12 Marinduque 46.47 47.50 2.22 Occ. Mindoro 1,602.66 1,624.40 1.36 Or. Mindoro 46.34 45.68 (1.42) Palawan 12,712.26 13,012.52 2.36 Romblon 991.33 994.66 0.34 Coconut 772,478.55 790,677.72 2.36 Marinduque 68,467.40 70,461.85 2.91 Occ. Mindoro 14,201.92 14,686.46 3.41 Or. Mindoro 71,130.06 72,730.7 2.25 Palawan 399,086.04 408,690.56 2.41 Romblon 219,593.12 224,108.15 2.06 Abaca 116.58 121.75 4.44 Marinduque 1.65 1.40 (15.15) Occ. Mindoro - - - Or. Mindoro 71.31 80.25 12.54 Palawan 43.62 40.10 (8.07) Romblon - - - Cashew 215,525.35 221,532.94 2.79 Marinduque - - - Occ. Mindoro 216.25 220.73 2.07 Or. Mindoro 2.50 2.34 (6.40) Palawan 215,306.60 221,309.87 2.79 Romblon - - - Cacao 84.84 88.91 4.80 Marinduque 1.63 1.67 2.45 Occ. Mindoro - - - Or. Mindoro 12.71 13.35 5.04 Palawan 69.26 72.72 5.00 Romblon 1.24 1.17 (5.65)

8 Percent Change Major Crops 2018 (MT) 2019 (MT) (2019/2018) Onion 19,405.31 18,701.45 (3.63) Marinduque 3.17 3.23 1.89 Occ. Mindoro 17,147.26 16,695.94 (2.63) Or. Mindoro 2,254.88 2,002.28 (11.20) Palawan - - - Romblon - - - Garlic 1,718.52 1,605.95 (6.55) Marinduque 13.59 13.95 2.65 Occ. Mindoro 1,718.52 1,605.95 (6.55) Or. Mindoro 157.02 140.84 (10.30) Palawan - - - Romblon 11 .77 11.88 0.93 Cassava 21,883.29 21,417.12 (2.13) Marinduque 520.81 538.32 3.36 Occ. Mindoro 6,217.26 6,147.23 (1.13) Or. Mindoro 6,497.19 6,109.78 (5.96) Palawan 6,526.32 6,480.28 (0.71) Romblon 2,121.71 2,141.51 0.93 Source: PSA MIMAROPA

C. Livestock

The livestock subsector decreased its outputs by 2.85 percent, from 2018 to 2019. Production of all livestock animals decreased except goat, which has improved by 2.32 percent. Hog production, which accounts to 80.97 percent share to the total livestock outputs of the region, decreased by 1.80 percent. Carabao and cattle production also experienced decrease by 13.02 and 5.98 percent, respectively. Factors that may be attributed to the decrease were the limited available stocks for slaughter and the low demand for the product.

Table 8. Livestock production, MIMAROPA, 2018 -2019 Percent Change Livestock 2018 (MT) 2019 (MT) (2019/2018) Carabao (live wt.) 5,652 4,916 (13.02) Cattle (live wt.) 12,176 11,448 (5.98) Hog (live wt.) 80,840 79,381 (1.80) Goat (live wt.) 2,242 2,294 2.32 Source: PSA MIMAROPA

D. Poultry

Production of poultry animals showed improvements in 2019. Chicken and chicken egg production increased by 2.82 percent and 4.99 percent, respectively. On the other hand, duck and duck egg production recorded a noticeable improvement during the same period by 16.85 percent and 11.85 percent, respectively. The improvements may be attributed to the sustained demand from hotels and restaurants and the

9 presence of newly operating farms in the region.

Table 9. Poultry production, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Percent Change Poultry 2018 (MT) 2019 (MT) (2019/2018) Chicken (live wt.) 10,868 11,174 2.82 Chicken Eggs (live 6,612 6,942 4.99 wt.)Duck (live wt.) 356 416 16.85 Duck Eggs (live wt.) 502 560 11.55 Source: PSA MIMAROPA

E. Commercial Fishery

The annual production of commercial fisheries declined by 3.88 percent. The decline in fish catch may be attributed to the decrease in fishing days and trips due to rough sea conditions. Fewer unloadings of fish products in the fish landing sites were also recorded during the year. Palawan remained the highest contributor to the total production with a share of 72.15 percent. All provinces in the region recorded decrease in production except for the province of Marinduque which shows a noticeable improvement of 45.22 percent.

Table 10. Commercial fishery production, MIMAROPA, 201 8-2019 Percent Change Province 2018 (MT) 2019 (MT) (2019/2018) Marinduque 209.93 304.85 45.22 Occ. Mindoro 5,981.45 5,243.03 (12.35) Or. Mindoro 2,340.03 1,849.27 (20.97) Palawan 21,189.07 21,143.05 (0.22) Romblon 766.92 765.72 (0.16) Total 30,487.40 29,305.92 (3.88) Source: PSA MIMAROPA

F. Municipal Marine/ Inland Fishery

Municipal fishery slightly increased by 0.53 percent in 2019 compared to its output in 2018 due to improvements in the marine municipal catch. Palawan was the highest contributor to municipal marine fishery in 2019 with a share of 80.52 percent.

Municipal marine fishery increased by 0.96 percent. This was due to the significant improvements in the production of Occidental Mindoro. Palawan, Marinduque, and Romblon suffered a double -digit losses during the year.

Inland municipal production showed a noticeable decrease of 25.86 percent compared to the outputs last 2018. All provinces in the region suffered in terms of inland production except Oriental Mindoro. The provinces of Palawan, Romblon, and Marinduque recorded significant decline in inland fish catch by 64.38 percent, 36.67 percent, and 26.64

10 percent, respectively. Shift of fishermen activities from inland fishing to other works or employments were observed during the year.

Table 11. Municipal Fishery Production of MIMAROPA by province, 2018-2019 Percent Change 2018 2019 Province (2019/2018) Marine Inland Marine Inland Marine Inland Marinduque 4,593.38 29.20 4,727.96 21.42 2.93 (26.64) Occ. 5,511.58 84.38 6,313.29 109.49 14.55 29.76 Mindoro Or. Mindoro 6,332.22 1,057.16 5,648.63 1,073.27 (10.80) 1.52 Palawan 101,363.82 870.61 102,766.38 310.09 1.38 (64.38) Romblon 7,104.62 7.50 6,651.98 4.75 (6.37) (36.67) Total 124,905.62 2,048.85 126,108.24 1,519.02 0.96 (25.86) Source: PSA MIMAROPA

G. Aquaculture

Production of aquaculture products slightly decreased by 0.83 percent in 2019 compared to the outputs in 2018. All the provinces in the region recorded a decrease in production except Occidental Mindoro, which has increased production by 30.52 percent. Palawan remained the biggest producer of aquaculture products harvesting about 99.26 percent of the total aquaculture production of the region.

Table 12. Aquaculture fishery production, MIMAROPA, 201 8-2019 Percent Change Province 2018 (MT) 2019 (MT) (2019/2018) Marinduque 404.02 330.36 (18.23) Occ. Mindoro 501.75 654.89 30.52 Or. Mindoro 1,355.37 1,120.04 (17.36) Palawan 344,243.46 341,767.31 (0.72) Romblon 720.49 453.98 (36.99) Total 347,225.10 344,326.58 (0.83) Source: PSA MIMAROPA

III. Investments and Industry

A. Investments

The business name registration in the region slipped by 10.25 percent from 16,887 business name registered in 2018 to 15,156 business name registered in 2019. The province of Palawan recorded the highest number of business name registered, which comprised 38.80 percent of the region’s total business name registration. However, the province recorded the biggest drop at 26.42 percent from 7,993 business name registered in 2018 to 5,881 business name registered in 2019.

11 Table 13. Business Name Registration, MIMAROPA, 201 8 -2019 Percent Change Region/ Province 2018 2019 (2019/2018) MIMAROPA 16,887 15,156 (10.25) Marinduque 1,737 1,832 5.47 Occidental 1,767 1,687 (4.53) MindoroOriental Mindoro 3,702 3,776 2.00 Palawan 7,993 5,881 (26.42) Romblon 1,688 1,980 17.30 Source: DTI MIMAROPA

The total number of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) assisted in the region increased by 52.22 percent, from 7,178 MSMEs assisted in 2018 to 10,926 MSMEs assisted in 2019.

The provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Palawan registered the highest number of MSMEs assisted with 2,831 MSMEs assisted and 2,65 3 MSMEs assisted, respectively. The province of Romblon recorded the highest percentage increase in the number of MSMEs assisted with 127.40 percent while the province of Marinduque recorded 0.06 percent increase in the number of MSMEs assisted.

Table 14. Number of MSMEs Assisted, MIMAROPA, 2018 -2019 Percent Change Region/ Province 2018 2019 (2019/2018) MIMAROPA 7,178 10,926 52.22 Marinduque 1,714 1,715 0.06 Occidental 1,030 2,001 94.27 Mindoro Oriental Mindoro 2,421 2,831 16.94 Palawan 1,254 2,653 111.56 Romblon 759 1,726 127.40 Source: DTI MIMAROPA

The Department of Trade and Industry assisted the enrolled MSMEs under the food sector in terms of laboratory and shelf life analysis of the product through the program “One Town, One Product Next Generation. DTI MIMAROPA also assisted MSMEs in securing license to operate from the Food and Drug Administration. For non -food MSMES, product development assistance and participation to trade promotion activities were also facilitated.

In addition, product development activities were conducted for both MSMEs in the food and non-food sectors through Regional Integrated Product Development Assistance (RIPDA). The business enterprise owners were also trained through Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) , which allowed business owners to develop their own business plans.

The MSMEs in Calamianes Group of Islands in Palawan were also assisted in improving the packaging and labelling of products through the OTOP Next Generation and RIPDA. Common Service Facilities for bamboo weaving, sewing, and fish processing were likewise provided to 12 MSMEs.

Startup MSMEs were provided skills trainings/upgrading facilitated by Negosyo Centers. MSMEs also benefited from the processing equipment provided under the Shared Service Facilities .

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), fo r its part, implemented programs and activities related to science, technology, and innovation (STI) such as Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, which aimed to provide assistance to MSMEs on setting up, upgrading, and maintaining their STI facilities. The DOST also provided 47 technology intervention projects amounting to ₱42,495,088.72 to the local government units and state universities and colleges (please refer to Table 15). Table 15. Technology Interventions provided to LGUs and SUCs, MIMAROPA, 2019 Region/Province Number of Project Amount of Project (₱) MIMAROPA 47 42,495,088.72 Marinduque 8 6,883,843.77 Occidental Mindoro 9 5,967,976.66 Oriental Mindoro 12 8,473,773.60 Palawan 8 10,028,417.46 Romblon 10 11,591,077.23

B. Mining and Quarrying

The production of minerals in the region generally declined in 2019. This also resulted to the decrease in sales value of minerals by 6.39 percent compared to the value of minerals produced in 2018.

Table 16. Volume and Value of Mineral Production, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019

Percent Change 2018 2019 Item (2019/2018) Volume Value (₱) Volume Value (₱) Volume Value Sand and 408,564.50 90.26 294,620.00 71.58 (27.89) (20.70) Gravel (cu.m.) Nickel Direct 2,351,999.92 3,875.26 1,863,345.20 2,869.03 (20.78) (25.97) Shipping Ore Main(MT) Metal 38,349.00 11,636.99 34,360.00 11,629.37 (10.40) (0.07) Product (MT) Limestone (MT) 379,056.00 312.00 379,519.00 327.33 0.12 4.91 TOTAL 15,914.51 14,897.31 (6.39) Source: Mines and Geosciences Bureau ( MGB) MIMAROPA

13

The volume of production for sand and gravel decreased by 27.89 percent, from 408,564.50 cubic meters in 2018 to 294,620 cubic meters outputs in 2019. Production value consequently decreased by 20.70 percent. However, it has to be noted that data on the volume and value of mineral production has yet to be updated since data were based only on the submission of production reports by permit holders p er province.

Nickel direct shipping ore volume of production also declined by 20.78 percent in 2019 compared to 2018 recorded outputs. Consequently, sales value for nickel direct shipping ore decreased by 25.97 percent during the period.

The volume and value of main metal product or mixed sulfide of nickel and cobalt in the region decreased by 10.40 percent and 0.07 percent, respectively. The decline was attributed to the limited supply of low grade ores and the decrease in the world market prices for n ickel and cobalt.

Relative increases in the volume and value of production of limestone were noted in 2019. The volume of limestone produced in the region increased by 0.12 percent while sales value grew by 4.91 percent.

IV. Services

A. Transportation

1. Air Transportation

Based on partial data submitted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) (refer to Table 17), the recorded aircraft movement, passenger traffic, and cargoes decreased in 2019.

Total aircraft movement, passenger traffic, and air cargoes in the region recorded an 8.27, 11.52, and 6.93 percent decline in 2019, respectively.

Busuanga Airport registered a 0.13 percent increase in aircraft movement for 2019. Passenger traffic also increased by 1.68 percent during the period. However, air cargoes was recorded at 21.13 decline during the year.

Cuyo Airport registered a 66.90 percent decline in aircraft movement in 2019. During the same period, passenger traffic and air cargoes also declined by 70.92 and 61.46 percent, respectively.

Marinduque Airport registered a 154.84 percent increase in aircraft movement in 2019. Consequently, passenger traffic also increased by 4,422.09 percent during the period. The increase in passenger traffic may be attributed to airport being fully functional in December 2018. Moreover, commercial flights resumed in April 1, 2019 which contributed to the 14 increase.

Puerto Princesa International Airport registered a 15.96 percent increase in foreign aircraft movement in 2019. Consequently, international passenger traffic increased by 9.92 percent during the period. However, domestic aircraft movement decreased by 23.52 percent 2019. Likewise, domestic passenger traffic and air cargoes decreased by 18.47 and 1.90 percent, respectively.

Romblon Airport registered a 20.20 percent decrease in aircraft movement in 2019. Consequently, passenger traffic declined by 12.24 percent during the year.

San Jose Airport registered a 12.70 percent decrease in aircraft movement in 2019. Passenger traffic, on the other hand, also declined by 6.78 percent during the period. Air cargo likewise decreased by 89.63 percent.

San Vicente Airport recorded a 469.5 percent increase in aircraft movement in 2019. Consequently, passenger traffic increased by 361.01 percent. Air cargoes likewise recorded an increase of 666 percent. This may be attributed to the presence of the commercial airline Skyjet in the airport during the second quarter of 2019.

Table 17. Air Transport Statistics, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Percent Change Particulars 2018 2019 (2019/2018) MIMAROPA Aircraft Movement 29,558 27,114 (8.27) Passenger Traffic 2,883,672 2,551,595 (11.52) Air Cargoes 23,758,233 22,111,978 (6.93) Busuanga Aircraft Movement 10,734 10,748 0.13 Passenger Traffic 675,400 686,757 1.68 Air Cargoes 655,014 5,170,000 (21.13) Cuyo Aircraft Movement 562 186 (66.90) Passenger Traffic 3,573 1,039 (70.92) Air Cargoes 37,076 14,289 (61.46) Marinduque Aircraft Movement 62 158 154.84 Passenger Traffic 181 8,185 4422.09 Air Cargoes No data 3,353 N/A Puerto Princesa International Aircraft Movement 683 792 15.96 Passenger Traffic 99,679 109,568 9.92 Air Cargoes 13,029 No data N/A Puerto Princesa Aircraft Movement 16,264 12,439 (23.52) Passenger Traffic 2,038,326 1,661,763 (18.47) Air Cargoes 16,955,011 16,632,535 (1.90) 15 Percent Change Particulars 2018 2019 (2019/2018) Romblon Aircraft Movement 391 312 (20.20) Passenger Traffic 19,063 16,730 (12.24) Air Cargoes 140,812 141,313 0.36 San Jose Aircraft Movement 504 440 (12.70) Passenger Traffic 41,109 38,320 (6.78) Air Cargoes 38,172 3,960 (89.63) San Vicente Aircraft Movement 358 2,039 469.55 Passenger Traffic 6,341 29,233 361.01 Air Cargoes 19,119 146,528 666.40 Source: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Notes: Data for 2019 are partial. “N/A” means not available.

2. Land Transportation

The number of motor vehicles registered in MIMAROPA increased by 3.92 percent, from 215,554 motor vehicles in 2018 to 224,011 motor vehicles in 2019 (refer to Table 18). This may be attributed to the establishment of new LTO extension offices in the municipalities of Roxas in Oriental Mindoro and Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro where motor vehicle registration made more accessible to vehicle owners.

Of the 224,011 registered motor vehicles, 30.55 percent or 68,438 motor vehicles are newly registered, while the remaining 155,573 motor vehicles are registered for renewals.

Table 18. Motor vehicles registration, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019 Percent Change Province 2018 2019 (2019/2018) MIMAROPA 215,554 224,011 3.92 New Registrations 14,402 15,973 10.91 Marinduque 16,525 20,232 22.43 Occidental Mindoro 136,157 139,467 2.43 Oriental Mindoro 38,535 39,456 2.39 Palawan 9,935 8,883 (10.59) Romblon 215,554 224,011 3.92 Source: Land Transportation Office MIMAROPA

Among the MIMAROPA provinces, Oriental Mindoro recorded the highest number of registered motor vehicles with 139,467. This was followed by Palawan with 39,456 registered motor vehicles, Occidental Mindoro with 20,232 registered motor vehicles, and Marinduque with 15,973 registered motor vehicles. Romblon recorded the highest number of registered motor vehicles with 8,883.

3. Water Transportation

16

Shipcalls increased by 2.91 percent from 54,197 in 2018 to 55,774 vessels in 2019. The number of domestic shipcalls and foreign shipcalls increased by 2.92 percent and 2.05 percent, respectively.

Total container port traffic increased by 8.61 percent from 80,207 twenty-foot equivalent units (teu) in 2018 to 87,115.75 teu in 2019. Only domestic container port traffic was recorded in the region.

Total cargo volume discharged and loaded at the ports in the region increased by 5.35 percent from 8.199 million metric tons (mmt) in 2018 to 8.637 (mmt) in 2019. Total cargo volume for 2019 comprised of 45.95 percent (3.969 mmt) domestic cargoes and 54.05 percent (4.668 mmt) foreign cargoes. The decreased in foreign cargo export was due to the foreign vessels that berthed in PMOs Mindoro and Palawan has no definite schedule.

Total passenger traffic increased by 4.87 percent from 10,680,156 passengers in 2018 to 11,200,154 passengers in 2019. RORO traffic increased by 3.92 percent from 989,027 vehicle s in 2018 to 951,682 vehicles in 2019.

Table 19. Water transport statistics, MIMAROPA, 2018 -2019 Percent Particulars 2018 2019 Change (2019/2018) Shipcalls 54,197 55,774 2.91 Domestic 53,855 55,425 2.92 Foreign 342 349 2.05 Container Port Traffic 80,207 87,115.75 8.61 (teu’s) Domestic 80,207 87,115.75 8.61 Inward 43,746.5 44,646.25 2.06 Outward 36,460.5 42,469.5 16.48 Cargo Throughput (MT) 8,199,524.45 8,637,800.24 5.35 Domestic 3,189,547.12 3,969,321.79 24.45 Inward 2,659,197.50 3,198,317.94 20.27 Outward 530,349.61 771,003.85 45.38 Foreign 5,009,977.33 4,668,478.45 (6.82) Import 944,777.89 1,037,313.24 9.79 Export 4,065,199.43 3,631,165.20 (10.68) Passenger Traffic 10,680,156 11,200,154 4.87 Disembarked 5,525,499 5,724,299 3.60 Embarked 5,125,928 5431984 5.97 Cruise Ships 28,729 43,871 52.71 RORO Traffic 951,682 989,027 3.92 Inward 476,527 495,594 4.00 Outward 475,155 493,433 3.85 Source: Philippine Ports Authority

17 B. Tourism

Tourist Arrivals

Recorded tourist arrivals in the region in 2019 was 2,075,042. This was 18.53 percent lower compared to 2,547,047 tourist visits in 2018.

The South Korea retained its post as top foreign market contributing a total of 116,327 or 5.61 percent of the total tourists in the region. This was followed by the United States with 69,465 (3.35 percent) and China with 68,326 (3.29 percent) tourists. Other top markets include Taiwan, France, United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada.

In 2019, majority of the tourists, comprising 69.28 percent or 1,437,518 tourists were Filipino residents or domestic tourists. This was followed by foreign tourist visits and overseas with 30.66 percent and 0.06 percent, respectively.

Leisure remained the main purpose of tourist visits in the region. The most visited tourist destinations in the region in 2019 were Puerto Princesa City in Palawan and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro.

C. Foreign Trade

1. Exports

The revenue from exports in the region decreased by 19.17 percent, from US$ 269,330,752.00 for the period January to November of 2019 to US$ 217,701,782.00 during the same period of 2018. High export earnings were recorded in the months of May, October, and November.

Figure 2. Export Earnings in MIMAROPA (in US$), 2018 -2019

100,000,000.00 90,000,000.00 80,000,000.00 70,000,000.00 60,000,000.00 50,000,000.00 40,000,000.00 30,000,000.00 20,000,000.00 10,000,000.00 0.00

2018 2019

Source: PSA MIMAROPA

18

All export commodities (mainly from mining) of the region originated from the province of Palawan. South Korea emerged as the top destination of exports accounting for 28.52 percent of the region’s total exports. This was followed by China, Singapore, and Thailand with 22.28 percent, 17.20 percent, and 16.53 percent, respectively. Other destination countries include Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Australia.

Condensates were the region’s primary export commodity contributing 49.60 percent to the region’s total exported goods. Other export commodities include ores and crude petroleum oils.

2. Imports

The value of imports in 2019 reached US$70,836,743. This was 19.05 percent lower compared to last year’s value of US$87,505,326. The decrease was remarkably attributable the zero import for other parts of aeroplane/helicopter which was one of the contributors to the value of imports in 2018.

In 2019, the value of imported good was highest in the month of August with US$10,676,724.00 and lowest in May with US$3,949,479.00. Methanol (methyl alcohol) from Indonesia constituted 8.94 percent of the total imported goods of the region.

Figure 3. Value of Imports, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019

40,000,000.00

35,000,000.00

30,000,000.00

25,000,000.00

20,000,000.00

15,000,000.00

10,000,000.00

5,000,000.00

0.00

2018 2019

Source: PSA MIMAROPA

Japan was the leading source of imported goods in the region amounting to US$ 17,732,947.00 or 25.03 percent of the total imports from January to November 2019. The port in Rio Tuba Export Processing

19 Zone in Palawan recorded a huge quantity of imported products from Japan, Singapore, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, and the United States, among others.

V. Peace and Order

The total crime volume in MIMAROPA in 2019 decreased by 27.15 percent from previous year’s 7,447 incidents to 5,425 incidents (refer to Table 21).

Table 20. Crime Statistics, MIMAROPA, 2018-2019

Percent Change/ Indicators 2018 2019 Difference (2018/2017)

Crime Volume 7,447 5,425 (27.15) Crimes Cleared 6,915 4,794 (30.67) Crimes Solved 5,868 3,714 (36.71) Average Monthly Crime Rate 19.00 13.00 (6.00) Source: Philippine National Police-MIMAROPA

Cleared and solved crimes decreased from last year by 30.67 percent and 36.71 percent, respectively. These are also lower than the recorded cleared and solved crimes in 2018.

The region’s average monthly crime rate in 2019 decreased by 6.0 percentage points from last year’s 19.0 percent to 13.0 percent.

VI. Natural Disasters and other Calamities

El Niño Phenomenon

In January to March, the MIMAROPA Region experienced a way below normal to below normal amount of rainfall. The provinces of Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, and Palawan experienced drought. The province of Marinduque experienced dry spell.

The province of Occidental Mindoro and the municipality of Sta. Cruz in Marinduque were declared under state of calamity through Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 79, s. 2019 and Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 109, s. 2019, respectively.

The MIMAROPA Regional El Niño Task Force conducted a meeting on March 20, 2019 to discuss the status of assistance provided to the affected communities and the action plan preparation by the concerned agencies.

In April to May, the region experienced a way below n ormal to below normal amount of rainfall while near normal amount of rainfall was

20 experienced in June. The provinces of Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and Palawan experienced drought.

Typhoons

In July, tropical storm Falcon (internationally name d Danas) brought light to heavy rains in the region.

Port operations for small vessels were suspended in the city of Calapan and municipality of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro. All port operations were suspended in the municipality of Roxas in Oriental Mindoro. A total of 86 passengers, five vessels, and two motorized bancas was stranded. Two vessels in Cuyo Port in Palawan were reported damaged due to strong winds and huge waves.

Classes at all levels were suspended in the municipalities of Calintaan, Paluan, Sablayan, Magsaysay, San Jose, Mamburao, Abra de Ilog, Santa Cruz, San Agustin, and Lubang in Occidental Mindoro; municipalities of Coron, , Magsaysay, San Vicente, and Balabac in Palawan; and in all municipalities of Romblon. Classes at pr e-school to high school levels were suspended in the municipality of Mogpog in Marinduque; municipality of Rizal in Occidental Mindoro; municipalities of Bongabong, Baco, and Roxas in Oriental Mindoro; and municipalities of Rizal, , El Nido, , and Busuanga in Palawan.

Flooding incident and storm surge were reported in Camantigue, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro and Barangay Alibog, Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro, respectively.

A total of 74 individuals was evacuated in some barangays in the municipality of Bongabong in Oriental Mindoro and in the municipality of Magsaysay in Occidental Mindoro.

A total of 16 houses was partially damaged in the municipality of Bongabong in Oriental Mindoro and in the municipality of Magsaysay in Occidental Mindoro.

A seawall was damaged due to strong waves in the municipality of Roxas in Oriental Mindoro with an estimated cost of damages amounting to ₱2,500,000.00. Power interruptions were repo rted in the municipality of El Nido in Palawan.

In August, tropical storm Hanna (internationally named Lekima) and southwest monsoon brought light to heavy rains in the region.

Scheduled trips of small vessels were suspended in the city of Calapan and municipality of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro; and in the city of Puerto Princesa in Palawan. All port operations were suspended in the municipalities of Araceli, Agutaya, Balabac, Brookes Point, Busuanga, Coron, Cuyo, El Nido, Narra, Roxas, and Taytay in Palawan.

21 Classes at all levels were suspended in all municipalities of Occidental Mindoro; municipalities of Naujan, Roxas, and Soccoro in Oriental Mindoro; municipalities of Calatrava, San Agustin, and Sta. Fe in Romblon; and municipalities of Agutaya and Cuyo in Palawan. Classes at pre-school to high school levels were suspended in the municipalities of Bulalacao, Gloria, Mansalay, and Pinamalayan in Oriental Mindoro; municipalities of Alcantara, Romblon, San Andres, and San Fernando in Romblon; and municipalities of Busuanga, Coron, Magsaysay, and Taytay in Palawan.

A flooding incident was reported in Barangay La Curva, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Lumangbayan and Lambahan spillways overflowed due to continuous rains in the municipality of Sta. Cru z in Occidental Mindoro.

A total of 870 individuals was evacuated in some barangays in the municipalities of Abra de Ilog, Lubang, Mamburao, Paluan, and Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro; and municipality of Naujan in Oriental Mindoro.

In September, southwest monsoon enhanced by weather disturbances (TDs Nimfa and Marilyn and LPA) brought light to moderate rains in the region.

Classes at all levels were suspended in the municipalities of Calintaan, Mamburao, Paluan, Sablayan, San Jose, and Sta. Cruz in Occidental Mindoro. Classes at pre-school to high school levels were suspended in the municipalities of Busuanga, Rizal, and Taytay in Palawan.

Flooding incidents were reported in some barangays in the municipality of Sta. Cruz in Occidental Mindoro.

A motorized banca, with seven passengers onboard, capsized in the waters of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. All passengers were rescued without physical injuries incurred.

In November, severe tropical storm Quiel (internationally named Nakri) brought light to heavy rains in the region.

A total of 1,171 individuals living in the coastal areas was evacuated in some barangays in the municipalities of Mamburao, Paluan, Rizal, Sablayan, and Sta. Cruz in Occidental Mindoro.

A total of 20 totally damaged houses and 77 partially damaged houses was recorded in the municipalities of Lubang, Paluan, Rizal, Sablayan, San Jose, and Sta. Cruz in Occidental Mindoro.

A total of 39 totally damaged bancas and 233 partially damaged bancas was recorded in the municipalities of Calintaan, Lubang, Paluan, Rizal, Sablayan, and Sta. Cruz in Occidental Mindoro.

22 A total of 15 small fishing boats was damaged due to an irregular sea level incident in the municipality of San Vicente in Palawan. S ea swells that caused damages to bancas were reported in the municipalitites of Paluan and Lubang in Occidental Mindoro.

A fishing boat with 14 crew members onboard was capsized in the waters of Northern Palawan. One crew member was rescued and 13 crew members were reported missing. A motorized banca with 12 passengers onboard was capsized in the waters of San Jose in Occidental Mindoro. All passengers were rescued without physical injuries incurred.

Damages to infrastructure, particularly in bridges and flood control facilities, were reported in the municipalities of Calintaan, Lubang, and Paluan in Occidental Mindoro. The estimated cost of damages to infrastructure amounted to ₱107,810,000.00.

Classes at all levels were suspended in the municipalities o f Paluan and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro.

The Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro declared a state of calamity in the municipality of Paluan on November 11.

The Occidental Mindoro Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and various Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices provided food and non -food items to the affected families. The Occidental Mindoro PDRRMO, together with the Philippine Coast Guard, is currently conducting a rapid damage assessment and needs analysis in the affected areas.

In December, tropical storm Tisoy (internationally named Kammuri) brought moderate to heavy rains with strong winds in the region.

A total of four individuals was reported dead: three individuals in Oriental Mindoro and one individual in Marinduque. Thirty six individuals were reported injured: nineteen individuals in Oriental Mindoro; seven individuals in Marinduque; and ten individuals in Romblon.

A total of 4,716 totally damaged houses and 39,532 partially damaged houses was recorded in the municipalities of Gasan and Sta. Cruz in Marinduque; municipalities of Calintaan, Magsaysay, and Lubang in Occidental Mindoro; municipalities of Baco, Naujan, Soccoro, Pinamalayan, Gloria, Bansud, Bongabong, and Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro; and municipalities of Alcantara, Banton, Concepcion, Corcuera, Cajidiocan, Calatrava, Ferrol, Looc, Magdiwang, Romblon, Sta. Fe, and Sta. Maria in Romblon.

Damages to infrastructure, particularly on roads and bridges, government infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, were reported in all municipalities of Marinduque; all municipalities of Occidental Mindoro; city of Calapan and municipalities of San Teodoro, Naujan, Victoria, Soccoro, Pola, Pinamalayan, Bansud, Bongabong, and Bulalacao i n Oriental Mindoro; and municipalities of Corcuera and Calatrava in 23 Romblon. The estimated cost of damages amounted to ₱513,288,057.02.

Damages to agriculture, particularly on fisheries, fishing vessels and accessories, crops, and livestocks , were recorded in the municipalities of Boac, Buenavista, Mogpog, Santa Cruz, and Torrijos in Marinduque; municipalities of Abra de Ilog, Calintaan, Looc, Lubang, Mamburao, Sablayan, Santa Cruz, and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro; municipalities of Baco, Bansud, Pinamalayan, Roxas, San Teodoro, Socorro, and Victoria in Oriental Mindoro; and municipalities of Cajidiocan and Calatrava in Romblon. The estimated cost of damages amounted to ₱1,057,262,410.40.

State of calamity was declared in the municipaliti es of Boac, Buenavista, Gasan, and Torrijos in Marinduque; municipalities of Corcuera, Romblon, San Andres, and San Fernando in Romblon; municipality of Mamburao in Occidental Mindoro; and in the provinces of Marinduque and Oriental Mindoro.

Also in December, Tropical Storm Ursula (internationally named Phanfone) entered the Philippine area of responsibility on December 23, 2020. The typhoon caused significant damages on infrastructure, lifelines, and agriculture in the provinces of Romblon, Marinduque, a nd Oriental Mindoro.

A total of nine individuals was reported dead: four individuals in Occidental Mindoro and five individuals in Oriental Mindoro. Five individuals were reported injured in Oriental Mindoro. Two individuals were reported missing in Occidental Mindoro.

A total of 9,400 totally damaged houses and 31,023 partially damaged houses was recorded in the municipalities of Calintaan, Magsaysay, Rizal, Sablayan, and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro; municipalities of Bulalacao, Puerto Galera, Roxas, and Victoria in Oriental Mindoro; and municipalities of Alcantara, Calatrava, Ferrol, Looc, Odiongan, San Agustin, San Andres, San Jose, Sta. Fe, and Sta. Maria in Romblon.

Damages to infrastructure, particularly on roads and bridges, government infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, were reported in the municipalities of Calintaan, Magsaysay, Rizal, and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro; city of Calapan and municipalities of Bulalacao, Mansalay, and Roxas in Oriental Mindoro; and municipality of Looc in Romblon. The estimated cost of damages amounted to ₱336,211,855.00.

Damages to agriculture, particularly on fisheries, fishing vessels and accessories, crops, and livestocks, were recorded in the municipalities of Calintaan, Magsaysay, Rizal, Sablayan, and S an Jose in Occidental Mindoro; municipalities of Baco, Bansud, Mansalay, Pola, Roxas, and Socorro in Oriental Mindoro; and municipalities of Looc, San Andres, San Agustin, Sta. Fe, and Sta. Maria in Romblon. The estimated cost of damages amounted to ₱331,218,622.59.

24 The municipality of San Jose in Romblon was declared under state of calamity on December 26, 2019 by virtue of Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 122, s. 2019. The province of Occidental Mindoro was declared under state of calamity on December 30 , 2019 by virtue of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 297, s. 2019.

Weather Condition

In July to September, the MIMAROPA Region experienced a below normal to near normal amount of rainfall. The PAGASA issued the final El Niño Advisory on August 09 declaring that the weak El Niño that started in the last quarter of 2018 has ended.

In October to November, the region experienced a below normal to near normal amount of rainfall while above normal amount of rainfall was experienced in December.

Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) remain at El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral across the tropical Pacific Ocean. Most climate models predict this condition to continue until September 2020.

25