sign in sign up
<<
Home , Abra de Ilog, Agutaya, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Cajidiocan, Calintaan

2019 ANNUAL REGIONAL ECONOMIC SITUATIONER

National Economic and Development Authority Region

Republic of the National Economic and Development Authority MIMAROPA Region

Tel (43) 288-1115 E-mail: [email protected] Fax (43) 288-1124 Website: mimaropa.neda.gov.ph

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 Region and next to —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 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 Real estate, renting, and 9,352,228 9,606,444 7.08 6.70 0.2 2.8 2.7 business activities 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 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 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 aquaculture products.

2 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 average inflation rate of 2.5 percent. All provinces registered lower inflation rates, except . Occidental registered the highest inflation rate with 4.8 percent. This was followed by Romblon and 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 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, , and mineral water, soft drinks, fruit and 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 4 rate decreased by 1.7 percentage point from 62.0 percent in 2018 to 60.3 percent in 2019 (refer to Table 3).

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, 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 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, , calamansi, onion, mango, goat, , 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 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 corn 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 of pests during the year. All provinces in the region recorded increase in production. Palawan was the highest producer of mango in the region contributing 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 in 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 the 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 provinces in the region recorded decrease in garlic production except Oriental Mindoro. 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 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, 2018-2019 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, 2018-2019 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, 2018 -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) Oriental 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 2,653 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 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 , 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), for 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 3,875.261,863,345.20 2,869.03 (20.78) (25.97) Shipping Ore Main 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 per 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 nickel 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 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 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 vehicles 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.

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 with 69,465 (3.35 percent) and 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 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, , and Thailand with 22.28 percent, 17.20 percent, and 16.53 percent, respectively. Other destination countries include Japan, Vietnam, , 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 Resolution No. 79, s. 2019 and 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 normal to below normal amount of rainfall while near normal amount of rainfall was

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

Typhoons

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

Port operations for small vessels were suspended in the city of 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 , , Sablayan, Magsaysay, San Jose, , 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 pre-school to high school levels were suspended in the municipality of in Marinduque; municipality of in Occidental Mindoro; municipalities of , 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 reported in the municipality of El Nido in Palawan.

In August, tropical storm Hanna (internationally named Lekima) and southwest 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 , 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 , Gloria, , and 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. Cruz in Occidental Mindoro.

A total of 870 individuals was evacuated in some barangays in the municipalities of , 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. 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 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 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.

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 , 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, , Bongabong, and Bulalacao 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, Victoria, Soccoro, Pola, Pinamalayan, Bansud, Bongabong, and Bulalacao in 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 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 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 caused significant damages on infrastructure, lifelines, and agriculture in the provinces of Romblon, Marinduque, and 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, , 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 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.

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