Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
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About the cover The cover depicts a red and blue film strip shaped into a ribbon, with photos showing the various sectors and stakeholders in development. The sunburst and yellow background depict the current administration’s “Daylight” strategy, focusing on good governance and anticorruption to achieve inclusive growth, create employment, and reduce poverty.
© 2011 by National Economic and Development Authority All rights reserved. Any part of this book may be used and reproduced, provided proper acknowledgement is made. This book is printed on recycled paper. Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Published by: National Economic and Development Authority 12 Escriva Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel: (+632) 631 0945 to 56 Email:
[email protected] www.neda.gov.ph ISSN:
Printed in the Philippines
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Table of Contents List of Tables and Figures
xii
Chapter 1. In Pursuit of Inclusive Growth
17
What is Inclusive Growth
18
What Makes Inclusive Growth Elusive
21
How Shall We Achieve Inclusive Growth
26
How Shall We Monitor Progress Towards Inclusive Growth
32
A Window of Opportunity
32
Chapter 2. Macroeconomic Policy
35
Output and employment
36
Economic Performance 2004-2010
36
Employment and Poverty
41
Fiscal and Monetary Sectors
45
Assessment and challenges
46
Fiscal Sector
46
Monetary and External Sectors
50
Strategic framework
53
Fiscal Reforms
53
Monetary Policy and External Sector Reforms Chapter 3. Competitive Industry & Services Sectors
59 61
Assessment and Challenges
63
Competitiveness
63
Exports of Goods and Services
66
Investment
71 Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
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Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
74
Employment
75
Consumer Policy
78
Strategic Framework
79
Vision
80
Ten-point Agenda
80
Goal 1: Create a better business environment
80
Goal 2: Action agenda to improve productivity and efficiency
84
Goal 3: Action agenda to enhance consumer welfare
99
Chapter 4. Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Sector
101
Assessment
102
Sector Performance
102
Challenges
108
Strategic Framework
113
Vision
113
Goals and Strategies
113
Goal 1: Food Security Improved and Incomes Increased
113
Goal 2. Sector Resilience to Climate Change Risks Increased
116
Goal 3. Policy Environment and Governance Enhanced
118
Legislative Agenda Chapter 5. Accelerating Infrastructure Development
121
Crosscutting Strategies
122
Transport
125
Assessment, Issues, and Challenges
125
Strategic Plan and Focus
130
Water Crosscutting Issues and Strategies in the Water Sector
iv
119
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
133 134
Assessment, issues, and challenges
134
Strategic Plan and Focus
135
Water Supply
137
Sanitation, Sewerage, and Septage Management
139
Irrigation
143
Flood and Drainage Management
145
Energy
148
Assessment, Issues, and Challenges
148
Strategic Plan and Focus
157
Information And Communications Technology (ICT) Infrastructure
160
Assessment, Issues, and Challenges
160
Strategic Plan and Focus
165
Social Infrastructure
169
Waste Management
169
Solid Waste Management (SWM)
169
Health Care Wastes (HCW)
171
Toxic Chemicals and Hazardous Wastes
173
Housing
174
Health Facilities
175
Education
177
Chapter 6. Towards a Resilient and Inclusive Financial Sector
181
Assessment
182
Current Structure of the Financial System
183
Condition and Performance
187
Challenges
190
Strategic Framework
192
Vision for the Financial Sector
192 Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
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Medium-Term Development Plan for the Financial Sector (MTDPFS)
192
Key Reform Objectives and Targets
192
Specific Reform Strategies
192
Chapter 7. Good Governance and the Rule of Law Assessment and Challenges
206
Public Service Delivery
208
Integrity
210
Rule of Law
211
Citizens’ Participation
212
Political Processes and Systems
213
Gender Roles in Governance Structures
214
Strategic Framework
214
Ensure High-Quality, Effective, Efficient, Transparent, Accountable, Economically and Physically Accessible and Nondiscriminatory Delivery of Public Service
215
Curb Corruption Decisively
220
Strengthen the Rule of Law
225
Enhance Citizens’ Access to Information and Participation in Governance
229
Chapter 8. Social Development
vi
205
231
Assessment
232
Challenges
252
Strategic Framework
254
Goals
254
Targets
254
Policies and Strategies
260
Legislative Agenda
279
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Chapter 9. Peace & Security
291
Assessment and Challenges
292
Strategic Framework
294
Section 1. Winning the Peace
294
Section 2. Ensuring National Security
298
Chapter 10. Conservation, Protection & Rehabilitation of the Environment & Natural Resources
303
Assessment
304
State of the Environment and Natural Resources
304
Challenges
313
Policy Responses
313
Institutional Issues
320
Strategic Framework
323
Goal 1. Improved Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of Natural Resources
323
Goal 2. Improved Environmental Quality for a Cleaner and Healthier Environment
329
Goal 3. Enhanced Resilience of Natural Systems and Improved Adaptive Capacities of Human Communities to Cope with Environmental Hazards Including Climate-Related Risks
331
Cross-cutting Strategies
332
Legislative Agenda
336
List of Acronyms
338
Glossary
347
Bibliography
373
Planning Committees
385
A Social Contract with the Filipino People
396
NEDA Secretariat
399
Index
401 Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
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Preface The Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 was formulated in accordance with the Constitutional provision of Section 9, Article VII, directing the Government’s economic and planning agency to “implement a continuing integrated and coordinated programs and policies for national development.” Upon the assumption of President Benigno S. Aquino III of the country’s leadership, he embarked on his program of government that is based on his “Social Contract with the Filipino People” wherein he articulated a commitment to transformational leadership, institutional reform, economic stability and inclusive growth. On September 2, 2010, the President issued Memorandum Circular No. 3 directing the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to coordinate the formulation of the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016. In the formulation of the Plan, NEDA coordinated with all the country’s development stakeholders in giving substance and directions to the document, based on the program of government of the Aquino administration. Exhaustive consultations were conducted throughout the country with the participation of various government agencies, the regional development councils, local government units, the business sector, nongovernment organizations, academe, and groups of well-known experts in economic and social development. The Social Contract envisions “a country with an organized and shared rapid expansion of our economy through a government dedicated in honing and mobilizing our people’s skills and energies as well as the responsible harnessing of our natural resources.” With good governance and anti-corruption as an overarching theme, the Philippine Development Plan will effectively address poverty and create massive employment opportunities and achieve its vision of inclusive growth. It has emerged into a comprehensive set of strategies, policies and programs and activities within a framework of inclusive growth that will translate the administration’s development agenda for the next six years. The Plan centers on five key strategies. First is to boost competitiveness in the productive sectors to generate massive employment. Second is to improve access to financing to address the evolving needs of a diverse public. Third is to invest massively in infrastructure. Fourth is to promote transparent and responsive governance, which is emphasized in all the chapters. And fifth, is to develop human resources through improved social services and protection. These strategies will be supported by complementary action programs that focuses on achieving a stable macroeconomic environment, ensuring ecological integrity, and advancing the peace process and guaranteeing national security. To achieve growth that is inclusive and sustained, we want to ensure that the production sectors are able to provide the needed employment and livelihood opportunities.
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Chapter 1, “In Pursuit of Inclusive Growth”, presents an overview of the Plan, detailing the five strategies earlier listed as well as the policy directions that would ensure the country will not fall into the path of a trickle-down jobless growth which we have seen in the past years. Chapter 2 outlines the initiatives that will ensure the stability and growth of a macroeconomic environment. Chapter 3 outlines the imperatives for a globally competitive and innovative industry and services sectors that will provide opportunity for every Filipino to pursue gainful employment. In the same manner, Chapter 4 pushes for a competitive, sustainable, and technology-based agriculture and fishery sector. Chapter 5 aims to accelerate the provision of physical infrastructure to support the economic sectors, and ensure equitable access to infrastructure services especially health, education and housing. A healthy, dynamic and financial system as envisioned in Chapter 6 will gainfully contribute to sustainable and equitable growth. Chapter 7 summarizes the strategy for greater transparency, good governance, accountability and the pursuit of the rule of law as a precondition for national development. Chapter 8 translates inclusive growth by ensuring improvement in the lives of all Filipinos through equitable access to adequate and quality social services and assets. To ensure that every Filipino participates and benefits from socioeconomic gains, Chapter 9 advances the peace process and guarantees national security to break the vicious cycle of conflict and underdevelopment in affected areas. Chapter 10 envisions an environment that is healthy, ecologically balanced, sustainably productive, climate-change resilient, and providing for the needs of the present and future generations. The Plan shall be accompanied by a Results Matrix which lists the specific programs and projects against which the performance of the implementing agencies shall be graded. A Public Investment Program (PIP) which identifies the budgetary requirements and their sources for these programs and projects is being finalized. The PIP will also link the Plan particularly the Results Matrix to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the development initiatives therein. Consequently, the various Regional Development Offices will also roll out their individual Regional Development Plans and Investment Programs for their respective areas. The Philippine Development Plan provides a substantive translation of the Administration’s Social Contract. The support of all sectors of society will be crucial in turning our aspirations for a better quality of life for all Filipinos into reality.
CAYETANO W. PADERANGA, JR. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and Director-General National Economic and Development Authority
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
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List of Tables and Figures Chapter 1. In Pursuit of Inclusive Growth Table 1.1 Table 1.2 Table 1.3 Table 1.4
Annual Average Growth Rate of Real Per Capita GDP (1950-2009) Poverty and Inequality in Selected Countries (most recent available) Transport Infrastructure ranking of Selected Countries (out of 139) Strength of Bureaucracy and Input Costs in Selected Countries
Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2 Figure 1.3 Figure 1.4
Unemployment and Underemployment Rate: 1990 – 2010 Poverty Incidence and the Gini Ratio: 1991, 2003, 2006, 2009 Investment-to-GDP Ratios of Selected Asian Countries: 1994 – 2010 (in percent) Cohort Survival and Net Enrollment Rate, Philippines: 1990 – 2009 (in percent)
Chapter 2. Macroeconomic Policy Table 2.1 Table 2.2. Table 2.3 Table 2.4 Table 2.5
Philippine Key Indicators Official Poverty Statistics, Philippines: 2003, 2006 and 2009 Summary of Fiscal Sector Indicators, 2004-2010 (in million PhP) Selected External Sector Accounts, 2004-2010 (in billion US$) Selected Fiscal, Monetary, and External Medium-Term Targets
Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2 Figure 2.3 Figure 2.4 Figure 2.5 Figure 2.6 Figure 2.7 Figure 2.8 Figure 2.9 Figure 2.10
Contributions to Growth (Demand) Contributions to Growth (Supply) Contributions to Growth (Demand) Contributions to Growth (Supply) Philippines Unemployment Rate, 2006-2010 (in %) Comparative Unemployment Rates in Selected Asian Economies: 2006-2010 Employment Generated, 2005-2010 ( in ‘000) Employment by Class of Worker and Underemployment Rate, 2005-2010 (in %) Poverty Incidence of Families by Region (in %): 2003, 2006 and 2009 Year-on-Year Inflation Rate (2004- 2010)
Chapter 3. Competitive Industry and Services Sectors Table 3.1 Table 3.2 Table 3.3 Table 3.4
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Cost of Doing Business Indicators Export Performance (2004-2010) Percent Share of Tourism to GDP, Employment and Total Exports Vis-à-vis Visitor Arrivals Globally and in the Asia Pacific Visitor Arrivals to ASEAN Countries (‘000)
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Table 3.5
Table 3.9 Table 3.10 Table 3.11
Philippines Travel and Tourism Competitiveness in Comparison with Selected ASEAN Countries, 2009 Total Approved Investments of Foreign and Filipino Nationals by Industry: 2004 – 2010, (in million PhP) BOI-PEZA Approved Investments (2009-2010) Total Approved Foreign Direct Investments by Country of Investor: 2004 – 2010, (in million PhP) PEZA Operating Economic Zones: 2004 – 2010 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Profile Employment per Major Industry Group
Figure 3.1 Figure 3.2 Figure 3.3 Figure 3.4 Figure 3.5 Figure 3.6
BPO/IT Outsourcing, 2004-2011 Investments by Industry Sector in the PEZA Economic Zones MSME 2008 Employment Share by Sector Strategic Framework for Industry and Services Strategic Destination Area for Tourism Industry Cluster Map
Table 3.6 Table 3.7 Table 3.8
Chapter 4. Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Sector Table 4.1 Table 4.2 Table 4.3 Table 4.4 Table 4.5 Table 4.6 Table 4.7 Table 4.8 Table 4.9 Table 4.10
Agriculture and Fishery (with Forestry) Performance and Contribution to Economy: 2004-2010: Contribution of Subsectors in Agriculture and Fishery Growth: 2004-2010 Value of Philippine Agricultural Exports and Imports: 2004 and 2010 (in million US$) Agribusiness Lands (including Agroforestry) Developed: 2005-2010 Land Acquisition and Distribution Performance 2004-2010, (in hectares) Land Productivity in Selected Southeast Asian Countries (in MT/Hectare) Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) in Selected ASEAN Countries: 2007 International Trade of Agricultural Products: 2000 and 2009, (in billion US$) Inflation Rates by Commodity for All Households (in %) Poverty Incidence and Magnitude in the Philippines: 2003 and 2009
Chapter 5. Accelerating Infrastructure Development Table 5.1 Table 5.2 Table 5.3 Table 5.4 Table 5.5 Table 5.6 Table 5.7 Table 5.8 Table 5.9 Table 5.10
Estimated Coverage of Access to Water: 1990-2008 Levels of Access to Safe Drinking Water Estimated Coverage for Sanitation: 1990-2008 Status of Irrigation Development: as of December 2009 Flood-Related Impacts: 1980-2005 Projected Final Energy Consumption: 2009-2016 Internet Connection in Public High Schools Per Region: 2010 NG-LGU Cost-Sharing Framework Summary of DOH Infrastructure and Equipment Upgrade Projects by Region: 2007 -2010 2011 DBM Budget Gaps
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Figure 5.1 Figure 5.2 Figure 5.3 Figure 5.4 Figure 5.5 Figure 5.6 Figure 5.7 Figure 5.8 Figure 5.9
Percentage Access to Safe Water Percentage Access to Sanitary Toilets Primary Energy Mix: 2009 Philippine Capacity and Gross Generation: 2009 Sectoral Oil Consumption: 2009 RE Contribution to Total Power Generating Capacity: 2009 Growth in Number of Users/Subscribers of Major ICT Services: 2006-2010 State of Web Presence among NGAs as of September 2010 New Classroom Construction and Repairs Undertaken: FY 2004–2010
Chapter 6. Towards a Resilient and Inclusive Financial System Table 6.1 Table 6.2 Table 6.3 Table 6.4 Table 6.5
Comparative Market Shares of Key Banking Subgroups in the Philippines as of end-September 2010 Philippine Stock Exchange - Listed Companies as of February 25, 2011 Structure of Financial Systems in ASEAN-5 (Averages: 2000-2009) Extent of Financial Access - Customer Reach (2010) Legislative and Regulatory Priorities for the Financial System
Figure 6.1 Figure 6.2 Figure 6.3 Figure 6.4 Figure 6.5 Figure 6.6
Comparative Market Share of the Insurance Industry as of end-December 2009 Financial Deepening in ASEAN-5 Comparative Benchmark Yield Curves, ASEAN+3 Selected Performance Indicators of the Banking System Selected Stock Market Performance Indicators Summary of Financial Market Performance
Chapter 7. Good Governance and the Rule of Law Table 7.1 Figure 7.1 Figure 7.2
Status of Submission and Evaluation of Rationalization Plans: as of 31 December 2010 Philippines: Worldwide Governance Indicators CES Occupancy Data
Chapter 8. Social Development Table 8.1 Table 8.2 Table 8.3 Table 8.4 Table 8.5 Table 8.6 Table 8.7 Table 8.8 Table 8.9 Table 8.10 Table 8.11 Table 8.12 Table 8.13
xiv
Formal Basic Education Performance Indicators, by Sex: 2004-2009 Enrolment in Tertiary Level of Education, by Sex: Academic Years 20042009 Direct Housing Accomplishments Indirect Housing Accomplishments Total Housing Need: 2011-2016 Proportion of Households in Informal Settlements Summary of Actual OFW Membership Health, Nutrition and Population Targets: 2011-2016 Education Targets: 2011-2016 Housing Targets by Program/Agency: 2011-2016 Social Protection Targets: 2011-2016 Agrarian Reform Targets, by Land Distribution and CARP Beneficiaries: 2011-2016 Ancestral Domain and Lands Targets: 2011-2016
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Table 8.14
Urban Asset Reform Targets: 2011-2016
Figure 8.1 Figure 8.2 Figure 8.3
Poverty Incidence in Southeast Asia Share of Social Services in Total National Government Expenditures Deployed Landbased OFWs, by Top Occupational Category: 2009
Annex 8.1 Annex 8.2 Annex 8.3 Annex 8.4 Annex 8.5 Annex 8.6
Pace of Progress of the Philippines in terms of Attaining the MDG Targets Regional Poverty and Subsistence Incidence and Magnitude: 2009 Provinces with High Poverty Incidence: 2009 Gini Concentration Ratios, by Region: 2006 and 2009 Income Poverty Measures, by Region: 2006 and 2009 National and Regional BDR Estimates for the Regular Benefit Package: 2008 Various Forms of Malnutrition, by Region: 2008 Poverty Estimates of the Basic Sectors: 2000, 2003 and 2006 Regions with Minimum and Maximum Poverty Incidences for Each Basic Sector: 2006 Regions with the Most Number of Poor for Each Basic Sector: 2006
Annex 8.7 Annex 8.8 Annex 8.9 Annex 8.10
Chapter 9. Peace and Security No tables and figures
Chapter 10. Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the Environment and Natural Resources Table 10.1 Table 10.2 Table 10.3 Table 10.4
Top 20 Provinces Susceptible to Floods Top 20 Provinces Susceptible to Landslides Hazard Susceptibility of Selected Provinces by Poverty Incidence Forest Tenurial Instruments Implemented
Figure 10.1 Figure 10.2 Figure 10.3
Philippine Forest Cover: 1934-2003 Distribution of Active Faults and Trenches Frequency of Tropical Cyclones in the Philippines: 1948-2006
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
01
In pursuit of inclusive growth In pursuit of inclusive growth
17
In pursuit of inclusive growth What is Inclusive Growth?
Inclusive growth means, first of all, growth that is rapid enough to matter, given the country’s large population, geographical differences, and social complexity. It is sustained growth that creates jobs, draws the majority into the economic and social mainstream, and continuously reduces mass poverty. This is an ideal which the country has perennially fallen short of, and this failure has had the most far-reaching consequences, from mass misery and marginalization, to an overseas exodus of skill and talent, to political disaffection and alienation, leading finally to threats to the constitution of the state itself.
It is high growth that is sustained…
Viewed by majority of Filipinos, the record of economic and social progress up to now has proved unsatisfactory for three reasons: first, its pace has been slow when measured against the achievements of the country’s neighbors; second, the benefits of that progress have not been broadly shared; and third, issues of massive corruption and of questioned political legitimacy have undermined the people’s sense of ownership of and control over public policy. Growth has not only lagged, it has failed to benefit the majority, who feel increasingly alienated because their political institutions provide little relief and have drifted beyond their control. Growth, in short, has failed to be inclusive.
Inclusive growth means, first of all, growth that is rapid enough to matter, given the country’s large population, geographical differences, and social complexity. It is sustained growth that creates jobs, draws the majority into the economic and social mainstream, and continuously reduces mass poverty. This is an ideal which the country has perennially fallen short of, and this failure has had the most far-reaching consequences, from mass misery and marginalization, to an overseas exodus of skill and talent, to political disaffection and alienation, leading finally to threats to the constitution of the state itself.
Table 1.1 Annual Average Growth Rate of Real Per Capita GDP: 1950-2009 (in percent)
1951-60 1961-70 1971-80 1981-90 1991-00 2001-09 Hong Kong
9.2
7.1
6.8
5.4
3.0
3.2
Singapore
5.4
7.4
7.1
5.0
4.7
2.0
Korea
5.1
5.8
5.4
7.7
5.2
3.5
Taipei, China
7.6
9.6
9.3
8.2
5.5
2.7
Malaysia
3.6
3.4
5.3
3.2
4.6
2.2
Thailand
5.7
4.8
4.3
6.3
2.4
3.1
Indonesia
4.0
2.0
5.3
4.3
2.9
3.8
Philippines
3.3
1.8
3.1
-0.6
0.9
2.3
Sources: Asian Development Bank (ADB), 2010; National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) *Average for the period 2001-2010
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Thailand Indonesia Philippines
5.7 4.0 3.3
4.8 2.0 1.8
4.3 5.3 3.1
6.3 4.3 -0.6
Sources: Asian Development Bank (2010); National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB
2.4 2.9 0.9
3.1 3.8 2.3
Figure 1.1: Unemployment and underemployment rate, 1990 - 2010 (inFigure percent) 1.1 Unemployment and underemployment rate: 1990 – 2010 (in percent) 35.0 30.0 25.0
Unemployment Underemployme
20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 1990
1992
1994
1996
Unemployment Rate (%)
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
Underemployment (% of employed)
Note: Starting April 2005, the Labor Force Survey (LFS) adopts the new definition of unemployment. Note: Starting April 2005, Office the Labor Source: National Statistics (NSO)Force Survey adopts the new definition of unemployment Source: National Statistics Office (NSO)
Historically the Philippine economy has been mired in tepid and erratic growth. Since 1981, growth has averaged only 3 percent annually. This is well below the postwar growth rates of several high-performing Asian economies (Table 1.1).
With population still increasing at more than 2 percent per year, percapita incomes have risen only 20 percent in real terms from 1981 to 2009. Over the same period, by comparison, per capita income increased four-fold in Malaysia, fivefold in Thailand, and 11-fold in PR China, an era in which absolute mass poverty was basically eradicated in these countries.
… that massively creates jobs, Quality economic growth means primarily that rapid output increases are translated into employment creation. Unfortunately, rates of unemployment have remained high (Figure 1.1), averaging 10 percent in 1990–2005 and 7.5 percent in 20062010, (note that the data before and
after 2005 cannot be compared owing to a change in the unemployment definition adopted that year). Underemployment has also been widespread, with rates hovering at around 18-20 percent in the late 2000s. This remarkably contrasts with countries such as PR China, Malaysia, and Thailand, where unemployment has remained at 4 percent or lower over the same period.
… and reduces poverty. Under the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), the country committed itself to halving extreme poverty from a 33.1 percent in 19911 to 16.6 percent by 2015. This goal can still be achieved provided that determined efforts are undertaken (Figure 1.2). Mass poverty remains the critical challenge, with the poor accounting for more than one-fourth (26.5%) of the population as of 2009. A deep cause for concern is the fact that the incidence of poverty has remained essentially stagnant for almost a decade now. Given the country’s population growth, this actually means that the number of poor families and persons has been increasing through time. This again
1
This uses the revised official methodology approved on February 1, 2011 by the NSCB. Under the older methodology, the poverty incidence for 1991 was 45.3 percent.
In pursuit of inclusive growth
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compares unfavorably with respect to some countries that have similar or lower per capita incomes (Table 1.2). While poverty incidence did decline between 1991 and 2009, the rate of decline has been exceedingly slow. Indeed, there have been periods, such as between 2003 and 2006, when the poverty incidence actually increased despite above-average
economic growth. This underscores the need for renewed efforts if progress in this area is to be sustained. For every percentagepoint increase in income-growth in the Philippines, poverty incidence falls by about 1.5 percentage points compared with the range of 2.9 to 3.5 for high-performing economies (PR
Figure 1.2Poverty Poverty Incidence and the the GiniGini ratio:ratio: 1991, 1991, 2003, 2006, 2009 Figure 1.2: incidence and 2003, 2006, 2009 50 40
GIN Sub Pov
30 20 10 0 1991 GINI ratio index
2003 Subsistence Incidence
2006
2009 Poverty Incidence
Sources: Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), National Statistics Office Sources:National NSCB, NSO
Table 1.2 Poverty and Inequality in selected countries (most recent available) Table 1.2: Poverty Official and Inequality Asia (most poverty in East Share of population Share of recent available) Gini Ratio incidence in % below $1.25 per Day, % (2004/2005/2006/2007)1/ populati (2007/2008) 1/ (2004/2005/2006/2007) 2/ on below China 4.2 15.9 0.415 Gini Official poverty $1.25 per Indonesia 14.2 29.4 0.376 Coefficient incidence in % Day, % Malaysia 3.6 0.379 (2007/2008) 1/ (2004/202.0 /2006/2007 Philippines 26.5* 0.448** China 4.2 15.9 22.6 0.415 Thailand 8.5 0.425 Indonesia 14.2 29.4 2.0 0.376 Malaysia 3.6 2.0 21.5 0.379 Vietnam 13.5 0.378 Philippines 26.5* 22.6 0.448** Sources/Notes: Thailand 8.5 2.0 0.425 *2009 Official Poverty Statistics, NSCB **2009 Family Income and Expenditures Survey (FIES), NSO Vietnam 13.5 21.5 0.378 1/ 2010 ADB Key Indicators
Sources/Notes: 2/ UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) 2009 Statistical Yearbook (www.unescap.org/stat/data/syb2009/) *2009 Official Poverty Statistics, National Statistical Coordination Board **2009 Family Income and Expenditures Survey, National Statistics Office 1/ 2010 ADB Key Indicators 2/ Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 20 UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) 2009 Statistical Yearbook (www.unescap.org/stat/data/syb2009/)
Figure 1.3 Investment-to-GDP Ratios of selected Asian countries: 1994 – 2010 (in percent)
Figure 1.3: Investment-to-GDP ratios of selected Asian countries: 1994-2010 (in percent) 50.0 45.0
Philippines Indonesia Malaysia Thailand
40.0 35.0 30.0
1994 24.1 31.1 41.2 40.3
1995 22.5 31.9 43.6 42.1
25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 Sources: ADB-Key Indicators 2010; Official Country Statistics websites; NSCB 0.0
Table 1.3: Transport Infrastructure ranking of selected countries (out of 139) Road Port Air Railway Philippines 114 131 112 97 Philippines Indonesia Malaysia Indonesia 84 96 69 56 Viet Nam 117 97 88 59
Thailand
For Competitiveness 2010, available data for Malaysia and Thailand are for Source:Note: The Global Report 2010-2011, World Economic Forum (2010)�
Q1 to Q3 only. Sources: ADB-Asian Development Outlook; Official Country Statistics websites; NSCB
Table 1.4: Strength of Bureaucracy and Input Costs in Selected Countries Building China, Indonesia, and Thailand)2 that the trade-off between Index growth and of Ease of Doing Electricity Construction Public Institution Index Country Business (2010 Rank and the 2.5 average for a set of 47 inequality thatCosts is commonly observed (US$/KwH) (US$/sq. Out of 183) developing countries3. Relative to in other countriesmeter) still raises no policy 2004 2009 2010 international experience, therefore, dilemma in the Philippines, where Philippine economic growth thus, by low growth has been accompanied by far, has largely bypassed the poor. increasing or high inequality.
A proximate factor behind the weak response of poverty to growth is high inequality. Compared to other countries in the region, income inequality in the Philippines is high (Figure 1.2 and Table 1.2). The Gini ratio, a measure of inequality, is in the mid-40s, whereas in Indonesia and Vietnam the Gini ratio is pegged at 38-39. Moreover, there has been no secular tendency towards falling inequality; movements in the Gini ratio have been erratic at best, declining in the early 1990s, rising until 2000, then falling slightly before leveling off at a still-high level by 2006. In general, it is safe to conclude
What Makes Inclusive Growth Elusive?
Low growth, weak employment generation, and persistently high inequality are the immediate reasons for the failure of inclusive growth in the country. But these in turn have deeper structural underpinnings.
Inadequate infrastructure is a major constraint… First, the country’s investment record has been poor and falling (Figure 1.3). As a share of GDP, gross domestic investment peaked at about 24.8 percent, before
2
Cline, W.R. (2004), “Technical Correction,” in Trade Policy and Global Poverty, Institute of International Economics, Washington DC. as cited in Balisacan, Arsenio M., 2007. Why Does Poverty Persist in the Philippines? Facts, Fancies, and Policies. Agriculture and Development Discussion Paper Series No. 2007-1. SEARCA, March 2007, pp. 10-11. 3
Ravallion, M. (2001), “Growth, Inequality, and Poverty: Looking beyond Averages,” World Development, 29: 180315. as cited in Balisacan, Arsenio M., 2007. Why Does Poverty Persist in the Philippines? Facts, Fancies, and Policies. Agriculture and Development Discussion Paper Series No. 2007-1. SEARCA, March 2007, pp. 10-11.
In pursuit of inclusive growth
21
Table 1.3 Transport Infrastructure Ranking of Selected Countries (out of 139)
Road
Port
Air
Railway
Philippines
114
131
112
97
Indonesia
84
96
69
56
Viet Nam
117
97
88
59
Source: The Global Competitiveness Report 2010-2011, World Economic Forum (2010)
An inefficient transport network and unreliable power supply have been identified as the most significant infrastructure constraints on overall growth. The percentage of paved roads to total roads in the country remains one of the lowest in the Southeast Asia. Similarly, the quality of the country’s port, air, and railroad infrastructure leaves much to be desired (Table 1.3). Unless urgent action is taken, the hitherto slow pace of investments in power-generation threatens not only growth but also the realization of many critical social and economic goals under the Plan. Currently, power is already in short supply and unreliable in some parts of the country.
22
falling to just 15.6 percent in 2010. In contrast, investment in Malaysia and Thailand soared to over 40 percent of GDP, and although they have dipped since the Asian crisis, their levels are still way above that of the Philippines (except for Malaysia). Not only is the Philippines’ investment ratio low, it has also been falling since the mid-1990s, down to 15.6 percent in 2010. This fall in capital accumulation is a constraint to long-term economic growth and employment-generation. Weak investment – particularly in the face of a surfeit of national saving – is a clear sign of a lack of productive opportunities in the economy. Inadequate infrastructure and a resulting poor logistics network have been identified as among the critical constraints to investment and growth (ADB, 2007). Besides stimulating investment itself, infrastructure helps improve total factor productivity, enabling the country to produce more from each amount of input, effectively lowering unit-cost. An inefficient transport network and unreliable power supply have been identified as the most significant infrastructure constraints on overall growth. The percentage of paved roads to total roads in the country remains one of the lowest in the Southeast Asia. Similarly, the quality of the country’s port, air, and railroad infrastructure leaves much to be desired (Table 1.3). Unless urgent action is taken, the hitherto slow pace of investments in power-generation threatens not only growth but also the realization of many critical social and
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
economic goals under the Plan. Currently, power is already in short supply and unreliable in some parts of the country.
…as are major gaps and lapses in governance, Weak institutions and governance failures are the second major barriers to investment. On the positive side, with peaceful leadership-changes through orderly and credible elections, the nation has put behind it a period of political instability and deep mistrust of government actions, both of which were rooted in allegations of corruption in major economic projects and the perversion of vital political processes. The advent of a new administration is an opportunity for government to regain the citizens’ trust, lay bare the truth regarding past abuses, and instil civic vigilance for the future. But stability and a new atmosphere of openness and accountability are only the first steps in removing the governance-based fetters to investment and growth. A great deal more remains to be done in creating a governance climate that encourages massive investment and wins the people’s support. The country continues to suffer from a reputation for bureaucratic inefficiency, excessive red tape, and widespread corruption. In the 2011 Doing Business ranking, for example, the Philippines placed 156th out of 183 countries. After three decades of trade-policy reform, it
rated relatively well in “trading across borders”. It rated poorly, however, for “starting a business”, “closing a business”, “dealing with construction permits”, and “protecting investors”, (156th, 153rd, 156th, and 132nd, respectively).
sensationally but with not less damage, local governments impose their own share of arbitrary requirements and demands for corruption rents, which take a toll especially on the investment and employment decisions of many smalland medium-scale enterprises.
The country also ranks poorly in international comparisons of the enforcement of law and contracts, and competition measures. At the national level, contracting for and implementation of large public infrastructure projects are frequently stymied by difficult and nontransparent bidding and award rules that discourage wider private sector participation, promote collusion, encourage corruption, or provoke legal and other challenges from losing parties. Risks to largescale investments can also arise from the bias, incompetence, or outright corruption on the part of some regulatory agencies and other oversight bodies, as well as lead to a culture of litigiousness, encouraged by misplaced judicial activism. Less
The country’s long-standing problems with high electricity and construction costs are readily evident in global comparisons (Table 1.4). Such high costs are attributed to the lack of real competition in strategic sectors such as agriculture, maritime and air transport, power, cement, and banking. In some important cases, dominant firms and interests can exert enough social influence and political clout to limit entry. Many of these same sectors have dense backward and forward linkages, so that their failure to advance causes collateral negative effects in productivity growth and investment in the linked sectors, such as manufacturing (Bocchi, 2008). The threat of regulatory capture extends not only to the functions of agencies in the Executive branch but also to those exercising
Table 1.4 Strength of Bureaucracy and Input Costs in Selected Countries
Country
Public Institution Index 2004 2009 2010
Electricity Building (US$/KwH) Construction Cost (US$/sq. Meter)
Index of Ease of Doing Business (2010 Rank out of 183)
Philippines
85
105
113
0.10
1022
144
PR China
0.08
97
89
Malaysia
34
30
43
0.07
282
23
Hong Kong
Indonesia
76
68
58
0.07
221
122
S. Korea
Singapore
1
Thailand
37
57
60
0.06
329
12
Vietnam
0.07
93
Sources: World Bank (WB), Doing Business 2006, 2007 and 2010 (www.doingbusiness.org) MIGA and WB, Benchmarking FDI Competitiveness in Asia (2004) In pursuit of inclusive growth
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legislative and judicial functions that expand the scope of government.
emerging from a recent past marked by public perceptions of impunity and unresponsiveness on the part of In agriculture, meanwhile, investment has the highest officials of the land, where been stymied by continuing property- elections are stolen, public funds rights problems and inconsistent policy. misappropriated, private interests Property rights in the countryside promoted at public expense, public are also insecure. In the remaining policy distorted to favor the few, areas under land reform coverage, for and public officers who aggrandized example, slow implementation creates themselves in the face of people’s uncertainty of ownership, both on the suffering – all without visible legal The government has devoted side of traditional landowners, and the redress, social consequence, or material considerable resources to new landowners, many of whom have recompensation. The institutions deliver social services to those yet to receive individual titles to their meant as remedies to such conditions lacking access to health care cultivated parcels. Likewise, private – the media, the courts, the political and education. However, poor sector investment in some key crops opposition, and the electoral process – households in isolated areas is smothered by politicized decision- were viewed as feckless, since many of have difficulty in going to health making of marketing and regulatory them had either been cowed, co-opted, Philippines 85in the case of105or corrupted. 113 In such 0.10 centers and schools, even when agencies, most prominently circumstances, services are offered for free or at rice, which falls under the purview of the it was unsurprising that PRChina 0.08people felt highly subsidized rates. Malaysia Clearly, National Food Authority 34 (NFA). from the political 30 alienated 43 0.07 process poor infrastructure provision, and for cynicism to overcome their Hong Kong aside from being a hindrance to Ultimately, however, the76cost of poor68 respect for58the law. Growth in short Indonesia 0.07 investment and business activity, governance cannot be simply measured was not inclusive owing to the basic S Korea in peso terms. Its more pernicious disregard of the people’s will and the also prevents physical access to Singapore consequence is the weakening of the failure to render “full and complete basic services. Thailand civic spirit and the erosion 37 of trust in57 justice to all”. 60 0.06 Vietnam the rule of law. The country is only now 0.07
1022 97 282 221 329
Sources: World Bank, Doing Business 2006, 2007 and 2010 (www.doingbusiness.org) MIGA and World Bank, Benchmarking FDI Competitiveness in Asia (2004)
Figure 1.4 Cohort Survival and Net Enrollment Rate, Philippines: 1990 – 2009 (In percent)
Figure 4: Education indicators, Philippines, 1991 – 2009 (%) 100.0 95.0 90.0 85.0 80.0 75.0 70.0 65.0 60.0 1991
1994
1997
Cohort Survival Rate
2000
2003
2006
2009
Net Enrollment Rate
SY 1991-1992 to SY 1998-1999, Department of Education (DepED) Statistical Yearbook; Source:Source: SY1991-1992 to SY 1998-1999 - DepEd Statistical Yearbook
SY to latest latest,- Basic System (BEIS) (BEIS);/ Basic Basic Education Education Statistics Statistics (Fact Sheet as SY1999-2000 1999-2000 to BasicEducation Education Information Information System (Factsheet as of December 5, 2008); www.deped.gov.ph
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
… inadequate levels of human development.
and business activity, also prevents physical access to basic services.
Human development, in terms of adequate health, nutrition, and education outcomes, has an intrinsic benefit. But it is also a means to build the human capital of the poor, providing them a means to break out of poverty. Hence, the MDG of universal primary education is consistent with inclusive growth. Unfortunately, by several yardsticks, the country has fallen short of adequate service delivery (Figure 1.4). While the net enrollment rate peaked at 97 percent in 1999-2000, its drop to 85 percent and below by the late 2000s should be a cause for serious concern. Worse, the cohort survival rate stayed in the 70 percent range throughout the 1990s, only improving somewhat to the 70-75 percent range in the 2000s.
Compounding the problem of access is the propensity of poorer households for higher fertility rates, reducing households’ assets and per-capita purchasing power. Parents may fail to internalize the intergenerational implications of childbearing choice. Unfortunately, in the Philippine setting, the State has typically failed in its role in promoting responsible parenthood and reproductive health.
Most of the population is inadequately protected from shocks to their already meager human capital. While natural disasters can affect any population group, it is the poor who tends to be most vulnerable and least resilient to calamities. With respect to health care, catastrophic illnesses are capable of wiping out livelihoods, assets, and well-being of the poor and lower middle classes. Meanwhile, chronic illnesses (such as tuberculosis) may have less extreme impacts, but may prevent the poor from getting and keeping remunerative work. The government has devoted considerable resources to deliver social services to those lacking access to health care and education. However, poor households in isolated areas have difficulty in going to health centers and schools, even when services are offered for free or at highly subsidized rates. Clearly, poor infrastructure provision, aside from being a hindrance to investment
...and a poor and degraded state of environment and natural resources. The deteriorated state of the country’s environment and natural resources is felt most by the poor, who depend on such resources for their livelihood and are most vulnerable to the consequences of its degradation and depletion. Climate change and risks from natural disasters only amplify the association between poverty and environmental degradation. Because of continuing deforestation, only 45 percent of classified forestlands remain. The deterioration of critical watersheds is likely to affect water supply. The quality of land resources has been reduced by erosion, pollution, and land conversion. Although one of the world’s 18 mega-diverse countries, the Philippines’ biodiversity resources are also among the most threatened. Coastal and marine resources have been declining as a result of coastal development and unsustainable fishing practices. Major urban areas, on the other hand, remain polluted, as evidenced by poor air and water quality, and by the inability to manage waste properly and adequately.
The deteriorated state of the country’s environment and natural resources is felt most by the poor, who depend on such resources for their livelihood and are most vulnerable to the consequences of its degradation and depletion. Climate change and risks from natural disasters only amplify the association between poverty and environmental degradation.
Better environment and natural resource management could lead to more and better livelihood opportunities that increase the resiliency of the poor. But this remains a challenge that must be fully confronted.
In pursuit of inclusive growth
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How Shall We Achieve Inclusive Growth?
A big part of the solution to the governance problem however lies outside government itself and involves the active participation of private business, civil society and the media in governance, monitoring, and feedback. This gives “voice” to people, enables civil society and the media to become partners of government, and makes the government more responsive to the needs of citizens. Among other steps shall be the adoption of clientsatisfaction surveys at all levels of government. Monitoring and surveillance by the media, civil society, and an engaged citizenry shall underpin the campaign against corruption. This shall be facilitated by formal citizens’ representation in budgeting and procurement processes, the disclosure of the allocation and expenditure of funds of various agencies, the involvement of civil society in the anticorruption effort, and the provision of channels for ordinary citizens to report directly and anonymously to competent authorities on anomalies in government functions and the state of publicservice provision.
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To recapitulate: failure of inclusive growth in the country is because of growth that is low on average, and because the benefits of such growth largely bypass the country’s poor. Low growth is due to low investment and slow technological progress because of inadequate infrastructure, as well as glaring gaps in governance. Narrow growth, meanwhile, is largely attributed to lack of human capital formation among the poorand the failure to transform output growth to job creation. The following lists the strategies and programs that shall be pursued over the Plan period to help achieve inclusive growth.
Through massive investment in physical infrastructure … The country urgently needs to make up its massive infrastructure backlog. Investment in infrastructure follows the plan detailed in Chapter 5, which prioritizes the creation of integrated and multimodal national transport and logistics system. The system shall connect underserved but otherwise productive areas and communities to markets and social services. Under this system, rural areas, where most of poor reside, shall receive renewed attention. Property-rights issues in agriculture shall be finally resolved signalling a rebirth of interest in agricultural production that will make infrastructure-investments in that sector, such as irrigation, more effective, helping raise farmers’ income, improve food security, and enlarge agriculture’s contribution to the economy. Hindered by a record of perennially large budget deficits, government shall generate funds for infrastructure investment through better tax collection and more rational budget allocation – hence the fiscal and budgetary reforms discussed in Chapter 2. Realistically, however, government funds may not suffice, given its need to immediately attend to social development and poverty-alleviation. For
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
this reason, government shall rely on the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme to implement the bulk of its infrastructure program. This scheme encourages the large-sector of private business, including major Filipino conglomerates and large and reputable foreign partners, to participate in financing, construction, and operation of key infrastructure projects. Such a program seeks deliberately to utilize the huge savings and capital resources in the private sector and to provide market-friendly channels for these to support national priorities. The provision of vital infrastructure and the expansion of logistics chains, combined with a change in the governance regime, is bound to elicit a strong positive response across all classes of entrepreneurs and financiers. Immediately benefited by this will be those industries in which the country already has a demonstrated global advantage but whose expansion is still fettered by certain infrastructure inadequacies, such as power and transport. Included here are the further expansion of ICT-related activities such as business-process outsourcing, (in which the country is now the world’s largest employer), different branches of tourism, electronics, sustainable mining, housing and construction, and agribusiness and agroprocessing industries (Chapter 3). This list of industries is only bound to expand as distributional bottlenecks across regions are cleared and the country’s inherent advantages finally are revealed. At the same time, government has prepared specific programs to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the enterprise-level and to encourage the formation of industry clusters to foster interfirm linkages.
…through transparent and responsive governance Underpinning inclusive growth must be a bedrock of sound institutions that promote transparency, accountability, the rule of law, and effective and impartial performance of the regulatory function of government, as discussed in Chapter 7. To move towards responsive governance, systems that promote objective decision-making, professionalism, transparency, and accountability, shall be instituted and mainstreamed. Thorough reforms in the budgeting process, in public procurement, and in the awarding of major contracts are needed to restore public confidence in government institutions and practices. In budgetplanning, a key reform shall be the adoption of zero-based budgeting (ZBB), under which budgets of government departments and agencies are comprehensively scrutinized and justified in complete detail, from a zero base, not just incrementally. Budget releases will also henceforth be aligned with the number of active personnel and the actual progress of programs and projects to avoid such abuses as “conversion” and other kinds of fund diversion. In public procurement, full use shall be made of electronic bidding and procurement to minimize discretion, achieve arm’s-length transparency, and attain costefficiency. Terms of reference shall be based on comprehensive technical specifications prior to bidding and contracting to facilitate close comparability across alternatives and to prevent arbitrary ex-post “variation orders”. Clear terms and transparent rules are vital to the success of big-ticket infrastructure projects such as the PPP. The publication and enforcement of blacklists of contractors and individuals suspected
of rigging bids and showing substandard performance shall be undertaken to show the government’s determination to clean up procurement and bidding. The rationalization of government functions, pay, and personnel shall be continued and extended to cover not only the bureaucracy itself but also government-owned and –controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions (GFIs). The anticorruption drive shall also be strengthened with the passage of the Freedom of Information Act and the Whistleblowers’ Act, as well as the revitalization of the Run-After-TaxEvaders (RATE), Run-After-theSmugglers (RATS),and Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) programs. Close collaboration, coordination, and information-exchange among various agencies shall form the basis for the build-up of cases against public officials and private persons involved in plunder, corruption, tax evasion, and other crimes involving the misappropriation of public resources. Strong cases, especially those involving well-known instances of plunder and grand corruption, shall be pursued uncompromisingly, showing neither fear nor favor and in line with “true and complete justice for all”. As an indispensable first step, however, the personnel of agencies that directly involved in anticorruption efforts, especially the office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the revenue agencies, must be reinvigorated and rededicated. A big part of the solution to the governance problem however lies outside government itself and involves the active participation of private business, civil society and the media in governance, monitoring, and feedback. This gives “voice” to people, enables civil society and the media to become partners of government, and makes the government more responsive to the needs of citizens. Among other steps shall be the adoption In pursuit of inclusive growth
27
of client-satisfaction surveys at all levels of government. Monitoring and surveillance by the media, civil society, and an engaged citizenry shall underpin the campaign against corruption. This shall be facilitated by formal citizens’ representation in budgeting and procurement processes, the disclosure of the allocation and expenditure of funds of various agencies, the involvement of civil society in the anticorruption effort, and the provision of channels for ordinary citizens to report directly and anonymously to competent authorities on anomalies in government functions and the state of public-service provision. Ultimately, however, good governance must be founded on a cohesive society and people’s trust in government. For this reason, government will endeavor to be transparent, communicate its intentions clearly, and seek consensus on social directions. The means of development communication and their convergence with traditional and new mass and social media shall be used for these higher purposes.
Improving governance and strengthening weak institutions in the country carry tremendous potential for bringing down the cost and risks of doing business. This is evident in public sector projects themselves. The PPP initiatives of government will not succeed unless private partners are assured of unbiased bid evaluations and award decisions based on competent authority. In the same manner, legitimate proponents of build-and-transfer schemes will be in short supply if their predecessors must face the ordeal of official harassment and regulatory risk. Strengthening governance, therefore, also implies addressing the weak rule of law, legal uncertainty, and high costs and delays of the legal system in the country, which have historically discouraged legitimate investments in the economy and instead fomented corruption. At the same time, there is a simple need to streamline and
28
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
harmonize procedures within and across government offices. A strong competition policy would promote a more open environment for investment, innovation, and appropriate pricing. This may be done by strengthening regulatory agencies and making them less susceptible to regulatory capture, lobbying, and rent-seeking. The linchpin of competition policy shall be an omnibus Competition and Anti-Trust Code that operationalizes constitutional provisions against monopolistic practices, as well as provides a transparent and predictable framework for standards and procedures for all regulatory authorities.
Human development is key… Together with physical investment, investment in the country’s human resources is key to sustained and broad-based growth. This requires equitable access to basic social services, as well as stronger social safety nets and social protection against shocks. Concrete objectives and programs are spelled out in Chapter 8. Reaffirmed here are the country’s commitments to the MDG, of which the terminal point (2015) is the penultimate year of this planning period. The major priority reforms in education have been spelled out in the Basic Education Sector Reform Agenda (BESRA). Implementation of the agenda involves: school-based management; enhanced learning efficiency, such as through the K+12 system; quality assurance and accountability; and complementary learning interventions, e.g. alternative learning systems, early childhood education, and so on.
The state shall ensure equitable access to basic health care for all. This requires strengthening the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). PhilHealth operations shall be oriented towards increasing the benefit delivery ratio at the national and regional level. Investments in public health programs shall aim to reduce maternal and child mortality, mortality and morbidity from tuberculosis, dengue, and malaria, as well as prevent the spread of HIVAIDS. Upgrades of public health care facilities shall be undertaken under the government budget as well as through private-public sector partnerships. Two major strategies towards asset and human capital formation for the poor is community-driven development and conditional cash transfers. The former shall be pursued through the Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), a program for implementing small-scale projects by barangays following their own plans, priorities, and processes, with funding support and in-kind support from the national and local governments. The KALAHI-CIDSS has demonstrated its effectiveness in generating net economic returns, finding a costeffective formula for providing village infrastructure, responding to community demands, and sustaining community operations and maintenance (Araral and Holmemo, 2007). The latter social protection measures are primarily implemented through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). At the heart of the 4Ps is the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program, which provides direct cash transfers to the poor on condition that: (a) their children continue to attend school; and (b) the family makes use of preventive health care and nutrition services. The
cash transfer is, thus, linked to the poor’s investment in their own human capital (education and health), which explains the program’s demonstrated effectiveness in reducing poverty both immediately (through the cash transfer itself ) and in the long run (through human capital formation). The provision of CCT targets the truly deserving, while boosting demand for education and health services from poor households. In the design of these and other future social protection programs, the government shall always ensure that such programs remain accessible and attuned to the needs of vulnerable groups, particularly children of both sexes, women, the elderly, and the disabled.
… together with employment generation, for both wage- and self-employed Emphasizing employment generation means opening the widest legitimate channels for all forms of employment, whether in the form of formal wageor self-employment, whether in firms, homes, or local communities, whether at home or abroad. Work arrangements mutually agreed upon shall also be introduced. Employment generation can also be pursued indirectly by supporting those activities that exploit the country’s comparative advantage in more laborintensive activities, typically involving products and services that are more competitive in the world market. Exports have learning-by-doing and dynamic comparative advantage aspects. Through active trade policy, exporters learn through time, and their skill sets have evolved and became entrenched into more technologically intensive and higher skills processes. Exports can become an important means of obtaining technological knowhow and in turn generate positive spill over effects to other sectors in the economy. This redounds to faster accumulation and innovation, and therefore accelerated growth.
In pursuit of inclusive growth
29
Wider self-employment opportunities shall be afforded by providing creditaccess to the poor through microcredit, integrated in a business-service package that includes market matching, technical assistance, and community organizing where necessary. Government will direct wholesale finance institutions – such as the People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC), the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), and the Small Business Corporation (SBC) – that deal with microfinance institutions to coordinate with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Tourism (DOT) and viable microfinance institutions (MFIs) to develop marketbased innovative financing schemes to support microenterprises. Government will collaborate with MFIs to use microfinance as a tool for inclusive growth by expanding access by microenterprises and poor households to credit, savings, and other financial services. Innovative market-based financing schemes in support of microenterprises will support government’s goal of providing productive employment opportunities to a broad cross-section of the population. Other channels for rapid employment generation shall be opened through programs of communitydriven development (CDD), which are linked to poverty-relief, and laborintensive infrastructure projects of local governments. In providing opportunities for formal or self-employment or access to credit, government shall take particular cognizance of the special needs of women, whose potentially large social contributions to social and economic development are stunted by their domestic and other social circumstances.
… but complementary strategies will be essential for success The plan’s broad thrusts are massive infrastructure development, higher governance standards, human development and human capital formation, direct poverty-relief, and employment-generation.
30
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
But such initiatives cannot succeed if complementary and strategies do not support and enhance their impact. These strategies can prosper only in a macroeconomic regime of low inflation and sustainable fiscal balances (Chapter 2). Inflation directly and immediately erodes the public’s purchasing power and particularly affects the poor and fixedincome earners, thus putting poverty goals in peril. On the other hand, uncontrolled government debts and deficits endanger the goals of growth and employment by raising borrowing costs for public and private sectors alike, putting a brake on all forms of investment. Government shall, therefore, institute fiscal reforms to permanently place the revenue system on an even keel, primarily through comprehensive coverage of taxpayers and uniform coverage of commodities and activities, higher standards of performance and integrity among tax administrators, and prompt rate adjustments, as allowed by law, applied to tax and nontax revenue sources alike. Expenditures shall be kept within the bounds set by macroeconomic targets, among others, by cutting back on wasteful programs and deprioritizing unfunded mandates, exercising tighter internal controls, and continuing the rationalization of the size of government, including GFIs and GOCCs. Many of these reforms can become imperatives of fiscal behavior through the enactment of a fiscal responsibility law. Monetary policy, on the other hand, will continue to emphasize low and stable inflation, with the Bangko Sentral ready to use its tools to prevent the emergence of asset bubbles, whether domestic or foreign. In accord with the changing strength of the country’s external position, foreign exchange regulations shall be adjusted to facilitate payments for trade and investment and, in line with the policies of other
countries, to maintain the economy’s competitiveness. Ensuring ecological integrity and mitigating the effects of climate change is essential for success on several fronts. Natural disasters and calamities can nullify hard-won gains by damaging physical infrastructure, directly endangering human lives and health, and destroying livelihoods, particularly among the poor and vulnerable. The dismal state of the environment and natural resources is a major reason that rural communities, who depend on them as primary sources of livelihood, perennially find themselves at the bottom rung of the development ladder. The country’s location makes it inherently vulnerable to potentially destructive natural events. This is aggravated by the pressure of a growing human population on environmental resources and habitable environments as well as the anticipated effects of global climate change. It shall be an urgent task (Chapter 10), therefore, to devise and adopt measures that will improve the state of environment and natural resources, enhance the resilience of natural systems, and improve the ability of communities to cope with environmental hazards, including climate-related risks. Priorities include the conservation, protection, and rehabilitation of the country’s natural resources, urban renewal, measures to reduce waste and pollution, and heightened capacities for disaster-preparedness and response.
industry. Through a rationalization of the roles of higher-education institutions and a finer delineation of their roles (Chapter 8), the turnout of a critical mass of scientists, engineers, and other technical personnel shall be pursued to allow the country is to climb the valueadded ladder in sectors where it possesses global competitive potential. The end of armed conflict and the attainment of lasting peace is vital to breaking the vicious cycle of conflict and underdevelopment in affected areas that have otherwise huge potential for social and economic development. Towards this end, the government shall pursue different tracks to complete and implement negotiated settlements with various armed groups under a comprehensive peace process. At the same time resources shall be marshaled to raise the capacity of the armed forces and the police in dealing decisively with criminal groups (Chapter 9). Relations with foreign nations shall be actively cultivated to support sovereignty, regional peace and security, and economic cooperation based on equitable and mutual benefit. Paramount consideration shall be paid to ensure the welfare and protection of the millions of Filipinos working overseas.
Although it is the Plan’s main thrust to raise participation and standards in basic education, there is no denying the important role of higher education and science and technology in the country’s effort to attract high-quality and high-productivity activities, such as the greater value-added parts of business-process outsourcing (BPO), tourism, and some branches of In pursuit of inclusive growth
31
How Shall We Monitor Progress Towards Inclusive Growth? Accountability requires government to make known its plans in order to afford its citizens the chance to test its assumptions and monitor progress quantitatively and in detail whenever possible. Towards that end, the Plan commits itself to quantitatively and observable targets and milestones. More detailed targets are presented in the succeeding chapters, but the most important ones are listed below:
To be sure, immediate problems and obstacles remain, chief of which are the country’s lagging rate of investment, the government’s continuing fiscal constraints and heavy debt burden, the country’s poor quality of infrastructure, and stagnating levels of human capital. But many of these phenomena have existed long before and are in the nature of consequences rather than causes. Undeniable is the fact that some hopeful conditions have emerged, and that economic and political opportunities now exist for a real change – a break-away from the cycle of mass poverty, social division, and political conflict that have been the hallmarks of the country’s recent history.
Growth in output and employment through higher investments… A growth in real GDP averaging 7-8 percent per year under the Plan period shall be a major objective. This figure implies a tripling of per capita income to about US$5,000 in two decades. This is a higher growth trajectory than the past decade’s and shall be attained through a higher contribution of physical capital to GDP growth, as well as through increases in total factor productivity. Through massive investments in transport, water, energy, and other infrastructure, and through good governance, the contribution of physical capital to GDP growth is targeted to increase. This is possible under current conditions through a significant but still attainable increase in the share of investment to GDP. Sustaining growth in later years, however, will require even higher investment ratios reaching 22 percent by 2016. It is expected that the investments in infrastructure and in education and health, improvement in governance, and the supporting strategies (such as research and development and science and technology policies), are expected to boost total factor productivity’s contribution to GDP growth. This annual growth target will generate an average of some one million (1,000,000) net employment annually, and these will be found primarily in industry and services, even as the agricultural sector may
32
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
continue to be a net shedder of jobs. The completion of agrarian reform, a resolution of property rights issues in agriculture and implementation of major infrastructure shall enable agriculture and agro-processing to come into their own again and begin to reabsorb labor. If the labor force grows at 2.75 percent annually, the unemployment rate should hover at 6.8 -7.2 percent during the Plan period, although it should be noted these numbers do not factor in possible reversals in overseas migration trends as more domestic jobs are created.
… should lead to poverty incidence being cut by half As productive employment raises incomes, cash-transfer programs are sustained and access to health and education improved, the incidence of poverty among the population should decline from 33.1 percent in 1991 to 16.6 percent by 2015 or less, in line with the country’s MDG commitment. Inequality can also be expected to decline over the medium term as access to development opportunities are equalized across geographic areas and across the different income and social spectrum.
A window of opportunity
Since more than two decades past, the Philippines has never faced a better chance than today of finally breaking out of its perennial condition of poverty, inequity, and lagging human development. In economic terms, the country’s external payments and international credit position have not been healthier in decades for various reasons. Thanks to overseas remittances, surpluses on current account have been run consistently since 2003. After decades of trade reform, the industrial structure is now fairly undistorted by subsidies
and heavy protection. The currency is stable and perhaps even too strong and inflation has been low to moderate for more than a decade. Lastly, the country is emerging relatively unscathed from the worst global economic downturn since the 1930s. Even politically, there have been positive developments: the country has managed a peaceful constitutional transition through a popularly elected government; financial and political sovereignty vis-à-vis creditor and other nations has never been greater; civil liberties and political rights continue to be asserted and exercised even in the face of brutal assaults; agrarian reform, the country’s most ambitious attempt at asset reform, is due to be completed; and efforts to resolve armed conflicts finally and peacefully are under way. To be sure, immediate problems and obstacles remain, chief of which are the country’s lagging rate of investment, the government’s continuing fiscal constraints and heavy debt burden, the country’s poor quality of infrastructure, and stagnating levels of human capital. But many of these phenomena have existed long before and are in the nature of consequences rather than causes. Undeniable is the fact that some hopeful conditions have emerged, and that economic and political opportunities now exist for a real change – a break-away from the cycle of mass poverty, social division, and political conflict that have been the hallmarks of the country’s recent history.
and through government and citizens living out and practising the country’s best civic ideals. Without the wise application of resources, social cohesion, and good governance, little can come of even the best-laid plans, and another window of opportunity will have closed for this generation of Filipinos. Nor should it be forgotten that today’s chances were purchased by past sacrifices: by overseas workers who endured separation from their families; by laborers and farmers who experienced wrenching structural changes; by the middle class and other taxpayers who shouldered the debt burdens of the past; by government personnel who soldiered on professionally despite the rot surrounding them; and by the brave and vigilant citizenry who never lost faith in constitutional values, democratic processes, and the possibility of an honest government. Such sacrifices can be repaid only by demonstrable success in our time. Neither the past nor future generations will forgive the present if it fails in its pursuit of inclusive growth.
The true paradox is why the nation has been unable to step forward even under improving conditions. This Plan is built on the conviction that such obstacles can be cleared and the above historic task accomplished in this lifetime through the prudent marshalling of available resources, the participation and support by all sectors, In pursuit of inclusive growth
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
02
Macroeconomic Policy Macroeconomic Policy
35
Macroeconomic Policy Growing output and employment are the preconditions for progress in almost all social and economic aspects of development. Productive employment and rising incomes for the vast majority over a long period can do more to combat poverty decisively than any direct assistance government can ever provide. It is private actors – from the smallest self-employed entrepreneurs to the largest conglomerates – that create productive jobs and incomes. Government’s responsibility however – through fiscal and monetary policies – is to create an environment for vigorous economic activity, as well as to ensure that enough gains from growth are set aside for larger social purposes or channelled into social investments that facilitate future growth. These objectives are achieved by government decisions regarding the size and direction of public spending and taxation (fiscal policy) and by decisions regarding the control of the nation’s money supply (monetary policy).
Output and Employment Economic Performance 2004-2010 GDP growth averaged 5.6 percent for the period 2004–2006, while average GNP growth was higher at 5.9 percent, boosted by transfers from overseas workers. On
the demand side, private consumption (which comprises about 70% of GDP), grew an annual average of 5.4 percent. Merchandise exports grew at an average of 9.4 percent, while exports of non-factor services (which included BPOs such as back office payroll or accounting and call centers) registered an average of 20.6 percent.
Figure 2.1 Contributions to Growth (Demand)
Figure 2.1 Contributions to Growth (Demand) 30.0
20.0
7.3
6.4 5.3 7.1
5.0
10.0
3.7
1.1
0.0
-10.0 2004
Imports
2005
Net Exports
Source: NSCB Source: National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB
36
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
2006
StatD
2007
Gov't
2008
Investment
2009
Private
2010
GDP
Figure 2.2 Contributions to Growth (Supply)
Figure 2.2. Contributions to Growth (Supply) 8.0 7.0
7.3
7.1 6.4
6.0
5.0
5.3
5.0
3.7
4.0 3.0 2.0
1.1
1.0 0.0 -1.0 2004
Services
2005
2006
Industry
2007
2008
Agriculture
2009
2010
GDP
Source: NSCB
Capital formation, on the other hand, averaged 1.2 percent growth per year during the period (Table 2.7). Overall, consumption fuelled by remittances is the largest and most stable source of growth from the demand side. The contribution of net exports (including BPO), although volatile, was also positive. Investment made a small positive contribution in 2004 and 2006, but contributed negatively in 2005. The contribution of public consumption to growth has been marginal (Figure 2.1).
Source: National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB
On the supply side, the largest contribution to growth consistently came from the services sector, followed by the industry sector. The agriculture sector, which is vulnerable to changes in weather patterns, managed to make a small positive contribution to growth during the period (Figure 2.2). Average growth was relatively modest, owing to the economy’s vulnerability to a number of domestic and external shocks. The continued US-led war on terrorism, accompanied by the escalating prices of petroleum and sluggish demand for electronics
dragged down economic activities in 2005. Domestically, political factors were partly responsible for compelling the government to run under reenacted budgets. The relatively low inflation in 2002-2003 was followed by upward price pressures in 2004 due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and growing resource demands from China and India, all of which contributed to a surge in world oil prices.
The economy expanded at its fastest rate in three decades in 2007, with GDP growing at 7.1 percent (and GNP growing at 7.4%)
The economy expanded at its fastest rate in three decades in 2007, with GDP growing at 7.1 percent (and GNP growing at 7.4 %). With greater fiscal space from the previous years’ tax reforms , and with spending ahead of national elections, public construction rose 29.1 percent. Private construction likewise grew 13.3 percent, boosted by remittancefuelled residential construction as well as the need for more supply of office space. Overall, capital formation grew 12.4 percent, up from the 5.1-percent growth of a year ago and the 8.8percent contraction two years previously. Likewise, private consumption, which constitutes the largest proportion of GDP on the expenditure side, continued its stable growth at 5.9 percent, fuelled by
Macroeconomic Policy
37
Table 2.1 Philippine Key Indicators
Indicators
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
GNP
6.9
5.4
5.4
7.5
6.4
4.0
7.2
GDP
6.4
5.0
5.3
7.1
3.7
1.1
7.3
Agriculture
5.2
2.0
3.8
4.9
3.1
0.0
-0.5
Industry
5.2
3.8
4.5
6.8
4.9
-0.9
12.1
Mining
2.6
9.3
-6.1
26.0
1.9
21.5
18.4
Manufacturing
5.8
5.3
4.2
3.3
4.2
-4.4
12.3
Construction
3.4
-5.9
9.6
21.0
7.6
9.8
10.5
Electricity, Gas & Water
4.2
2.5
6.4
6.7
7.3
-2.9
8.5
Electricity & Gas
4.3
2.5
6.2
6.7
7.6
-3.5
8.8
Services
7.7
7.0
6.5
8.1
3.1
2.8
7.1
Personal Consumption
5.9
4.8
5.5
5.8
4.7
4.1
5.3
Government Consumption
1.4
2.3
10.4
6.6
0.4
10.9
2.7
Capital Formation
7.2
-8.8
5.1
12.4
2.3
-5.7
17.0
Fixed Capital
1.3
-6.6
3.9
10.9
2.7
-0.4
17.1
-0.8
-7.3
7.6
19.5
4.2
7.4
12.0
Public Construction
-9.3
-18.0
31.4
29.1
-1.3
22.5
3.7
Private Construction
4.8
-1.1
-3.7
13.3
8.2
-2.8
19.1
Durable Equipment
3.2
-7.1
1.3
4.5
1.9
-8.2
25.7
Changes in Stocks
-444.1
-58.1
64.1
57.5
-7.5
-139.8
-356.1
Changes in Stocks
4.2
1.9
3.0
4.3
3.8
-1.6
-5.6
15.0
4.8
13.4
5.5
-2.0
-13.4
25.6
Merchandise Exports
12.9
4.2
11.3
4.1
-1.7
-16.8
26.0
Non-Factor Services
28.8
8.3
24.7
12.3
-3.0
2.3
24.3
5.8
2.4
1.8
-4.1
0.8
-1.9
20.7
Merchandise Imports
6.2
2.1
1.3
-5.6
0.1
-1.8
20.2
Non-Factor Services
-1.4
8.5
11.0
20.9
9.9
-3.6
26.3
Unemployment (in percent)
11.8
8.7
8.0
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.3
Underemployment (in percent)
17.6
21.0
22.6
20.1
19.3
19.1
18.7
Construction
(% of capital formation) Exports
Imports
Sources: NSCB; Labor Force Statistics Yearbook; DOLE-LFS Note: The 2005 unemployment rate data may not be consistent due to the adoption of a new unemployment definition in the April 2005 round LFS.
38
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
remittances from overseas workers (Table 2.1).
already fell 9.8% month-on-month in January 2008 and electronic exports contracted 6.5% in August 2008). It was not until close to the bottom of the crisis that policy rates were cut (on December 18, 2008) and the fiscal stimulus bared (in January 2009)This, although the inflation had been headed down since September 2008.
On the production side, the services sector continued to be the largest contributor to growth. The industry sector, with unprecedented growth rates from mining (at 26.1%) and construction (21% ) sectors, contributed higher more to GDP growth as compared with the previous three years (Table 2.1 and Figure 2.2). Agriculture, with help from the better weather compared to the past two years, also had a higher contribution to GDP than in the past two years (Figure 2.2).
Monetary and fiscal stimuli came somewhat late. Overall, there was a noticeable slowdown in private consumption, and in government construction and consumption, and a contraction in exports during the year. On the production side, agriculture, industry, and services all slowed down.
Price pressures toward the middle part of 2008 (Figure 2.10) - on account of rising world prices of grains and petroleum, as well as the global recession affecting the country through the trade channel towards the later part of the year, contributed to the slowdown of GDP growth to 3.7 percent (GNP growth was 6.4% for the year). As early as the start of 2008, it was clear the US would experience a recession and that the impact would reach the Philippines (in fact the Philippine stock index
The brunt of the global crisis was felt in the first half of 2009 when merchandise exports registered an average decline of 23.4 percent per quarter, caused largely by the contraction of electronics and garments exports. Furthermore, although government consumption and construction increased in the second quarter, the effects of the fiscal stimulus were blunted by the impact of two typhoons that hit the country in September-October 2009. Notwithstanding the effects of the global
Notwithstanding the effects of the global financial crisis, GDP in 2009 rose by 1.1 percent, a figure within the target of 0.8-1.8 percent, making the Philippines one of the few economies in the region to register positive performance amidst the recession.
Figure 2.3 Contributions to Growth (Demand)
Figure 2.3 Contributions to Growth (Demand)
7.8
8.2
6.3
7.1
25.0
15.0
2.8
4.6 3.9
1.2
2.1
0.2
3.7 0.5
5.0
-5.0
-15.0 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1
2008
Imports
Net Exports
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1
Q2
2009
StatD
Gov't
Q3
Q4
2010
Investment
Private
GDP
Source: NSCB
Source: National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB
Macroeconomic Policy
39
financial crisis, GDP in 2009 rose by 1.1 percent, a figure within the target of 0.81.8 percent, making the Philippines one of the few economies in the region to register positive performance amidst the recession. GNP on the other hand, grew by 4 percent, fuelled by robust inflows of overseas remittances. In 2010,coming from a low base and boosted by the rebound in world trade, quarterly GDP grew 7.3 percent. Remittance-
driven consumption and the pick-up in investments and net exports (from significant negative contributions in 2009) boosted growth (Figure 2.3). On the supply side, the strong reversal of industrial performance (from negative contributions to growth in 2009), and the continued significant contribution of the services sector, drove the growth (Figure 2.4). Higher growth, however, was constrained by the negative impact of El Niño on agriculture and fisheries.
Figure 2.4 Contributions to Growth (Supply) Figure 2.4 Contributions to Growth (Supply) 10.0
7.8
8.2
8.0
7.1
6.3
6.0 3.9
3.7
4.0
4.6 2.8
2.1
0.2
1.2
0.5
2.0 0.0 -2.0 -4.0 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1
2008
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1
2009
Services
Industry
Q2
Q3 2010
Agriculture
GDP
Source: NSCB
Source: National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB
Figure 2.5 Philippines Unemployment Rate, 2006-2010 (in %)
Figure 2.5 Philippine’s Unemployment Rate, 2006-2010 (in %) 8.2
8.0
7.8
8.0
7.6
7.4
7.2
7.4 7.3
7.4 7.3
7.0
6.8 2006
2007
2008
Sources: NSO, LFS Sources: National Statistics Office, Labor Force Survey
40
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
�
2009
2010
Q4
Meanwhile, real GNP expanded by 7.9 percent as growth in net factor income from abroad eased to 10.3 percent from 31.6 percent in the same period in 2009. A significant part of the high growth in 2010 was clearly due to a recovery from a low base, implying that these growth rates cannot be expected to continue in 2011 and beyond without structural changes in the economy. Such structural changes are needed even more to achieve this Plan’s goal of a 7 to 8-percent annual growth rate in GDP.
Employment and Poverty Increased globalization and faster economic growth have provided opportunities for Filipinos entering the labor market. Using the old concept of unemployment on which the Plan targets were based, unemployment rate improved from 11.9 percent in 2004 to 11.4, 11.1 and 10.8 percent in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, lower than the Plan targets. Using the new International Labor Organization
Figure 2.6 Comparative Unemployment Rates in Selected Asian Economies: 2006-2010 Figure 2.6 Comparative Unemployment Rates in Selected Asian Economies: 2006-2010 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 2006
China
Indonesia
2007
South Korea
2008
Malaysia
2009
Philippines
2010*
Singapore
Thailand
Sources: NSO, LFS; http://www.tradingeconomics.com. Sources: National Statistics Office, Labor Force Survey; http://www.tradingeconomics.com. * * latest latest available data available
Figure 2.7.Employment 2005-2010 ( in ‘000) data 2.7 Employment Figure Generated, 2005-2010Generated, ( in ‘000 ) 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 -200 2005
Services
2006
Non-Manuf. Industry
2007
2008
Manuf.
2009
Agriculture
2010
Total
Sources: NSO, LFS Sources: National Statistics Office, Labor Force Survey
Macroeconomic Policy
41
Figure 2.8 Employment by Class of Worker and Underemployment Rate, 2005-2010 (in percent)
Figure 2.8.Employment by Class of Worker and Underemployment Rate, 2005-2010 (%) 100.0
80.0
60.0
40.0
20.0
0.0 2005
Unpaid family Workers
2006
2007
Own-accountWorkers
2008
Wage and Salary Workers
2009
2010
Underemployment Rate
Sources: NSO; LFS Sources: National Statistics Office, Labor Force Survey
(ILO)-based methodology recently adopted by the country, unemployment stood at 8 percent in 2006, 7.3 percent in 2007 and 7.4 percent in 2008 (Figure 2.5)1. Despite these improvements, however, unemployment remains high in comparison with the country’s Asian neighbors (Figure 2.6) and meeting job creation targets continued to be a challenge. The economic slowdown in 2008 affected the manufacturing sector and resulted in a net employment generation of only 530,000 net compared to the 771,000 yearly average for the period 2005-2007. The manufacturing sector in particular registered a negative net employment generation of about 134,000. In 2009, employment in both agriculture and manufacturing sectors remained sluggish. During that year, the services sector accounted for about 94 percent of the 1
total 972,000 new jobs generated. (Figure 2.7). With strong export and industrial performance in 2010, the economy showed some improvement on the labor front. In the October round of the 2010 LFS, the unemployment rate stayed at 7.1 percent, bringing the 2010 full-year average unemployment rate to 7.3 percent, lower than the 7.5 percent recorded in 2009. New jobs generated for the year were estimated at around 983,000, slightly more than in the previous year. Average underemployment in 2010 likewise improved to 18.7 percent from the previous 19.1 percent. While the LFS results indicated an improved employment situation, underemployment was still relatively high. In addition, the employment share of unpaid family workers and
The DOLE started using the ILO-based definition in the April 2005 round of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) thus making it difficult to compute the FY2005 unemployment rate.
42
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Table 2.2.Official Poverty Statistics, Philippines: 2000, 2003 and 2006
Indicator
Year 2006
2003
2009
A. Among Families
Poverty incidence (%)
20.0
21.1
20.9
8.2
8.7
7.9
3,293,096
3,670,791
3,855,730
1,357,833
1,511,579
1,453,843
24.9
26.4
26.5
11.1
11.7
10.8
19,796,954
22,173,190
23,142,481
8,802,918
9,851,362
9,440,397
Subsistence incidence (%) Magnitude of poor Magnitude of food poor B. Among population Poverty incidence (%) Subsistence incidence (%) Magnitude of poor Magnitude of food poor Source: NSCB
part-time workers stood at 11.5 percent and 35.2 percent, respectively, which suggests there is great room for improving employment conditions in the country. Given the high underemployment rate of about 20 percent, it is not surprising to find a relatively high percentage of own-account workers (averaging 35.7%) among Filipinos. This partly reflects the difficulty of gaining employment in the formal labor market and implies a high incidence of informal sector work. In addition, the 43.2-percent “educated unemployed” out of the total unemployed labor force is also very high, a symptom of the labor mismatch in the country and a factor contributing to the growing deployment of Filipino workers overseas, averaging about 1.1 million per year. In the labor and employment sector, therefore, the policy challenge is to increase decent and productive employment and to enhance inclusive
job-rich growth. To achieve this goal, the country can pursue supply-side strategies (such as enhancing the human resource base), as well as demand-side approaches (such as enhancing the returns to human and physical or entrepreneurial capital).
In the labor and employment sector, therefore, the policy challenge is to increase decent and productive employment and to enhance inclusive job-rich growth.
Supply-side measures Working people are not simply the beneficiaries of growth but also its creators and drivers. Just as increases in employment and labor productivity contribute to economic growth, so too investments in the development of human resources help provide a foundation for a job-rich growth and development strategy. Qualities such as education, skills, health, and cognitive abilities help determine an individual’s ability to obtain productive employment, as well as expand the scope of labor productivity and pace of technological advancement of the country. Inclusive growth thus requires a special focus on the working poor and the unemployed, who comprise a significant portion (43%) of the labor force.
Macroeconomic Policy
43
Figure 2.9 Poverty Incidence of Families by Region (in Percent): 2003 and 2006
Figure 2.9 Poverty Incidence of Families by Region (in %): 2003, 2006 and 2009 40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
NCR
I
II
III
IV-A
IV-B
V
2003
VI
VII
VIII
IX
2006
X
XI
XII
CAR
ARMM
Caraga
2009
Source: NSCB Source: National Statistical Coordination Board
Demand-side approaches Earnings and employment will depend on the rate, quality, and distributional aspects of economic growth. The rate of economic growth determines the extent of employment opportunities. Inclusive growth, in particular, must mean a higher and broad-based demand for labor and therefore more employment opportunities. This is important, considering the persistent unemployment and underemployment levels in the country. The sheer volume of workers working temporarily overseas2 indicates the lack of employment opportunities and suggests that domestic investments and entrepreneurship are being held back. These constraints need to be addressed along with strategies formulated to ensure 2
that the working poor and the unemployed can participate and benefit from the development process. A lack of gainful and quality employment opportunities is an important reason why poverty incidence in 2006 went up to 32.9 percent from 30 percent in 2003 (Table 2.2) and essentially stagnated between 2006 and 2009. Disaggregated data also shows that across the different regions of the country, poverty incidence among families generally increased, with Regions 3, 4-B, 7, 8, and ARMM posting more than 3 percentage points increases in poverty. The Regions ARMM (55.3%), CARAGA (45.5%), MIMAROPA (43.7%), Bicol (41.8%), Eastern Visayas
About one million OFWs are deployed per year, with their remittances accounting for at least 9.5 percent of GNP in 2009.
44
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
(40.7%), and Central Visayas (40.2%) also registered more than 40 percent poverty incidence while NCR had the lowest estimated poverty incidence of 7.1 percent. For the period 2003-2009, the geographical distribution of poverty remained unchanged, with the locus of high poverty incidence being consistent in MIMAROPA, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and in Mindanao (Figure 2.9). The regional distribution of poverty also highlights the large disparities in family income across the country. Most of the regions in Luzon had relatively lower shares of families living below the poverty threshold than in MIMAROPA, Bicol, Visayas and the Mindanao regions. The lower poverty incidence in NCR and Regions 1, 2, 3
and 4-A can be attributed to higher access to employment opportunities and basic social services, while armed conflict and peace and order problems resulted in higher poverty in Mindanao.
Fiscal and Monetary Sectors Sound fiscal and monetary policies that foster macroeconomic stability are crucial to achieving sustained economic growth. A sustainable fiscal balance helps the country avoid boom-bust cycles that disrupt the pace of economic growth. Appropriate levels of fiscal deficits also allow the government to continuously support critical social programs and infrastructure projects. Prudent and responsible monetary policy that achieves low and stable inflation, in turn, gives both consumers and businesses
Table 2.3. Summary of Fiscal Sector Indicators, 2004-2010 (in million PhP) Particulars
2004
2005
2006
Total Revenues
706,718
816,159
979,638
1,136,560
1,202,905
1,123,211
1,207,926
Tax Revenues
604,964
705,615
859,857
932,937
1,049,179
981,631
1,093,643
BIR
470,329
542,697
652,734
713,605
778,571
750,287
822,623
BOC
127,269
154,566
198,161
209,439
260,248
220,307
259,241
7,366
8,352
8,962
9,893
10,360
11,037
11,779
101,754
110,544
119,781
203,623
153,726
141,580
114,283
Total Disbursements
893,776
962,938
1,044,429
1,149,001
1,271,022
1,421,743
1,522,384
Current Operating Expenditures
755,748
831,716
904,179
947,357
1,031,849
1,141,967
1,229,785
283,065
296,361
324,690
350,291
374,662
414,023
469,402
MOOE
83,838
84,753
99,993
128,311
138,690
176,458
182,092
Subsidy
6,926
8,151
11,884
21,686
16,982
17,438
21,005
Allocation to LGUs
114,068
122,194
136,865
149,150
170,583
203,233
216,079
Interest Payments
260,901
299,807
310,108
267,800
272,218
278,866
294,244
132,352
129,515
140,120
191,894
224,780
274,712
283,340
5,676
1,707
131
9,750
14,393
5,064
9,258
(187,058)
(146,779)
(64,791)
(12,441)
(68,117)
(298,532)
(314,458)
Others Non-Tax Revenues
Personal Services
Capital Outlays Net Lending Fiscal (Deficit)/Surplus
2007
2008
2009
2010
Sources: Bureau of Treasury (BTr), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Note: Table 2.3 was based on 2011 Fiscal Statistics Handbook and Cash Operations Report as of September 2010.
Macroeconomic Policy
45
a chance to plan over a longer time horizon. At the same time, it helps ensure that financial markets are stable and credit conditions are appropriate to support the continuous expansion of economy. This section thus addresses the issues of macroeconomic stabilization. Performance and challenges in the fiscal and the monetary or external sectors are first addressed. Strategies that need to be adopted to achieve macroeconomic stabilization are then outlined.
Assessment and Challenges Fiscal Sector
Government’s ability to raise additional revenues from nontax sources has remained weak as well. Part of the problem lies in the governance challenges faced by GOCCs in their operations.
In 2004-2009, the government implemented reforms to place the fiscal house on a sounder footing. Major reforms to improve the revenue situation during the early part of the period included the revisions of the excise tax on alcohol and tobacco, an expansion of the scope and an increase in the rate of the value-added tax (VAT), as well as the enactment of the Lateral Attrition Law. As a result, tax
effort rose from 12.5 percent in 2004 to 14.2 percent in 2008. The National Government (NG) reduced its deficit from an average of 3.9 percent of GDP in 2000-2004 to a more manageable 2.7 percent of GDP in 2005. This was further reduced to 1.1 percent in 2006 and was almost balanced in 2007 at 0.2 percent of GDP. The improved fiscal positions of the NG, the social security institutions, local governments, and the GFIs translated into a surplus in the country’s consolidated public sector financial position amounting to PhP21.3 billion or 0.3 percent of GDP in 2007, from a deficit of PhP235.9 billion or 5.0 percent of GDP in 2004. As economic activities slowed down owing to the recent global financial crisis, however, revenue collection weakened. Revenue effort dropped from 16.2 percent in 2008 to 14.6 percent in 2009, back to prereform levels. Tax effort dipped to 12.8 percent in 2009, the lowest in the
Figure 2.10 Year-on-Year Inflation Rate (2004- 2010)
Figure 2.10 Year-on-Year Inflation Rate (2004- 2010) 10.0
9.3 7.6
8.0
6.2
6.0 6.0
4.0
3.8 2.8 3.2
2.0
0.0 2004
2005
2006
Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
46
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
2007
2008
2009
2010
ASEAN region, where it averaged 14.9 percent. In addition, several tax eroding measures were enacted in 2009 and 2010, which granted tax relief to various sectors, but depleting the revenues gained from earlier tax reforms. Revenues from taxes with specific rates also either remained flat or failed to rise in proportion with GDP because of the failure to index them. The share of excise taxes on “sin products” and petroleum barely changed during the period, from 21 percent of total revenues in 2004 to 22 percent in 2009.
Government’s ability to raise additional revenues from nontax sources has remained weak as well. Part of the problem lies in the governance challenges faced by GOCCs in their operations. Foremost of these are the multiple and often conflicting mandates; the various levels of oversight bodies; the need to update government ownership policy; the need to improve board governance; and the need to strengthen transparency and disclosure. The exemption of some GOCCs, including GFIs, from the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) granted by Congress, has provided authority to the
Table 2.4 Selected External Sector Accounts, 2004-2010* (In Billion US$)
CURRENT ACCOUNT
Goods and Services % of GDP
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
1.6
2.0
5.3
7.1
3.6
9.4
8.5
-7.5
-9.1
-6.6
-6.1
-11.7
-6.7
-8.4
1.9
2.0
4.5
4.9
2.2
5.8
4.5
Trade in Goods
-5.7
-7.8
-6.7
-8.4
-12.9
-8.8
-10.4
Trade in Services
-1.8
-1.3
0.1
2.2
1.2
2.1
1.9
Income
-0.1
-0.3
-1.3
-0.9
0.1
-0.2
0.3
Current Transfers
9.2
11.4
13.2
14.2
15.2
16.2
16.6
CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNT
-1.6
2.2
0.0
3.5
-1.6
-1.6
7.9
Capital Account
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.1
Financial Account
-1.6
2.2
-0.1
3.5
-1.7
-1.7
7.8
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS
-0.3
2.4
3.8
8.6
0.1
6.4
14.4
OFW Remittances
8.6
10.7
12.8
14.4
16.4
17.9
19.4
Gross International Reserves (GIR)
16.2
18.5
23.0
33.8
37.6
44.2
62.4
% of short-term debt based on original maturity
321.6
289.2
458.5
476.4
536.4
1105.5
1086.2
% of short-term debt based on residual maturity a/
163.0
164.6
251.3
300.7
333.2
500.5
575.1
External Debt-to-GDP
63.3
55.0
45.9
38.5
32.6
34.89
33.1 b/
Medium-to-long-term (% of total)
90.8
88.2
90.7
87.2
87.0
92.7
90.4 c/
Short-term (% of total)
9.2
11.8
9.3
12.8
12.9
7.3
9.6 c/
Source: BSP (http://www.bsp.gov.ph, updates as of March 30, 2011 a/ Refers to the adequacy of reserves to cover outstanding short-term external debt based on original maturity plus principal payments on medium-to-long-term loans of the public and private sectors falling due within the next 12 months b/ Outstanding external debt as of September 2010 c/ January-September 2010 Macroeconomic Policy
47
boards of government corporations to adjust the compensation of their officials without restraint. Certain GOCCs also have mandates that are inconsistent with prudent fiscal behavior (e.g., they are used as subsidy providers and conduits for social services which were not compensated by the NG), while others have managed to exist only on the back of government subsidies.
The year 2010 was notable for the expenditure controls brought back by government, which enabled an orderly transition — from two years of fiscal stimulus in response to the global economic crisis — back to fiscal consolidation mode as the global economic situation normalized.
In addition, many fees and charges for services have not been appropriately adjusted and in some cases, have even been lowered on request of the private sector (e.g., some fees and charges which affect exporters have been lowered to accommodate them). Collections from this source have not risen in line with the costs of providing the said services. As the revenue position weakened and given the need to for a stimulus to counter the continuing recessionary pressure, the NG deficit in 2009 reached 3.9 percent of GDP while the consolidated public sector deficit was 3.3 percent of GDP in the same year. In 2010, the NG deficit to GDP ratio dropped to 3.7 percent from 3.9 percent in 2009 while the consolidated public sector deficit improved to 1.6 percent of GDP. Some recent developments have been encouraging, however. Total revenues in 2010 rose by 7.5 percent from the previous year. Tax revenues were up by 11.4 percent due to improved performances by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BoC) which had higher collections by 9.6 and 17.7 percent, respectively. Notwithstanding these, the revenue position still remains precarious as both the BIR and the BOC fell short of their respective targets in 2010. The postponement of privatization efforts, in the expectation of better terms and conditions, has reduced nontax revenues relative to the same period in 2009. Dividends and interest income have not increased sufficiently to offset the lack of proceeds from sale of assets.
48
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Meanwhile, disbursements grew at a slower pace than revenues, increasing by 6.7 percent from the 2009 level compared to the 7.5 percent expansion in revenues. The increase can be attributed to the higher personal services requirements (13%) due to the continuing implementation of the SSL 3, the increased provision for the CCTs and the automated national and barangay elections, the carryover disbursements from last year’s rehabilitation and reconstruction projects, and the higher provision for Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and interest payments. Government spending contracted from 18.3 percent of GDP in 2004 to 17.2 percent of GDP in 2008 but has since increased to 18.5 percent of GDP as of 2009 given the government’s economic resiliency program (ERP). As a share to GDP, disbursements dropped to 17.9 percent in 2010. The year 2010 was notable for the expenditure controls brought back by government, which enabled an orderly transition — from two years of fiscal stimulus in response to the global economic crisis back to fiscal consolidation mode — as the global economic situation normalized. The tighter prioritization of expenditures with the application of the ZBB approach, and the calibration of allotment and cash releases in anticipation of revenue inflows were particularly helpful in this transition. But as the composition of expenditures and the quality of services improve, the absorptive capacity of the agencies and their capability to implement projects must be strengthened to spur economic activity and help create employment particularly in the countryside. The early approval of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 budget, the release of 100 percent of agency budgets in January 2011, as well as measures facilitating the procurement process were all intended to provide
this spending jumpstart for the year. The closer monitoring of the rate of agency spending and absorption issues during the year should facilitate the identification of needed measures. For the period 2004-2010, infrastructure outlays were given an increasing share of the budget, rising to 15.2 percent (2009), and remarkably higher by 4.7 percentage points than that in 2004. In 2010, infrastructure spending was 14.7 percent of total government expenditure. Similarly, the budget share of regular expenditure items necessary for more efficient operations of government increased by 2.6 percentage points from 9.4 percent in 2004 to 12 percent in 2010. Meanwhile, the budgetary requirement for interest payments was reduced from 29.2 percent of the budget in 2004 to 20.7 percent in 2010. As a result, greater fiscal space was created for capital outlays and other productive expenditures. For 2010, infrastructure and other capital spending grew more slowly by PhP6.5 billion or 3 percent yearon-year, given the lower obligation program for infrastructure and other capital outlays in 2010 compared to 2009. The growth is largely attributed to the carry-over disbursements for rehabilitation and reconstruction activities due to typhoon Ondoy in the latter part of 2009, and for other completed projects. Disbursements were expanded in 2009 to counter the effects of the global economic slowdown and to provide additional relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts prompted by the destructive calamities that hit the country. In 2010, total national government spending for the first
3
three quarters amounted to PhP1.15 trillion, a 7.2-percent increase over that in 2009. The increase stemmed largely from spending on personal services, in compliance with mandated salary adjustments, and larger maintenance outlays. However, interest payments increased its share of the total budget from 19.6 percent to 21.2 percent after higher fiscal deficits reappeared. This higher deficit scenario, coupled with the weaker revenue effort, has constrained budgetary allocations to the economic and social sectors, which are vital for the achievement of faster and more inclusive economic growth over the medium-term. Low levels of spending on education, health and infrastructure largely and generally reflected the low level of government public expenditure3 . Low spending for social sectors caused poor outcomes in these areas and meant higher costs for the population who must spend for what government ought to have provided. NG spending on social services sector as a share of the budget declined from 28.9 percent to 27 percent in 2004 to 2007, recovering to 28.7 percent in 2009, and to 31.9 percent in 2010. Although spending on social services has gone up, the government still needs to increase its spending on priority sectors and reduce nonpriority expenditures if it is to keep pace with neighboring countries and close the gap in public spending.
Low levels of spending on education, health and infrastructure largely and generally reflected the low level of government public expenditure. Low spending for social sectors caused poor outcomes in these areas and meant higher costs for the population who must spend for what government ought to have provided.
Thus, generating sufficient revenues to support growth in the mediumterm remains the greatest challenge for the fiscal sector. More effort in revenue collection is needed so that an expenditure program more responsive to growth can be undertaken without bloating the country’s deficit and while still keeping the debt ratio at sustainable levels. Proactive debt management should also continue in order to reduce the debt
This is also the view of the recent Public Expenditure Review (PER) by the WB.
Macroeconomic Policy
49
service burden and to free up resources that could otherwise be channelled to more productive spending.
GOCCs continue to be a large source of fiscal risk. As of end of 2008, their total liabilities (excluding those of the BSP) amounted to 36.9 percent of GDP. GOCCs are frequently directed to bear the cost of social programs that should ideally be funded out of the budget.
While the rules governing the contracting of debt and debt guarantees by agencies have recently been streamlined, some have failed to adhere to best practice and have contributed to the bloating of deficits. These instances include projects under build-transfer contracts whose fees and charges were kept unduly low for political reasons, those implemented and funded from government-togovernment arrangements where accusations of overpricing are still being investigated, and automatic guarantees provided under the charters of some GOCCs. GOCCs continue to be a large source of fiscal risk. As of end of 2008, their total liabilities (excluding those of the BSP) amounted to 36.9 percent of GDP. GOCCs are frequently directed to bear the cost of social programs that should ideally be funded out of the budget. A case in point is the NFA, which operates on a “buy-high-sell-low” policy. NFA’s mandate to maintain floors for farm gate prices while keeping retail rice prices at reasonable levels virtually prevents the agency from recovering its cost. Public utilities like the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) also face considerable financial constraints because user charges are maintained at levels that can only be maintained through heavy public subsidies. Despite the power tariff increase in 2005 and the privatization of the generating assets and the off-loading of the operation and investment responsibilities for both the power plants and transmission assets to the private sector, the National Power Corporation (NPC) and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) remain sources of fiscal
50
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
risk. The full implementation of the universal levies, provided for under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) will play a major role in mitigating the fiscal risks from the power sector.
Monetary and External Sectors Prices Inflation in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) averaged 5.6 percent for the period 2004-2010 with a declining trend, averaging 3.8 percent in 2010. From 2004 to 2006, much of the inflation pressure was due to supply shocks, including increases in global oil prices that led to higher domestic pump prices, minimum wage adjustments throughout the country, hikes in transport fares and utility charges, and weather-related disturbances. Meanwhile, with good weather conditions and a relatively firm peso, inflation declined to 2.8 percent in 2007, the lowest annual average in 21 years. The steady decline in inflation was interrupted by sharp increases in world commodity prices, which fed into a 9.3-percent inflation rate in 2008. Monetary authorities responded by raising the policy rate by 100 basis points for June-August 2008. By late 2008, the balance of risks to the inflation outlook had shifted downwards following the easing of commodity prices, the moderation in inflation expectations, and the slowdown in economic activity. These developments provided latitude for monetary easing to support growth amidst the global financial crisis in 2008-2009, including the 200-basis point reduction in policy interest rates. Monetary authorities also adopted other crisis intervention measures at
the height of the global financial crisis and smoothly disengaged from these when financial conditions began to normalize. 4 The monetary policy stance remains supportive of noninflationary growth. Credit remains adequate in supporting economic activity. This is evident in the steady uptrend in bank lending and smooth functioning of domestic financial markets. Low and stable inflation has also contributed to lower costs of funds in the market, supporting investment and consumption expenditures by firms and households.
External Sector The current account balance as a ratio of GDP has increased from 1.9 percent in 2004 to 4.5 percent in 2010. The current account position has shifted to structural surpluses in large part due to the resilience of overseas remittances, increased services receipts from business process outsourcing, and steady tourism receipts. These sources of foreign exchange inflows have been more stable than investment flows. Driven by the surplus in the current account and the improvement in capital and financial account, the balance of payments has also registered surpluses since 2005. However, merchandise exports growth performance was relatively volatile, reflecting the country’s vulnerability to global developments. The annual average export growth for 2004-2010 was 6.5 percent, which was pulled up by the 34.8-percent growth in 2010 as the global economy began to recover.
Meanwhile, the exports of services have been on an uptrend, mainly on account of transportation, travel, and other business, technical, and professional services. Merchandise imports outpaced exports, with more than 60 percent of total imports consisting of raw materials and intermediate goods, and capital goods. Overseas Filipino (OF) remittances have been steadily growing even when the global financial crisis broke out. In 2010, remittances coursed through banks amounted to US$18.8 billion, an increase by 8.2 percent from the level recorded in previous year. The country’s favorable external position has also been supported by the continued improvement in the country’s external debt profile. The Philippine external debt-to-GDP ratio was 63.3 percent in 2004. As of September 2010, this ratio was down to 33.1 percent. The longdated maturity structure of the country’s foreign currency debt has helped to limit rollover and foreign exchange risks. With the strong external payments performance, international reserves have risen, providing strong coverage for both imports and short-term external debt. At end-December 2010, the gross international reserves (GIR) stood at US$62.4 billion, based on preliminary data. This level of GIR could cover 10.3 months of imports of goods and services, and was equivalent to 10.8 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 5.7 times based on residual maturity. The comfortable level of foreign exchange reserves provides a strong cushion that helps the economy withstand external shocks.
The monetary policy stance remains supportive of noninflationary growth. Credit remains adequate in supporting economic activity. This is evident in the steady uptrend in bank lending and smooth functioning of domestic financial markets. Low and stable inflation has also contributed to lower costs of funds in the market, supporting investment and consumption expenditures by firms and households.
4 In addition to the 200-basis point reduction in the BSP policy rate, other measures included the: (a) opening of US dollar repo facility; (b) increase in rediscounting budget from PhP20 billion to PhP60 billion; (c) the reduction in banks’ reserve requirement by two percentage points; and (d) some easing of the loan value and access criteria to the rediscounting facility. The BSP later disengaged from these measures. It aligned the peso rediscount rate to the BSP’s policy rate, restored the peso rediscounting budget to its precrisis level of PhP20 billion and restored the loan value and the past-due loan ratio requirements for banks availing themselves of the rediscounting facility to their precrisis settings.
Macroeconomic Policy
51
As a result of the strong external liquidity position, the Philippine peso has remained broadly stable. The trends in the real effective exchange rate (REER) show that the peso has lost some competitiveness against major trading partners compared to six years ago. In the last two years, however, the peso gained competitiveness against baskets of competitor currencies (both broad and narrow) owing to the narrowing of the inflation differential, which offset the nominal appreciation of the peso.
Challenges Bright prospects for emerging economies combined with the prolonged accommodative monetary policies in advanced economies have driven large capital inflows into emerging economies, including the Philippines.
The Philippine economy nonetheless faces a number of issues and challenges that may warrant monetary policy actions.
Capital Inflows Bright prospects for emerging economies combined with the prolonged accommodative monetary policies in advanced economies have driven large capital inflows into emerging economies, including the Philippines. Foreign capital inflows can be an important source of funds for investment expenditures but also entail risks that need to be closely monitored and addressed when warranted. Huge capital inflows can contribute to excessive liquidity growth, cause asset market imbalances, and lead to inflation pressures that can complicate monetary policy.
Asset Market Imbalances Asset price dynamics are an important consideration in the pursuit of price stability by monetary authorities. The build-up of asset market imbalances contributes to financial stability risks that can harm economic activity, and in turn affect the outlook for price developments. The recent global financial crisis resulted in a deep economic downturn which became a major source of downside risk for the inflation outlook in advanced economies. Furthermore, financial markets provide an avenue through
52
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
which monetary policy actions are transmitted to the real economy. Vulnerabilities stemming from the financial sector as a result of asset price bubbles can complicate and reduce the effectiveness of monetary, fiscal, and regulatory policies. While monetary authorities remain focused on achieving low and stable inflation, they will continue to be highly attentive and alert to credit growth, asset price developments, and financial imbalances which can have implications on financial stability and ultimately, on price stability. Monetary authorities will also continue to employ macroprudential tools to help prevent overheating and undue risk-taking in asset markets. Macroprudential regulations already in place have thus far helped make the economy less prone to asset price escalations. These regulations include the statutory limit on the share of real estate loans to banks’ total loan portfolio and the maximum loan-tovalue ratio for real estate loans.
Global Commodity Prices Volatile and rising global prices of key commodities can have significant impact on domestic prices. While these are mainly supply shocks in nature, they may lead to second round effects that could result in elevated inflation expectations. Monetary authorities will continue to coordinate with other government agencies to temper the impact of global commodity price shocks on domestic prices. Monetary authorities will remain vigilant and ready to implement timely policy adjustments in response to the emergence of second-round effects on inflation.
Strategic Framework To achieve the overarching goal of inclusive growth, government lays down the conditions for a stable macroeconomic environment that is conducive to sustaining a higher growth path. For fiscal policy, the main task is to expand the narrow fiscal space and to get on a sustainable revenue-and-spending path. For monetary sector and external sector policies, this means commitment to low and stable inflation conducive to balanced and sustainable growth and reduced external vulnerabilities.
Fiscal Reforms One of the most important tasks that need to be addressed in order to achieve macroeconomic stabilization is to put order in the fiscal house. The large budget deficits incurred as a result of the fiscal stimulus during the global economic and financial crisis resulted in the need for fiscal consolidation. At the same time, the reduction of spending for infrastructure and social services as a result of the government’s expenditure compression efforts in 2002 to 2006, has resulted in large financing gaps in these areas. These financing gaps, in turn, not only constrained the country’s economic growth, but also limited the access of the poor to the economic gains the country has achieved. The challenge in the medium term, therefore, is one of achieving fiscal consolidation, while at the same time substantially increasing the country’s investments in infrastructure, health, and education. The overall strategy in the fiscal sector in the medium term is to increase tax effort to 15.6 percent of GDP. This is to be achieved through an annual incremental 0.3 percentage point annual rise in the collection effort of BIR, and 0.1 percentage pointfor the BOC. At the same time, non tax
revenue collection would be increasing equivalent to an average of 1.2 percent of GDP through governance reforms. Correspondingly, the NG deficit should decline to a level of 2 percent of GDP by 2013 and must be maintained at this level until 2016. Also, beginning 2013, the consolidated public sector deficit must be brought down to 1.5 percent of GDP. The specific strategies and programs designed at achieving the abovementioned targets are detailed below. Tax Administration Reforms Before even attempting to introduce structural reforms into the country’s tax system, administrative reforms must be given priority. Numerous reform measures are being lined up to improve tax administration. These measures include the following:
The overall strategy in the fiscal sector in the medium term is to increase tax effort to 15.6 percent of GDP.
1. Establishing a tax registry comprehending all taxpayers; 2. Using comprehensive third-party data to determine the potential tax base; 3. Maintaining a transparent and productive tax audit program; 4. Fully staffing the BIR and BOC with competent and adequately trained personnel; 5. Formulating transparent consistent tax rulings;
and
6. Revitalizing the RATE, RATS and RIPS programs of government; 7. Establishing appropriate performance standards and evaluation; and 8. Instituting a more effective system of rewards and penalties under the Lateral Attrition Law backed up by performance standards.
Macroeconomic Policy
53
The key challenge in the area of expenditure policy is how to substantially increase productive expenditures, such as those for infrastructure and social services (e.g., education and health) – and catch up with the accumulated investment deficits in these areas – while at the same time aggressively reducing wasteful and inefficient expenditures.
Tax Policy Reforms
Nontax Revenue Reforms
To complement the efforts to improve tax administration and to ensure that revenues are adequately protected, priority policy reforms need to be instituted, namely: the rationalization of the fiscal incentives system and the enactment of a fiscal responsibility law. The rationalization of fiscal incentives will save revenues for the government by doing away with redundant incentives (e.g., those directed at investments that would have taken place even with the absence of such incentives). At the same time, rationalization will allow the government to direct the incentive system at the export sector so that its full potential can be realized.
Fees and charges collected by government agencies have not been adjusted since a decade ago. Consistent with the sound principle of cost recovery, these fees must be adjusted to cover the cost of administering government services.
A fiscal responsibility law is necessary to hasten the fiscal consolidation process and enforce fiscal discipline at all levels of government. The fiscal position of government should be kept on an agreed deficit path. Such a law is also necessary to keep the country’s debt at a manageable level. With proper timing, other tax reforms need to be undertaken in order to improve the revenue take of the tax system while promoting equity and a level playing field for all stakeholders. Priority must be given to adjustments in the excise tax on alcohol and tobacco products, as well as the excise tax on petroleum. The use of the so-called PAYGO system as a collection handle must also be maximized. The distortions of the tax system caused by the enactment of piecemeal exemption laws must be corrected. A reversal of these unnecessary tax exemptions must be pursued in order to restore the integrity of revenues and make the tax system more efficient and equitable.
Government must aggessively pursue the auctioning of its assets such as air frequencies and permits to develop renewable energy resources. GOCCs must also be made to contribute their fair share to the revenue effort by, among others, promptly remitting dividends. Expenditure Policy Reforms The key challenge in the area of expenditure policy is how to substantially increase productive expenditures, such as those for infrastructure and social services (e.g., education and health) – and catch up with the accumulated investment deficits in these areas – while at the same time aggressively reducing wasteful and inefficient expenditures. Public expenditure on infrastructure, as a share of GDP, went down from an average of 2.4 percent in 19952000, to an average of 1.8 percent in 2001-2011. By comparison, China, Vietnam, and Thailand spent upwards of 7 percent, 8 percent, and 14 percent of GDP, respectively, on public infrastructure during the last decade. Similarly, public spending on basic education was 3.4 percent of GDP in 1998, but decreased to 2.9 percent in 2002 and continued to slip reaching 2.2 percent in 2008. In other East Asian countries public expenditure on education averaged 3.9 percent of GDP in 2007.5
In the health sector, the country’s public expenditure per capita on health was US$39 in 2006, compared to the median of US$88 per capita expenditures for comparable East Asian countries. Overall, the Philippine NG spending on social safety net programs was a mere 0.3 percent of GDP in 2007 and 0.8 percent of GDP in 2008, which is less than half of the mean expenditure on social welfare programs of 1.9 percent of GDP in a group of 87 countries. 5
54
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
In order to address this challenge, the Plan envisions the implementation of several major public expenditure management reforms not only to help narrow the fiscal deficit over the medium term but also ensure that resources are allocated to priority investments, such as human capital and infrastructure. Toward this end, expenditure reforms that have been introduced in the recent years will be strengthened and in some cases, revitalized, in order to improve resource allocation and build resultsorientation into the government service. Among these reforms are the following: 1. Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). The continued adoption of the multiyear budgeting system (the MTEF) will improve the predictability of funding, and integrate policy with resource allocation. The main components of the MTEF are the Paper on Budget Strategy (PBS) and the Forward Estimates (FEs).
2. Organizational Performance Indicator Framework (OPIF). This enables the channelling of resources to where it best produces the desired results and outcomes, as indicated by agreed upon performance indicators. The implementation of the OPIF will be cascaded to the operating units of the agency, in order to sustain the restructuring of government expenditures to the priority sectors. The linking of the OPIF and Performance Management SystemOffice Performance Evaluation System (PMS-OPES) being spearheaded by the Civil Service Commission, will allow the institution of a performancebased compensation system.
• The Paper on Budget Strategy will link budget allocation with the national agenda of the government to identify the priority areas for spending, and to incorporate the sectoral and regional implications in the dimension and distribution of the budget; and
3. Fiscal Responsibility Bill (FRB). The DBM and DOF shall work together to revive the FRB initiative dating back to 2004 and shall push for its approval. The bill aims to strengthen fiscal discipline in the public sector by prescribing principles of responsible fiscal management, establishing control mechanisms on spending, and adopting preventive measures against the erosion of the tax base of the government. One of its prominent features is ensuring that proposals to grant fiscal incentives or permanent increases in national government expenditures must be offset by permanent increases in revenue or permanent reductions in other expenditures.
• Forward Estimates (FEs) are the estimated annual costs of ongoing programs and projects. These will help ensure the continuous funding of program requirements beyond a given fiscal year, and help provide a sound basis of future years’ budget trends. In order to adopt more rigid and realistic FEs, the government will pursue automation that is linked to existing budget application systems and to the PDP and PIP.
4. Government Rationalization Program (RP). Executive Order (EO) No. 366 issued on October 4, 2004 aims to build a smaller bureaucracy and improve public service delivery through the strategic review of the mandates, operations, organizational structures, functions, programs and activities of national government agencies; the elimination of overlapping or duplicating functions; and the focusing of government efforts and resources towards its core or vital functions. Given the current progress
The Plan envisions the implementation of several major public expenditure management reforms not only to help narrow the fiscal deficit over the medium term but also ensure that resources are allocated to priority investments, such as human capital and infrastructure.
Macroeconomic Policy
55
in rationalizing half of the agencies in the Executive Branch, its continuation is expected to lead to the elimination of 12,549 regular positions, saving the government some PhP2.4 billion in annual salaries and compensation.
In succeeding budget processes, the government shall widen the scope of the evaluation of the major programs or projects under the ZBB approach to build up capacity, and to institutionalize program evaluation in the government.
5. Procurement Reforms. Significant progress was made in reforming the procurement system through the passage in 2003 of Republic Act (RA) No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. Aside from standardizing and modernizing the procedures in government purchasing, the law also requires the use of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) by all government entities, which serves as the sole portal hosting sources of information on all government procurement. From 2011, the following functionalities in the PhilGEPS will be implemented: (a) virtual store for electronic purchasing; (b) expanded supplier registry as a centralized electronic database of all manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, contractors and consultants registered in the system; (c) introduction of charges and fees to sustain operations and maintenance of the system; (d) e-payment system to enhance the functionality of the virtual store; (e) e-bid facility for electronic bid evaluation of all types of procurement for goods, infrastructure projects and consulting services; and (f ) uploading of the individual Annual Procurement Plan (APP) of each government procuring entity. Public procurement in the country shall continue to adapt to improvements in modern technology through introduction of future functionalities in the PhilGEPS that will facilitate service delivery, transparency and competitiveness in the public procurement system 6. Stronger Internal Control System (ICS). Along with procurement reforms, the internal control system of government entities is being
56
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
strengthened to reduce waste and corruption. The DBM, in partnership with the Office of the President-Internal Audit Office has issued the National Guidelines on Internal Control System (NGICS). The NGICS serves as a guide to departments/ agencies in redesigning, installing, implementing and monitoring their respective ICS, taking into consideration the requirements of their organization and operations. A government Internal Audit Manual (PGIAM), consistent with the NGICS, will soon be finalized in order to assist the government in establishing fully functioning internal audit offices in the public sector. The government will find more ways to further strengthen public expenditure management with the following expenditure reforms and initiatives: 7. Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) Approach. Anchored on the good governance thrust of the Aquino administration, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) led the review and evaluation of ongoing programs and projects through the ZBB approach in preparing the 2011 Budget. Complementing the MTEF and the OPIF, the ZBB approach is geared towards assessing the continued relevance and priority of programs; ascertaining whether the program objectives and outcomes are being achieved; identifying alternative or more effective and efficient ways of achieving the objectives; and guiding decisions whether the resources for the program or project should continue to be provided at present levels, increased, reduced, or discontinued.
Initial findings and recommendations from the conduct of ZBB exercises during the preparation of the 2011 Budget include: • Termination of programs no longer delivering intended outputs and outcomes; • Holding of the funding for some programs pending removal of bottlenecks in project implementation and procurement; • Expansion of well-performing programs to alleviate or mitigate critical gaps in social and economic services; • Recommendation on the implementation of difficult reforms in GOCCs; • Stricter controls in the use of lump-sum funds following master plans and government priorities; and • Deactivation of agencies and GOCCs.
selected
In succeeding budget processes, the government shall widen the scope of the evaluation of the major programs/ projects under the ZBB approach to
build up capacity, and to institutionalize program evaluation in the government. 8. Transparency and Accountability Safeguards in the Budget Process. The overarching goal is to enhance transparency and enforce accountability in government operations by incorporating general and special provisions in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). Under the 2011 GAA, all departments and agencies, including those enjoying fiscal autonomy, are required to post their approved budgets on their websites and the status of their programs/projects starting 2011. Special provisions in the budgets of agencies and GOCCs with key programs and projects require the posting of the details of program beneficiaries and locations of projects on their websites for better information and appreciation of the public. This practice also allows the public to verify agency outputs vis-àvis targets. 9. Public Financial Management (PFM) and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS). This initiative aims to harmonize and integrate the budgeting, accounting, and auditing systems of the government. Reforms in the PFM
Table 2.5 Selected Fiscal, Monetary, and External Medium-Term Targets
Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
-3.2
-2.6
-2.0
-2.0
-2.0
-2.0
3.0-5.0 a/
3.0-5.0 b/
3.0-5.0 b/
3.0-5.0 b/
n.a.
n.a.
55.3 – 55.8
62.5
71.3
81.3
94.3
109.4
Growth rate (%)
9.0 – 10.0
12.0
14.0
14.0
16.0
16.0
Imports (US$Bn) c/
71.5 – 72.1
85.1
100.4
118.5
141.0
167.8
Growth rate (%)
17.0 – 18.0
18.0
18.0
18.0
19.0
19.0
Inflation rate (%) Exports (US$Bn) c/
a/ Approved under DBCC Resolution No. 2009-10 dated 27 November 2009. b/ Approved under DBCC Resolution No. 2010-3 dated 09 July 2010. The BSP shifted from a variable annual inflation target to a fixed medium-term inflation target of 4 ± 1 for 2012-2014. c/ Approved by the Monetary Board on 24 March 2011. Macroeconomic Policy
57
system will make it more transparent, accountable, and performanceoriented. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been executed between the DBM, Commission on Audit (COA) and BTr to develop the GIFMIS.
Monetary policy will remain committed to the achievement of low and stable inflation that is conducive to a balanced and sustainable growth of output and employment. This stance entails continuous macroeconomic surveillance efforts for a more effective management of risks. At the same time, monetary authorities will continue to improve their communication of policy intentions and actions.
10. Contingent Liability Management (CLM). Considering the fiscal impact of realized contingent liabilities (CL) from existing BOT and GOCC projects that are guaranteed by NG, a joint ICC-DBCC resolution will be issued to strengthen CLM through the preparation of the CLM Plan by implementing agencies, training for value analysis/ value engineering and CL assessment, evaluation by the DOF of CL for every financing/procurement option, and full disclosure of required budget for CL that will become real liabilities and will thereby need funding. 11. Timely Approval of the Annual Budget. Addressing the urgent needs of agencies in a timely and predictable manner is the main reason that the government pushes for the passage and approval of the GAA before the fiscal year starts. To be able to do this, the government revised its budget schedule in anticipation of early budget preparation activities to give ample time for the DBM and the agencies to conduct consultations with sectoral groups, civil society organizations (CSOs), and Regional Development Councils (RDCs). The new schedule, coupled with improved budget documents submitted to Congress, will facilitate the budget legislation process, hence ensure timely enactment of the annual budget. 12. Rationalization of GOCCs and GFIs. To better streamline the budgetary support given to GOCCs/ GFIs, the government has embarked on instituting reforms to reduce their financial vulnerability and improve
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
service delivery. The DOF and the DBM are collaborating in the passage of a law to strengthen oversight functions on GOCCs/GFIs, and to create a Government Corporate Council that will effectively manage and supervise the operations of these entities. Administrative and legislative measures will also be proposed to amend or restructure GOCC charters. A review of the compensation granted to board members, officers, and employees of GOCCs and GFIs will also be undertaken to control costs of personal services in GOCCs and make compensation equitable relative to that in the National Government.
Debt Management Reforms Reforms in the management of debt must also be implemented. A dedicated unit in the DOF needs to be set up to consider more aggressive options such as debt exchanges and swaps at the most opportune times to optimize savings. There needs to be a greater diversification of modes, instruments used, and currency mix, as well as more innovative terms and features. Likewise, all types of projects funded from borrowing, whether these are government-to-government arrangements, automatically guaranteed under GOCC charters, and under BOT or PPP arrangements, should be subject to the rigid test of project viability and procurement processes and conducted with the highest standards of transparency. During the project evaluation process, the extent of contingent public exposure to liability should be clearly identified and appropriate allocations in the budget should be made in future years.
Monetary Policy and External Sector Reforms Monetary policy will remain committed to the achievement of low and stable inflation that is conducive to a balanced and sustainable growth of output and employment. Monetary authorities will be alert to signs of emerging inflation pressures to consolidate the hard-won price stability that has contributed to policy predictability and enabled households and businesses to make better informed decisions. This stance entails continuous macroeconomic surveillance efforts for a more effective management of risks. At the same time, monetary authorities will continue to improve their communication of policy intentions and actions. In recent years, monetary authorities have implemented a number of reforms to enhance the effectiveness of the monetary policy framework. In 2006, the way the inflation target was arrived at was changed from specifying a range to specifying a point with a tolerance interval which effectively widened the BSP’s target band. A broader target band provides added flexibility to monetary authorities in steering inflation, particularly in the domestic setting where consumer prices are subject to large supply shocks because of the sizeable share of food items in the consumer basket. The economic policymakers also announced in 2010 the shift to a fixed medium term inflation target from a variable annual inflation target. The adoption of a fixed medium term inflation target aims to promote a long-term view of inflation, help better anchor inflation expectations, and support consumption and investment by fostering greater predictability in economic decisions (Table 2.5).
The monetary authority’s reform agenda will focus on improving the institutional set-up and fine-tuning the procedures of inflation targeting. Key measures to be pursued for more effective inflation management include the following: a. Given the interdependent real and financial markets across the globe and the risks involved, the BSP shall pursue the expansion of its monetary policy toolkit to enhance the flexibility and efficiency of its monetary operations with a view to safeguarding both price and financial stability. b. Pursuant to the provisions of RA 7653, the monetary authorities will request the full capitalization of the BSP to ensure that financial losses from time to time do not deter the BSP from fulfilling its mandate of maintaining price stability. A bigger capital base will enhance the BSP’s financial autonomy and credibility, giving more confidence to the market.
The monetary authority’s reform agenda will focus on improving the institutional set-up and finetuning the procedures of inflation targeting.
Enhancing the link to financial stability. The economic downturn resulting from the recent global financial crisis brought to light the importance of policy coordination in promoting macroeconomic stability. The close coordination of monetary, regulatory, and fiscal policies was critical to the restoration of global financial stability. This, in turn, paved the way for business confidence to improve and ultimately, for economic recovery to take root. Interaction of different policies is likely to remain the new modus operandi for economic policy markers. In this regard, promoting closer coordination of macroeconomic and financial sector policies could be explored,
Macroeconomic Policy
59
including through a wider representation in the Financial Sector Forum (FSF) . 6 On the external sector, policymakers will continue to adopt appropriate measures that will cushion the economy from external shocks as well as ensure the health of the country’s external payments position and the sustainability of its external debt over the medium-term. The monetary authorities will continue to adopt a flexible exhange rate policy to help the economy to be better insulated against external shocks. The monetary authorities will continue to adopt a flexible exchange rate policy to help the economy to be better insulated against external shocks.
The foreign exchange regulatory framework will be further reviewed to keep it responsive to the needs of an expanding and increasingly integrated economy. Since 2007, the monetary authorities have undertaken four major phases of foreign exchange reforms. The reforms brought greater access to foreign exchange resources for trade, investment and other foreign transactions. The measures also facilitate the diversification of investment portfolios and help reduce the economy’s vulnerability to shocks. The country’s external debt shall be maintained at more manageable and sustainable levels. This shall entail appropriately designing the external debt structure to minimize risks emanating from currency and maturity mismatches. With respect to the NG, it will review the country’s sovereign bonds and debt profile to identify which instruments shall be eligible for its bond exchange program. This program aims to boost liquidity sourced from longer-dated securities and to provide long-term financing for government initiatives promoting PPP for infrastructure and economic development.
The monetary authorities will also endeavour to maintain the external debt stock and the external debt service burden at sustainable levels. This will entail continuing the comprehensive and regular monitoring of the level and maturity profile of the country’s external debt and the conduct of debt sustainability assessments. Complementing the sound management of external debt level, the monetary authorities will also build cushions against shocks by promoting an adequate level of international reserves. Furthermore, policymakers will need to focus on leveraging remittances as a tool for economic development. While remittances are private transfers, the government can ensure that the policy environment is conducive to the use of remittances for investment in well-considered financial products, in productive activities such as entrepreneurial undertaking as well as in better housing, education, and healthcare for remitters and their beneficiaries. Improving the financial education of the overseas Filipino community and implementing measures to further promote the flow of remittances through the financial system would help catalyze the developmental role of remittances.
The Financial Sector Forum (FSF) in an interagency body composed of the BSP, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Insurance Commission (IC), and the Philippine Depository Insurance Corporation (PDIC). The FSF principally provides an institutionalized framework for coordinating the supervision and regulation of the financial system, for strengthening the exchange of information among the different regulators, and for the promotion of better consumer protection. 6
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
03
Competitive Industry & Services Sectors Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
61
Competitive Industry & Services Sectors Several measures of competitiveness reveal fundamental weaknesses in major development aspects compared to the rest of the world. Compared with its neighbours, the country’s economic performance in terms of investments, exports and competitiveness is unsatisfactory and need to be reversed. The Philippine economy over the past years has been characterized by a reduced share of manufacturing sector in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and declining gross domestic investment rate. Enabling the industry and services sectors to contribute significantly to economic growth and employment requires addressing a number of constraints to their development. Strategies shall therefore be pursued to help raise the competitiveness of industries by improving the business environment; raising productivity and efficiency and inculcating quality consciousness among manufacturers and producers to offer quality goods and services comparable with global brands. Business competitiveness will be enhanced by improving governance, strengthening economic zones, and strengthening national brand identity/awareness. To increase productivity and efficiency, government shall focus interventions on key priority areas, provide firm level support to MSMEs, increase market access, expand industry cluster development and intensify the culture of competitiveness. Proactive measures to empower consumers, promote competition and enforce trade regulations shall also be pursued.
By addressing the country’s problem of low competitiveness, this Plan aims to promote higher growth in per capita GDP and boost employment. The focus shall be to enable the industry and services sectors to contribute to massive job generation, provide opportunities for Filipinos to rise above poverty, and ultimately offer a meaningful choice for Filipinos to pursue gainful employment here or abroad. The Plan shall adopt a deliberate, focused approach that addresses the country’s business environment, anchored on investments in human capital and implementation characterized by a “back to basics” approach coupled with innovation and “whole of government” as underlying principles. The chapter focuses on three mediumterm goals: (i) improved business
62
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
environment, (ii) increased productivity and efficiency and, (iii) enhanced consumer welfare. For a better business environment, government and the private sector shall work to improve governance, as well as investment promotion areas and amplify a National Brand and Identity Awareness. Business competitiveness will be enhanced by promoting a consistent, predictable, and responsive policy environment, streamlining bureaucratic procedures and fostering transparency, promoting e-commerce and ICTenabled automation, and encouraging partnerships with the private sector. The system of licensing, registration, and issuance of permits shall be improved to reduce the cost of doing
business. To promote investments, government shall give priority to key policy concerns, namely: labor, telecommunications, transport (aviation and domestic shipping), energy, peace and order and the rule of law. A national branding or marketing awareness campaign will be launched to bring pride in quality Philippine-made products and to give a distinct identity to the country as a source of products that are valued worldwide. To increase productivity and efficiency, government shall give priority to the development of areas that have the highest growth potentials and generate the most jobs. These include: tourism; business process outsourcing (BPO); mining; agri-business and forest-based industries; logistics; shipbuilding; housing; electronics; infrastructure; and other industries with high growth potential. Likewise, the government will also increase its market access and further promote Philippine goods and services abroad. A culture of competitiveness shall be intensified, whereby the country’s human capital shall be developed through market-sensitive education and training. Government shall work to promote mutually agreed work arrangements between employers and the labor sector and to strengthen tripartite councils to achieve industrial peace. More importantly, an entrepreneurial culture will be fostered by encouraging Filipinos to invest in their own businesses and become successful and innovative entrepreneurs. A two-pronged approach shall be adopted, consisting of firm-level assistance to potential/ new and existing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the use of the industry-cluster approach. Government shall promote sustainable livelihood and micro enterprise development, harnessing the Overseas Filipinos (OFs) community as a source of capital.
Program interventions shall be supported to develop the core values needed to form an enterprising nation. The final key strategy is inculcating quality-consciousness among manufacturers and producers to offer quality goods and services comparable with global brands. Consumer expectations shall be promoted as the impetus for suppliers to deliver quality goods and services that give value for money. The concerns of both businesses and consumers shall be balanced through proactive measures to empower consumers, promote competition, and enforce trade regulations. Government shall: (1) promote consumer education and consumer advocacy; (2) intensify consumer protection and trade regulation; and (3) develop product and service standards. In addition, the entire supply chain shall reduce production and distribution cost particularly on basic and prime commodities
Assessment and Challenges Competitiveness Competitiveness indicators have for some time now been used to measure the country’s business landscape. From 1994 to 1999, the Philippines ranked between 32 to 35 in the International Institute for Management and Development (IMD) Global Competitiveness Report but slipped to 49 from 2000 to 2007. Several measures of competitiveness reveal weakness in major development aspects compared to the rest of the world. In the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness Index Ranking, the Philippines ranked 87th out of 133 countries, and last among the ASEAN-6 subset of countries for the period 2009-2010. In specific categories, the Philippines ranked 113th in institutions; 113th in labor market efficiency; 99th in innovation; and 98th in infrastructure.
Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
63
In 2009, the Philippines ranked 43rd out of 57 countries and last among five ASEAN members; next to last in infrastructure; and 51st in economic performance in the IMD Global Competitiveness Report; and placed 139th out of 180 countries (6th among the ASEAN-6) in the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index. In 2010, the country ranked 144th among 183 countries and also last among the ASEAN-6 in the International Finance Corporation/ World Bank’s (IFC/WB) Doing Business 2010 Report. 1
Several measures of competitiveness reveal fundamental weakness in major development aspects compared to the rest of the world.
Compared with its neighbors, the country’s economic performance in terms of investments, exports, and competitiveness is unsatisfactory and needs to be improved. Over the past years, the Philippine economy has been characterized by a reduced share of the manufacturing sector in the country’s GDP and declining gross domestic investment rate. The country continues to lag behind its neighbors in terms of foreign direct investments. (FDI). The Arangkada Philippines 2010 report noted that inflows of FDI into the Philippines were lowest among six ASEAN countries, and that “many multinational firms not already present in the Philippines bypassed the country”.2 In the 2010 IMD Global Competitiveness Report, the country’s overall infrastructure quality ranked below that of Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand and was closer to Indonesia and Vietnam. The inadequate and poor quality of infrastructure diminished the country’s overall competitiveness and its capacity to attract investments.
Aside from cumbersome business procedures and high cost of power, inefficient transport network raises production cost, all causing a higher cost of doing business. Infrastructure and communication problems also hinder access to raw materials and distribution of goods and services to consumers. The Doing Business survey of the IFC/WB also consistently identifies the high cost of doing business in the Philippines as a major obstacle to competitiveness. (Table 3.1). The IFC/WB Doing Business Report 2011, on the other hand, reported the 148th ranking of the Philippines in terms of ease in doing business, a finding related to the difficulties of transacting with the local government units (LGUs) and national agencies in terms of length of time, steps, signatories, costs and other indicators. There is broad agreement that the process of applying for a business renewal registration is a long, difficult, and tedious process. Starting a business in a Philippine city involves an average of 15 procedures, takes 38 days, and costs 29.7 percent of income per capita. The country was listed among the countries with high number of procedures for starting a business, although wide differences exist across different Philippine cities3. Measured competitiveness affects the country’s capacity to attract trade and investments. The economic situation remains a challenge for the Philippines, which is seen as falling short of its true potential for
The Annual Meeting of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils held in Washington D.C. in December 2010 agreed to adopt new paradigm metrics beyond the existing competitiveness reports and surveys. Metrics of competitiveness substantially different from current indicators will be used in future surveys. The new measures, due by the end of 2011, will focus on the creation of a sound business environment for firm-level productivity. 1
The same report notes that in the period 1970-2009, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand each received twice or three times as much FDI as the Philippines, and that only 4.5 percent of total FDI in six ASEAN countries came to the country. 2
Such variations could be due to differing procedures and practices at the local government level, differential performance of local branches of national agencies, and variations in local taxes and fees. 3
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Table 3.1: Cost of Doing Business Indicators Country
Number of startup procedures
Time to start a business (days)
Cost to register business
Procedures to enfore a contract
Time to enforce a contract (days)
Rigidity of employment index: 0 (less rigid) to 100 (very rigid)
(% of GNI pc) 2004
2009
2004
2009
2004
2009
2004
2009
2004
2009
2004
2009
Philippines
15
15
60
52
25.4
28.2
37
37
862
842
29
29
PR China
13
14
48
37
15.9
4.9
35
34
406
406
28
31
Malaysia
9
9
30
11
25.1
11.9
30
30
600
585
10
10
Hong Kong
5
3
11
6
3.4
1.8
24
24
211
280
0
0
Indonesia
12
9
151
60
131
26
39
39
570
570
40
40
S Korea
10
8
17
14
15.7
14.7
35
35
230
230
27
38
Singapore
7
3
8
3
1
0.7
21
21
120
150
0
0
Thailand
8
7
33
32
6.7
6.3
35
35
479
479
11
11
Vietnam
11
11
56
50
30.6
13.3
34
34
356
295
33
21
Source: World Bank, Doing Business 2005 and 2010 (http://www.doingbusiness.org)
attracting both domestic and foreign investment, given its human, natural, and capital endowments4.
and outdated or inadequate. The costs of ISO certification can be borne only by the more liquid traders and producers.
Policies that distort competition are the main impediments to economic growth. Protectionist paradigms were embodied in flawed policies manifested through market power or the extent to which a firm can influence the price of an item by exercising control over its demand, supply or both, barriers to entry, and rent-seeking practices. Clearly, some businesses do not get level playing fields.
With tariffs reduced, difficulties experienced by manufacturers, exporters/ traders will increasingly pertain to technical barriers such as standards and conformity assessment. Standardization, a component of the technical infrastructure, protects consumers and accelerates product integration into the global trading system. Other components of the technical infrastructure, such as metrology, accreditation, certification and testing, are dispersed with different agencies involved in conformity assessment, spreading government resources thinly. A robust and harmonized technical infrastructure would not only help the country overcome trading barriers and protect the buying consumers, but also cut redundant overhead costs due to many regulatory bodies.
Philippine products and services face some challenges in the international market. For instance, there is lack of information on the standards of other countries. A certification system for exported products is still not fully in place. Laboratory and common service facilities are either incomplete 4
See, for example, the World Bank’s Country Assessment Report 2005.
Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
65
Exports of Goods and Services If not for the global economic crisis, the last five years would have been a favorable period for exports. The country’s exports grew by an average of 10.65 percent from 2004 to 2007, supported by continued strong growth in global trade. The expected negative effect of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 was mitigated by the renewed confidence on safer trade as ensured by more stringent export regimes of the European Union (EU) and the United States (US).
But for the global economic crisis, the last five years would have been a favorable period for exports.
Export growth peaked in 2006, when exports surpassed targets and grew by 18.3 percent, driven by rising sales to the country’s traditional trading partners, the US and Japan, as well as China, the Netherlands, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia and Korea. This pace could not be sustained in the following years, owing to the slowdown in the US market, high production costs, particularly in energy and logistics, and a strong peso. In the fourth quarter of 2008 the sector felt the effects of the global economic
crisis, actually contracting by 2.19 percent relative to 2007. As the global recession dragged on in 2009, export value fell drastically, contracting by 16.1 percent compared to 2008. In 2010, however, exports began to rise again, surging ahead with twodigit growth rates in line with the expectations of global economic recovery (Table 3.2). For 2010, merchandise exports amounted to US$48.3 billion, growing 34.8 percent over exports in 2009. This was supported by increases in exports of manufactured goods and total agro-based products, both at about 36 percent. The country’s top ten export commodities also registered increases particularly coconut oil, communication/radar and semiconductor devices. Exports registered positive growth with the recovery of global trade. The movement of Philippine electronic exports has followed global trends. Electronic products still account for the bulk (61 %) of Philippine merchandise exports
Table 3.2: Export Performance (2004-2010) FOB Value (US$ billion)
Growth Rate (%)
2004 2005 2006
2007 2008 2009 2010
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Plan target
43.1
47.4
52.3
58.2
65.4
74.3
84.3
10
10
10
11
12
12
13
Actual Percent to target (%) Of which: goods Plan target Actual Percent to target (%)
42.8
44.8
52.9
59.2
57.9
48.6
63.9
10.6
4.6
18.3
11.9
-2.2
-16.1
31.5
99.3
94.5
101.3
101.9 88.6
65.4
75.8
Goods & services
39.8
43.8
48.2
53.5
60.0
67.1
75.8
10
10
10
11
12
12
14
38.8
40.3
46.5
49.5
48.3
37.6
50.7
9.8
3.8
15.6
6.4
-2.5
-22.1
34.8
97.5
91.9
96.5
92.5
80.4
56.1
66.9
Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas with basic data from the National Statistics Office
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
during the period. Semiconductor shipments, making up 77 percent of electronics exports, grew 53 percent in 2010. The country’s traditional trading partners, Japan and the US, remain as the country’s top export destinations, followed by Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Germany, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Thailand and Taiwan in the top ten destinations. Exports of services meanwhile grew by 150 percent from US$4 billion in 2004 to US$13.2 billion in 2010. Other business services, travel, and computer and information services account for 48 percent, 21 percent, and 16 percent, respectively, of total services exports. Globally, the evolution in technology, prioritization of business strategies, migration, innovation and trends, environment-consciousness, and value for money have influenced the emergence of technology based sectors, strengthened hospitality services and increased the capability for borderless transactions. The Government has been vigilant in the growth of these industries, two of which are the BPOs and tourism.
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) The BPO industry is acknowledged as a driving force for economic growth and employment in the country. Two distinct drivers largely contributed to the growth of BPO demand: (1) increasing globalization which led to the lowering of barriers to trade that allowed companies to explore alternative locations to lower operating costs without sacrificing the quality of service; and (2) advancements in information and communication technology (ICT) which enhanced service delivery using the internet in a cost efficient and timely manner.
Typical outsourced services include the operation of human resources departments, telephone call centers, distribution centers, research needs, computer departments or services, and the design and/or engineering of components or end-products. The Philippines introduced BPO services in the country through the call centers or ‘voice’ services. However, the industry has evolved to higher value, non-voice BPO functions such as finance & accounting, human resource and administrative services, and transcription services. The years 2007 to 2008 marked the turning point and remarkable growth in the back office and knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) such as research, analytics and legal services; with more than two-fold growth in revenues from US$400 million to US$830 million.
The BPO industry is acknowledged as a driving force for economic growth and employment in the country.
In 2010, the BPO industry has attained its US$9 billion revenue target while employing about 530,000 full-time employees (FTEs) (Figure 3.1). The US remains the prime source for outsourcing activities and opportunities for the Philippines as well as the major supplier of outsource work to the European and Japanese companies. Because of its ready supply of professionals equipped with the required language skills, cultural affinity with the US and UK markets, and strong customer
Figure 3.1. BPO/IT Outsourcing 2004-2011
Source: Business Processing Association of the Philippines
Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
67
service orientation, the Philippines has gained considerable traction as a BPO destination. For the years 2007, 2008 and 2010, the country has been recognized by the National Outsourcing Association of UK and cited it as the “Offshoring Destination of the Year”.
In the midst of global and national economic, political and social upheavals, the tourism sector remained resilient.
In 2010, the Philippines posted almost US$5.70 billion of pure voice-based revenues, which is even higher than India. Thus, in stand-alone voice business, the country ranks number one globally. However, India continues to be the leader in the global BPO industry mainly with its strong presence and capacity in information technology (IT) such as software development. On the supply side, while the country produces 480 thousand graduates per annum, the number of available workforce is undersized compared to India’s 3 million talent pool. The country would need to enhance the capability of its professionals in the IT sector to capture opportunities from India’s BPO market in the IT subsector. Aside from labor resource, the country also needs to develop suitable locations to ensure that BPO investments and expansions can be accommodated. Physical and IT infrastructures are key solutions to address growth of the industry.
The National Capital Region dominantly houses majority of the BPO companies in the country. In 2009, the government and the private sector collaborated on a project dubbed as the “Next Wave Cities” wherein focus will be directed on locations with high-growth potential in the BPO services. Ten cities were identified namely: Davao; Santa Rosa, Laguna; Bacolod; Iloilo City; Metro Cavite (i.e. Bacoor, Dasmariñas, Imus); Lipa, Batangas; Cagayan de Oro; Malolos, Bulacan; Baguio City, and Dumaguete. In 2010, five cities are being eyed as BPO-potential destinations, namely: Dagupan, Legaspi, Metro Subic, Metro Naga, and General Santos.
Tourism From 2004 to 2009, the average shares of tourism in GDP and in total employment were 6.12 percent and 9.68 percent, respectively. In the midst of global and national economic, political and social upheavals, the tourism sector remained resilient. Visitor arrivals in the past six years grew at an annual average of 8.21 percent from 2.29 million in 2004 to 3.01 million in 2009. The threat of terrorism and financial crisis has
Table 3.3: Percent Share of Tourism to GDP, Employment and Total Exports Vis-à-vis Visitor Arrivals Globally and in the Asia Pacific Tourism Contribution Year
% Share to GDP
% Share to National Employment
Visitor Arrivals Growth Rate
% Share to Global Arrivals
Tourism Receipts % Share to Asia and the Pacific
Growth Rate
% Share to Total Exports
2004
6.17
9.62
20.1
0.30
1.61
30.7
4.25
2005
6.16
9.55
14.5
0.33
1.71
12.3
3.98
2006
6.15
9.54
8.4
0.34
1.71
23.1
5.18
2007
6.18
9.66
8.7
0.34
1.70
7.4
4.31
2008
6.05
9.77
1.5
0.34
1.71
-17.87
3.62
2009
6.03
9.96
- 3.9
0.34
1.67
- 7.9
4.09
Average
6.12
9.68
8.21
0.33
1.69
7.96
4.23
Sources: National Statistical Coordination Board, Department of Tourism and World Tourism Organization
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
not dampened the industry as it demonstrated moderate improvement in its market share to the global and Asia and the Pacific arrivals from 0.30 percent in 2004 to 0.34 percent in 2009 and from 1.61 percent in 2004 to 1.67 percent in 2009, respectively (Table 3.3). Tourism receipts from inbound expenditure of foreign visitors from 2004 to 2009 also expanded at an average of 7.96 percent from US$ 1.99 billion in 2004 to US$ 2.23 billion in 2009. Consequently, the share of tourism receipts to total exports in the
economy grew at an annual average of 4.94 percent during the same period. These receipts have driven private and foreign investments in the accommodation, transportation, recreation, entertainment and miscellaneous services sectors of the tourism industry. Tourism is regarded as the fourth largest contributor to foreign exchange receipts. The top three are electronics and semiconductors, overseas Filipino remittances, and BPO. Outside Manila, the most frequented destinations visited by foreign tourists included: Boracay Island, Tagaytay,
Table 3.4: Visitor Arrivals to ASEAN Countries (‘000) Countries
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
Malaysia
23,646
22,052
20,973
17,547
16,431
15,703
Thailand
14,146
14,584
14,464
13,822
11,567
11,737
Singapore
7,488
7,7778
7.957
7,588
7,079
6,553
Indonesia
6,324
6,234
5,506
4,871
5,002
5,321
Vietnam
3,747
4,236
4,229
3,584
3,468
2,928
Philippines
3,017
3,139
3,092
2,843
2,623
2,291
Cambodia
2,046
2,001
1,872
1,591
1,333
987
Source: World Tourism Organization
Table 3.5: Philippines Travel and Tourism Competitiveness in comparison with selected ASEAN Countries, 2009 Country
Regulatory Framework Prevalence of Foreign Ownership
Property Rights
Time Required to Start a Business
Business Environment and Infrastructure Cost to Start a Business
Quality of Air Transport Infra
Number of Operating Airlines
International Air Transport Network
Quality of Roads
Quality of Ground Transport Network
Cambodia
75
118
124
124
87
75
86
80
116
Indonesia
24
117
122
114
75
37
57
105
51
Malaysia
67
38
33
73
20
27
33
17
21
Philippines
98
92
114
94
89
48
76
94
115
Singapore
3
4
4
8
1
28
2
3
4
Thailand
89
61
90
39
28
13
26
32
31
Vietnam
104
75
112
77
92
39
91
102
58
Source: World Economic Forum, and Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2009 Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
69
Cebu, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Bohol, Pampanga, Palawan and Davao. Among the activities undertaken by most tourists during their visit in the country were shopping for local crafts and delicacies; sightseeing, beach holiday, scuba diving, visiting friends and relatives, honeymoon; attending business meetings; and looking for investment opportunities. Many tourists also engaged in various cultural, nature and adventure experiences to complement, perhaps, their medical and health activities. In 2010, foreign tourists spent an average of US$ 83.93 per day and stayed an average of eight nights during their visit. However, the Philippines ranked only sixth in attracting foreign tourists vis-àvis its ASEAN neighbors, whose market shares have rapidly grown, while that of the Philippines expanded modestly. Visitor arrivals in Malaysia in 2009 totaled 23 million; Thailand, 14 million; Singapore, 7.5 million; Indonesia, 6.3 million; and Vietnam, 3.7 million. (Table 3.4). More work is needed to enhance the country’s competitiveness as a tourist destination. The country’s attractiveness hinges on the availability of support infrastructure (air, land and water), a healthy business environment, and transparent and proactive rules and regulations. The WEF 2009 Report ranked the Philippines lowest among comparable ASEAN neighbors in terms of the number of airlines with scheduled flights originating in the country and the availability of good air connections to overseas markets to provide access for more foreign visitors. The Philippines also lagged behind in terms of quality of roads and ground transportation network that offers efficient accessibility to major tourism centers and tourist attractions (Table 3.5). Restrictions on foreign ownership of companies and property rights remained a handicap in attracting tourism investments, especially from
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
international chains and the network of accommodation operators. The time and cost needed to start a tourism enterprise also deserve attention. The Philippines contributes actively to global policy-making as well as observes and promotes international agreed principles and norms in the domestic setting. As global and regional economies become more integrated, internal policy decisions will inevitably influence decisions and policies of other countries, and viceversa. This reality enhances internal coordination and cooperation mechanisms and external countryteam representation protocols among government instrumentalities and various stakeholders in society. An outward-looking orientation must be complemented by an alignment of laws and regulations that facilitate the expected benefits and lessen any adverse effects of interfacing closely with the world economy. Internal processes and legal framework must be strengthened to take advantage of opportunities presented by the global economic environment. At the same time, small and medium enterprises need to be informed of how these policies will benefit them in trading their goods in the international community.
Investment Total approved local and foreign investments increased from 2004 to 2008 but declined in 2009. The top two sectors, i.e. manufacturing and
electricity, accounted for more than half of the total approved investment. The top four sectors (manufacturing, electricity, finance and real estate, and private services) account for 78 percent of the total (Table 3.6). In 2004, the mining
Table 3.6: Total Approved Investments of Foreign and Filipino Nationals by Industry, In Million Pesos (2004 – 2010) Industry
2004
Agriculture
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
212
770
4,734
1,856
2,498
2,873
2,272
-
2,079
47,042
14,222
2,186
6
-
1,140
83
3,857
14,090
216
179
1,080
8,564
21,659
45,403
139,078
131,923
32,296
189,920*
7,158
10,019
28,833
54,927
114,088
89,111
72,108
Gas
106,521
269
-
561
-
17
-
Manufacturing
54,330
150,161
151,984
94,677
75,518
106,300
215,153
1,512
8,294
16,147
13,776
48,269
2,019
8,108
41,006
15,344
29,105
37,631
71,417
29,353
40,255
Storage
388
26
35
1,340
1,059
-
-
Trade
517
357
26,332
780
531
2,155
1,461
Transportation
467
22,172
3,530
10,329
16,516
3,830
12,248**
-
-
-
2,537
-
45,975
-
221,815
231,233
357,002
385,804
464,221
314,114
542,605
Communication Construction Electricity Finance & R. Estate
Mining Private Services
Water Total
Source: National Statistical Coordination Board * Data lumped for Electricity, Gas and Water **Data lumped for Transportation, Storage and Communication
Table 3.7: BOI-PEZA Approved Investments (2009-2010) BOI
PEZA
TOTAL 2009
% Change
506,494
299,537
69.09
37.46
164,496
113,818
44.53
71,944
(13.51)
341,998
185,719
84.15
518
502
3.19
764
750
1.87
84,340
79,435
6.17
121,091
174,807
(30.73)
2010
2009
% Change
Project Cost (P)
302,100
124,171
143.29
204,395
175,365
16.55
Foreign (P)
22,329
10,397
114.76
142,167
103,421
Local (P)
279,771
113,775
145.90
62,227
246
248
(0.81)
36,751
95,372
(61.47)
No. of Projects Employment
2010 1/
2009/2
% Change
2010
Source: Board of Investments and Philippine Economic Zone Authority 1/ Locator investments - PhP 176.753billion; Developers - PhP 27.641 billion 2/ Locator investments - PhP 140.987billion; Developers - PhP 34.378billion Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
71
industry was revitalized as the Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. A review of share by sector/industry shows no trend in increase or decrease of particular sector, with approved
investments in most fluctuating annually.
sectors
From 2004 to 2009, direct investments grew by 7.8 percent5, although 2009 saw investment flows decreasing by 32.3 percent, reflecting the effects
Figure 3.2. Investment by Industry Sector in PEZA Economic Zones (1995-2010)
Electronics/Semiconductors 42.88% Basic Metals (Minerals) 9.29% Information Technology Services 7.69% Transport (Shipbuilding, Car Parts, Equipment) 6.78% Chemical and Chemical Electrical Machinery and Apparatus 5.46% Products Rubber and Plastic Tourism 3.31% 0.99% Products Medical, Precision and Optical Instruments 1.40% 2.84% Medical Tourism 2.11% Fabricated Fabricated Metal Products 2.03% Metal Products 2.03% Rubber and Plastic Products Medical Tourism 1.40% Chemical and Chemical Products 0.99% 2.11% Garments and Textiles 0.76% Medical, Precision and Optical Instruments Other Manufactures 14.47%
Other Manufactures 14.47%
Garments and Textiles 0.76%
Electronics/ Semiconductors 42.88%
2.84% Tourism 3.31%
(See separate .TIF file)
Electrical Machinery and Apparatus 5.46%
Transport (Shipbuilding, Car Parts, Equipment) 6.78%
Information Technology Services 7.69%
Basic Metals (Minerals) 9.29%
Source: Philippine Economic Zone Authority
Table 3.8: Total Approved Foreign Direct Investments by Country of Investor From 2004 - 2010, In Million Pesos Country
2004
2005
2009
2010
Japan
26,596
27,539
20,066
38,587
16,116
70,737
58,333
USA
27,108
14,913
8,199
36,089
19,721
12,947
13.159
Korea
3,260
10,828
4,327
12,076
39,954
9,624
31,182
Netherlands
1,473
19,208
188
14,401
45,354
2,070
36,784
Singapore
1,524
889
396
44,246
6,565
3,468
7,283
UK
1,683
195
5,887
10,182
25,272
3,439
1,065
China (PROC)
127
195
7,935
1,822
2,307
2,392
5,657
Br. Virgin Islands
208
658
450
670
2,111
1,176
7,654
111,916
21,382
18,432
56,010
25,281
15,963
48,098
173,895
95,807
65,880
214,083
182,681
121,816
196,069
Others Total
2006
2007
Source of basic data: National Statistical Coordination Board 5
72
Based on compounded annual growth rate
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
2008
of the global crisis, there were hopeful signs of a rebound. In 2010, investment commitments from both foreigners and Filipinos increased to PhP542.6 billion compared to PhP314.1 billion in 2009. More than 60 percent of investments approved during the period came from Filipino investors with PhP346.5 billion worth of pledges.
high in the second quarter of 2010. These approved investments generated 121,091 jobs.
Of the PhP542.6 billion worth of investment pledges of both foreigners and Filipinos in 2010, 39.7 percent or PhP215.2 billion are intended for projects in manufacturing. Electricity, gas and water garnered 35.0 percent share or PhP189.9 billion, and finance and real estate at 13.3 percent or PhP72.1 billion. These industries have been consistent recipients of investment commitments from foreign and Filipino investors. Potential investments in manufacturing as well as in electricity, gas and water increased significantly compared to finance and real estate, which dropped to PhP72.1 billion from PhP89.1 billion.
Investments with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in 2009 posted an increase of 13.3 percent over the previous year despite the global financial crisis. Direct employment in PEZA zones also grew slightly (by 0.44 percent) notwithstanding layoffs in many business establishments in the country and worldwide during the same period.
By country of origin, the US and Japan have been the two top sources of FDI in the Philippines. In recent years investments from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and South Korea have also increased (Table 3.8).
From 1995 to 2010, investments in enterprises located inside PEZAregistered economic zones came mostly from the electronics/semiconductor industry. Locators from the electronics/ semiconductor sector contributed 42.88 percent of total investments in the ecozones. Following this was the basic metal/mineral industry (9.29%); information technology services (7.69%); transport (shipbuilding, car part, equipment) (6.78%) and electrical machinery and apparatus (5.46%). These comprise the top five sectors garnering the largest number of investments over the past 15 years of PEZA’s existence (Figure 3.2).
Total BOI-PEZA-approved investments for 2010 amounted to PhP506.5 billion, a 69 percent surge over approvals in 2009 (Table 3.7). This was brought about by resurgent investor confidence, which reached an all time
The Philippine MSME sector is a critical driver for the country’s economic growth. However, the growth of the MSME sector has not been vigorous enough to propel the economy.
Table 3.9: PEZA Operating Economic Zones (2004 – 2010) Operating Economic Zones
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Manufacturing
53
51
53
60
62
63
64
IT
16
28
37
88
112
127
148
Tourism
1
2
5
7
9
12
Medical Tourism Park
1
1
1
1
Medical Tourism Center
1
1
1
Agro-Industrial EZ
6
13
69
80
92
154
183
207
239
% of Growth Over Previous Year Source: Philippine Economic Zone Authority
16%
15%
67%
19%
13%
15%
Total Operating
Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
73
The majority of PEZA-registered enterprises are owned by foreign nationals. The Japanese, owning 25.97 percent of total PEZA-registered locator enterprises in 2010, top the list of foreign owners. These are followed, in order, by Koreans (10.62%), Americans (10.12%), Singaporeans (3.96%), British (2.99%), Taiwanese (2.23%), Dutch (2.15%), Chinese (1.77%), Australian (1.69%), Malaysian (1.39%), German (1.35%), and various other nationalities (7%). In 2010, the economic zones operating under PEZA management totaled 239 (Table 3.9). In the next six years, initiatives will be pursued to enhance and increase the number of economic zones following the observed growth patterns. Efforts shall include exploration of new areas such as agro-industrial and tourism zones, opening to new markets such as the Middle East, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, and strengthening priority markets of Japan, USA and Korea. Since ecozone applications are private sector initiated and market-driven, prospective locators may locate in certain areas for as long as they meet the criteria stipulated in Section 6 (Criteria for the Establishment of Other Ecozones) of The Special Economic Zone Act of 1995.
Opportunities for investments also are attributed to sound policies and reforms to attract investors. Policies for investments such as exhibiting sound incentives to distinct industry have been unstable. Reforms are required to appropriately offer incentives to investments in sectors that will have high impact on employment as well as influx of reserves in the country. However, it is also important that sectors are reviewed and monitored to determine industry sectors that should be prioritized in providing incentives. Likewise, reforms are necessary to foster public and private partnerships in boosting investment areas, programs and projects.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) The Philippine MSME sector is a critical driver for the country’s economic growth. The sector serves not only as potential supplier and subcontractor to large enterprises and exporters but is also a part of the support system for logistics services. The MSME sector accounted for 99.6 percent of total establishments in the
Table 3.10: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Profile
Total
Micro
2008 Number of Enterprises
761,409
697,077
58,292
3,067
2,973
758,436
91.6
7.7
0.4
0.4
99.6
1,663,382
1,314,065
418,058
2,149,085
3,395,505
30.0
23.7
7.5
38.8
61.2
2,108,546
103,918
431,340
216,685
1,356,603
751,943
100
4.9
20.5
10.3
64.3
35.7
2006 Value added per worker (in pesos)
380,289
62,474
328,248
518,313
631,247
221,452
% of large enterprises
9.9
52.0
82.1
% Distribution 2008 Employment
554,4590
% Distribution 2006 Value Added (in million pesos) % Distribution
Source: National Statistics Office
74
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Small
Medium
Large
MSMEs
country, and contributed 61.2 percent of the country’s total employment and 35.7 percent of total value-added. However, the growth of the MSME sector has not been vigorous enough to propel the economy (Table 3.10).
duplication and non-optimal use of limited resources. Furthermore, lack of awareness for science and technology (S&T) and scarcity of S&T human resources are limits to production optimization.
The size-distribution of firms has changed little in the past two decades, with the proportion accounted for by medium sized enterprises remaining small. As a result, the country’s industry structure is often characterized by a missing or hollowed middle.
While the value-system of workers and employees undoubtedly affects the total productivity of firms, low productivity in the industry and services sectors may also be due to their inflexible organizational set-up and processes. Firms cannot easily adjust to the fast-changing needs and demands of their clients, consequently affecting their level of productivity. In addition, the country’s domestic manufacturing is not strongly linked with its exports manufacturing compared to its neighboring countries.
The performance of MSMEs was constrained by various factors. These include high cost of doing business, lack of access to finance and market information, and low productivity and competitiveness. Poor business conditions are a greater challenge for MSMEs given their limited resources. Many are unable to qualify for bank loans for lack of the necessary track record and collateral. The lack of credit information also makes it more difficult for banks to determine MSMEs’ creditworthiness. With limited management and financial capabilities, many MSMEs are unable to respond dynamically to the domestic and export markets. MSMEs have a low ability to meet the threat of local and global competition because of lack of information needed for market access and business environment; failure to attain scale economies needed to produce quality goods and services; and the sector’s laid-back approach to seeking new markets and responding to market needs. The low productivity of MSMEs can be attributed to the sector’s lack of access to new technology, weak technological capabilities, and its failure to engage in innovation and research and development (R&D) activities. The result is wasteful 6
Employment Rise in employment in industry and services
In 2008 the number of employed persons increased from about 31.6 million in 2004 to around 34 million in 20086. This meant almost three million persons joined the Philippine labor force over a period of four years. The agricultural sector continues to play an important role in employment and in jobs creation as it has employed about 10.6 million Filipinos in 2008. In addition, the fishing sector employed about 1.42 million persons in 2008. Most Filipino workers therefore, are still in the agriculture and fishing sectors while the rest are in non-agricultural sectors such as industry and services. Nonetheless, workers and employees in the industry and services sectors combined outnumber agricultural workers and comprise more than half of the employed from 2004 to 2008. The economic role of nonagricultural workers, especially those in the services sector, is therefore crucial, especially in the era of
2009 Yearbook of Labor Statistics.
Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
75
the knowledge- and skills-based economy, the most evident local manifestation is the booming outsourcing industry. As of 2010, a total of 38.9 million were reported to be in the labor force from among the 60.7 million population over 15 years of age. Of the three sectors (i.e. Agriculture, Industry and Services), Services accounts for the biggest share of total employment (Table 3.11). The current Plan calls for total employment to grow by six million by 2016.
The MSME contribution to employment in 2008 totaled 3.4 million. Ranked by subsector, wholesale and retail trade contributed the bulk of employment at 35.1 percent, followed by manufacturing with 18.7 percent and hotels and restaurants with 12.46 percent (Figure 3.3). Among microenterprises, wholesale and retail trade contributed 47 percent of total employment,
Table 3.11: Employment per Major Industry Group Major Industry Group
2008
2009 Ave
ALL INDUSTRIES Agriculture Agriculture, Hunting and Forestry Fishing Industry Mining and Quarrying Manufacturing Electricity, Gas and Water Supply Construction Services Wholesale & Retail Trade, Repair of Motor Vehicles, Motorcycles and Personal and Household Goods Hotels and Restaurants Transport, Storage and Communications Financial Intermediation Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities Public Administration & Defense, Compulsary Social Security Education Health and Social Work Other Community, Social and Personal Service Activities Private Households with Employed Persons Extra-Territorial Organizations & Bodies
34,089 12,030 10,604 1,426 5,048 158 2,926 130 1,834 17,011 6,446
Jan
Apr
2010 Jul
35,061 34,262 34,997 12,043 11,846 12,313 10,582 10,446 10,841
Oct
Ave
35,508 11,940 10,476
35,478 12,072 10,563
1,472 5,088 166 2,841 130
1,464 5,273 177 2,947 145
1,509 5,154 169 2,937 160
1,891 1,721 1,951 17,925 17,560 17,595 6,736 6,635 6,681
2,004 18,294 6,725
1,888 18,250 6,901
1,461 5,093 166 2,894 142
1,400 4,856 152 2,849 134
Apr
Jul p
Oct p
36,285 12,317 10,835
36,489 12,261 10,765
1,439 5,487 212 3,063 137
1,482 5,391 193 2,995 140
1,496 5,373 197 3,057 164
2,014 1,964 2,075 18,680 18,874 18,414 7,040 7,063 6,885
2,062 18,577 7,050
1,955 18,855 7,161
1,469 5,394 199 3,031 150
1,458 5,323 193 3,009 157
953 2,590
1,010 2,679
988 2,660
976 2,628
1,064 2,694
1,012 2,735
1,063 2,721
1,104 2,736
991 2,741
1,034 2,697
1,121 2,709
368 953
369 1,064
337 1,044
389 1,023
376 1,090
375 1,100
399 1,147
384 1,120
383 1,061
419 1,164
411 1,243
1,676
1,749
1,659
1,794
1,772
1,771
1,846
1,823
1,959
1,831
1,771
1,071 392 833
1,138 421 877
1,157 435 857
1,068 408 907
1,157 428 876
1,168 412 868
1,175 450 913
1,146 432 950
1,156 447 984
1,234 456 862
1,165 464 855
1,729
1,880
1,785
1,718
2,110
1,908
1,925
2,114
1,804
1,829
1,954
1
2
3
3
2
-
2
2
3
1
1
Notes: 1. Details may not add up to totals due to rounding. 2. Based on past week reference period. 3. Industry classification is based on the 1994 Philippine Standard Industrial Classification p Preliminary Source of basic data: National Statistics Office, Labor Force Survey
76
Jan
36,047 36,000 35,413 11,974 11,804 11,512 10,505 10,346 10,073
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
followed by manufacturing with a 15 percent share, and hotels and restaurants with 13 percent. This is the same employment pattern for small enterprises with wholesale and retail trade accounting for 26 percent, followed by manufacturing and hotels and restaurants with contributions of 19 percent and 13 percent, respectively. The pattern is somewhat different for medium enterprises, where manufacturing makes the biggest contribution (31%) followed by wholesale and retail trade (14%) and real estate, renting and business activities (12%). This pattern is repeated for large enterprises, with manufacturing contributing almost 37 percent of employment, followed by real estate, renting and business activities (21%) and financial intermediation (10%. ) A survey by the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics reports that employers have difficulty filling up vacancies because of a shortage of applicants with the right job
competencies and qualifications, although two million Filipinos were unemployed. The 2006 National Manpower Summit emphasized that unemployment in the country arose mainly from a mismatch between skills needed for available jobs and skills possessed by job-seekers; and a geographic mismatch between locations of job opening and job seekers. While shortages of skills are evident in certain occupations and areas in the country, oversupply of other skills are likewise observed. To date, there are reported shortages in medical and health services, as Filipino nurses are in high demand abroad. High turnover rates and low hiring rates meanwhile continue to worry stakeholders in the BPO industry. On the other hand, an oversupply of skills in certain occupations is also reported. For instance, the educational system continues to produce large numbers of liberal-arts graduates for whom the demand is either not encouraging or still to be identified.
Wholesale and Retail Trade 35.1% Manufacturing 18.7% Hotels and Restaurants 12.5% Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities 7.2% Education Agriculture, Hunting and6.4% Construction, Forestry, Financial Intermediation 5.3% 1.25% 1.76% Other Community, Social and Personal 4.5% Transport,Service StorageActivities and Communications, Health and Social Work 2.8% 2.81% Transport, Storage and Communications 2.8% Health and Social Agriculture, Hunting and Forestry 1.8% Work, 2.8% Other Community, Construction 1.3% Social and Personal Electricity, Gas and Water 1.2% Service Activities, Fishing 0.5% 4.48% Mining and Quarrying 0.1%
Increasing the national awareness of consumer rights, responsibilities and options for redress encourages a vibrant sector that will demand better products and services.
Figure 3.3: MSME 2008 Employment Share by Sector Electricity, Gas and Water, 1.2% Fishing, 0.5% Mining and Quarrying, 0.1%
Wholesale and Retail Trade, 35.1%
Financial Intermediation, 5.27%
Education, 6.4%
Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities, 7.2%
Hotels and Restaurants, 12.5%
Manufacturing, 18.70%
Source: National Statistics Office Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
77
In addition, the country’s low labor productivity due to mismatched or deficient skills relative to available jobs contributes to the low productivity in output of goods and services. This also affects compensation, since some company owners are unable to raise wages and salaries owing to missed revenue opportunities which in turn are caused by low production. Reports during the consultations for the DOLE Project Jobsfit 2020 also noted a concentration of hard-to-fill occupations in the high-end categories, such as accountants and engineering professionals. Hard-to-fill vacancies were also noted for associate professionals and clerks.
c. provision of information and education to facilitate sound choice and the proper exercise of rights by the consumer; d. provision of adequate rights and means of redress; and e. involvement of consumer representatives in the formulation of social and economic policies.
Empowered consumers are aware of their rights and are informed of fair trade laws. Product quality and safety standards have become effective stimuli for manufacturers to improve their products and consequently enhance competition among firms. Increasing the national awareness This “square pegs-round holes” of consumer rights, responsibilities phenomenon, which has affected and options for redress encourages a efficiency in the labor market, may be vibrant sector that will demand better aggravated by the fast-changing demand products and services. for skills in the global labor market. In 2007, an Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Study was commissioned by the Department Consumers have a vital role in the of Trade and Industry (DTI) to economy. When they are empowered, determine the public’s concern for consumers can improve economic their rights and responsibilities as performance by helping drive consumers. The study showed that competition, productivity and business half of the respondents were aware innovation.(OECD Toolkit, 2010) of the programs for consumers and said these were satisfactory but In the Philippines, emphasis is made needed improvement. The study on policies and programs that promote recommended a more creative consumer welfare and protection. message development, coordination Republic Act (R.A.) 7394 or the and closer partnerships with LGUs Consumer Act of the Philippines states and consumer-advocates in each the policy of the State to protect the region, strengthening the role of the interest of the consumer, promote his /her consumer welfare desk/customer general welfare and establish standards of service in addressing consumer conduct for business and industry. Thus, complaints, and integration of Government is mandated to pursue the consumerism in the schools and following objectives: communities.
Consumer Policy
a. protection against hazards to health and safety; b. protection against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices;
78
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
In 2010, consumer complaints received by Consumer Welfare Desks both in government field offices and in business establishments reached 75,000, majority of which were about consumer products and service
warranties, liabilities on products and services, and product quality and safety. While 99 percent of the complaints were eventually resolved, there is a clamor for a shorter resolution period. Responsibility for developing and implementing consumer policy and programmes rests on the National Consumer Affairs Council composed of the DTI, DepED, DOH, DA, several consumer groups and business organizations, tasked to improve the management, coordination, and effectiveness of consumer programs.
Strategic Framework The Plan seeks to enable the industry and services sectors to contribute significantly to economic growth and employment. This requires interventions that address the country’s competitiveness by improving the business environment; increasing productivity and efficiency; and promoting a dynamic consumer sector that demand globally competitive/ quality goods and services offering best value for money.
Figure 3.4. Strategic Framework for Industry and Services
Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
79
Vision A globally-competitive and innovative industry and services sector that contributes significantly to inclusive growth and employment generation.
Ten-point Agenda Clear and concrete strategies and action plans are necessary to achieve doable goals and targets.
Goal 1: Create a better business environment The government shall continuously work for an environment characterized by transparent and predictable public policies. Processes shall be streamlined, business procedures standardized; and quality of transactions ensured. This competitive advantage influences the decision to invest in the Philippines; as well as raises the capability to promote and channel local products and services in various global markets. Thus, to ensure a better business environment, the government shall aim to be in the upper third in the global competitiveness ranking (i.e. IFC/WB Doing Business Report). Improve Governance 1. Streamline bureaucratic procedures and foster transparency Improvements in the Business Registration/Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) shall be pursued both at the national and local government levels. The BPLS will help standardize the procedures for acquiring permits and licenses to operate new business. It will not only reduce the time to secure permits but also eliminate corruption by limiting face-to-face contacts between the applicant and regulator. The government will implement a customer-oriented approach to policies, rules and regulations on procedures. Public service quality standards for all frontline services of the government and international-based
80
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
management systems throughout the government shall be adopted. The National Government shall strengthen LGUs’ capacity for good governance and LGU commitment in promoting a unified approach. To lower transaction costs and promote better transaction flows, Government shall enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors (Refer to Chapter 7: Governance). 2. Promote a consistent, coherent, cohesive, predictable, and responsive policy environment
To address investor confidence and retain existing investors, government shall give priority to key concerns, namely: labor, telecommunications, transport (aviation and domestic shipping), energy, peace and order, and disaster risk-reduction programs. Government shall address the facts and the reality behind the country’s lagging competitiveness indices, particularly those pertaining to: (1) international investments, (2) basic infrastructure, (3) scientific infrastructure, (4) education (5) business legislation, (6) energy, (7) exports, (8) ethics, (9) labor, and (10) barriers to entry and exit. As the world recovers from the global economic crisis, competition for opportunities is bound to tighten. The Philippines is among nations vying for a strategic place in the global market. Considerable challenges confront the country’s efforts to compete for tourists, capital, entrepreneurship, and links to global supply chains. In the medium term, the following policy reforms shall be pursued: • Amendments to Executive Order (E.O.) No. 226 or the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987- to strengthen the investment promotion and industrial development functions of the Board of Investment (BOI).
• Enactment of an Anti-Trust/ Competition Law - to level the business playing field by strengthening the legal and institutional framework to combat unfair trade practices, prohibit cartels and monopolies and sanction key officials of companies that violate fair competition. • Amendments to the Export Development Act - to incorporate significant changes in the global trading environment as well as establish lasting solutions to recurring export development issues, with emphasis on sanctions, enforcement, and the privatization of export promotion functions. • Reforms in the Aviation Sector- full implementation of E.O.No.219 providing for an open and competitive international aviation sector that allows local and foreign air carriers to expand their operations, maintain a strong aviation industry, and ensure international connectivity. • Land Use Plan - to provide a sound basis for the local tourism development, including the designation of tourism enterprise zones by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). • Amendments to the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines- to support fair trade and oppose all unfair trade policies and practices, especially on smuggling and to be compliant to the international standards on customs procedures under the Revised Kyoto Convention to which the Philippines acceded. • Amendments to the Local Government Code- to provide an environment conducive to business.
• Amendments to the Labor Codeto address labor-related issues, and harmonize and strengthen labor force and management and ensure that country’s labor policies is aligned with international treaties and ratified International Labor Organization Convention. • Reforms in public research and development (R&D) prioritization and funding system and full implementation of the Technology Transfer Act of 2009 (R.A. 10055)to ensure social return on public R&D investments. Measures to be considered include a systematic national research inventory; a clearinghouse for new major research investments; and a systematic effort to translate outputs of completed research into actionable policy measures or into potential product developments or innovations. • Reform of the R&D tax incentive under R.A. 8424- to encourage innovative and collaborative behavior among private firms. • Amendments to the Intellectual Property Code- to serve the needs of the copyright-based industries as well as strengthen the enforcement capability of the Intellectual Property Office. • Passage of the Data Privacy and Anti-Cybercrime Bills- to ensure the security, integrity, and dependability of the country’s information and communications structure. • Amendments to the Standardization Law- to strengthen the national standards body. • Amendments to the “Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) Act- to support the growth and development of microenterprises.
Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
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• Amending and transferring the function and mandate of the Philippine Council on ASEAN and APEC Cooperation to the Philippine Council on Regional Cooperation.
The Philippines needs to be known as a country offering vast opportunities for trade and tourism and will be promoted as a conducive investment haven that is now open for business.
Government shall formulate a comprehensive national industrial strategy that spells out opportunities, coordinates and promotes the growth of forward and backward linkages in priority areas and high-potential growth sectors as well as prepares other industries to attract investments and generate jobs. This plan entails a regular review of national investment incentives to examine their thrust, adequacy, and consistency with local regulations especially those pertaining to priority sectors i.e., mining, tourism, agribusiness and BPO-IT. The government shall include programs to implement disaster-mitigating measures, sustain socio-political stability, and create necessary conditions to ensure safe and peaceful business environment for investors. Furthermore, government shall support policies and legislation that shall: a. promote a working balance between the interests of labor and capital as well as provide avenues for dialogue and cooperation based on mutual benefit; b. pursue anti-corruption, anti-red tape, anti-smuggling and integrity initiatives; c. provide a fertile landscape for Philippine domestic and foreign investments (i.e. power regulation, cabotage principle, etc.). The problem of high cost energy must be addressed by achieving a price range comparable to energy costs among ASEAN peers (i.e., Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia); and d. mainstream Disaster Risk reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) in industry and services sectors by:
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• Establishing compliance mechanisms for business sector on DRR standards. • Strengthening implementation of or reform existing laws on land-use and related laws such as building code for disaster-resilient industry and service sectors. • Assessing the level of DRR awareness and activities among the private sector and disseminate information, education and campaign (IEC) materials on DRR to ensure their support, participation and cooperation The following programs will also be pursued to support DRR and CCA: • Develop and operate innovative financing schemes to secure sustainable financing for programs on climate change. This can take the form of payment for ecosystem services including collection of fees for water consumption by industries and fees from tour organizers, lodging and other tourist facilities for ecotourism. • Design and implement DRR and CCA measures for mining companies. Areas suitable for mineral resources development shall be defined based on scientific information on climate change risks and vulnerability of ecosystems and communities. • Develop synergy between small-scale, medium and largescale mining operations taking climate change and prudent mineral resources development into consideration.
3. Promote e-commerce and ICTenabled automation
Automation and computerization of government processes shall be pursued to reduce transaction costs and make public service more efficient. The e-Commerce Law shall be fully integrated in the policy environment for business. 4. Encourage Public-Private Partnership (PPP) The government shall provide an enabling business environment for private sector investments and partnerships by pursuing a stable macroeconomy and sound public policies. Government shall recognize the essential role of the private sector as the engine of the country’s growth and development. The government shall provide for the transparent bidding of PPP projects for the period 2011-2014. It shall also promote the Philippines as an ideal partner in PPP-infrastructure development; and closely monitor and ensure transparency in the management of PPP projects. Planning, implementation, financial accountability, and evaluation shall ensure that such investments are safeguarded. Strengthen Economic Zones The government shall continue the promotion of private sector-led development of economic investment promotion areas by both foreign and local investors. Moreover, government shall also provide the needed support in the setting up of investment locations. Economic zones shall be promoted and special economic zones shall be strengthened. Experience has shown that facilitating economic zone development by the private sector is effective in attracting export enterprises to locate in said zones, given the support facilities, infrastructure and services available in
such areas. The development of economic zones generates employment and business opportunities by establishing linkages among industries in and around the economic zones. In addition, the government shall pursue the issuance and full implementation of the rules and regulations for the designation of tourism enterprise zones, envisioned to expand the current room capacities and diversify products in tourist destinations. Strengthen National Brand/Identity Awareness Government will initiate and implement a national branding and marketing campaign to promote the Philippines not only as an investment site and tourist destination but as producer and supplier of quality world-class products and services. The Philippines needs to be known as a country offering vast opportunities for trade and tourism and will be promoted as a conducive investment haven, now open for business.
The government shall pursue innovation as an essential factor in harnessing culture of competitiveness.
The Plan intends to pursue the development and promotion of “Brand Philippines”. The aim is to achieve among global buyers a “Philippine First” mindset by creating a distinct “Philippines” brand widely accepted and recognized in the global export market connoting quality, value and reliability. Moreover, to be known as Asia’s trendsetter in export products and services, and setting the highest standards of creativity, innovation and excellence. A new tourism marketing campaign/ branding shall be developed in consonance with the country’s international image and trade promotion thrust, with emphasis given to our country’s vast retirement potential and epicurean attractions. Moreover, judicious selection and programming shall be undertaken in mounting a compelling and meaningful Philippine participation in various cultural, tourism, fairs and trade Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
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expositions worldwide with preference for those sanctioned by foreign governments, global associations and inter-government organizations.
Goal 2: Action agenda to improve productivity and efficiency
With its limited resources, Government shall focus its interventions on key areas that are job generating, where the country enjoys comparative advantage, and with high growth potential.
Higher productivity and efficiency of industry and services sector must be manifested in increased levels of exports, investments, tourism revenues, and entrepreneurship. By 2016, the following targets are laid down: (a) US$ 91.5 billion in annual merchandise exports; (b) US$28.9 billion in annual services exports; (c) PhP3,796.47 billion in cumulative approved investments (d) a doubling of annual visitor arrivals to 6 million by 2016; (e) US$4.5 billion in annual tourist receipts by 2016; (f ) a national goal of six million jobs cumulatively generated by 2016, about 4.6 million of which will come from industry and services. Of these, two million will come from MSMEs. Intensify the Culture of Competitivenenss A culture of competitiveness pursues the development of a positive, innovative, and creative mindset through training, paving avenues for enhancements, reinforcement of shared values, and emphasis on linkages of skills and development as contributor to economic growth. It will make the fullest use of PPP wherein results directly impact on competitiveness. Efforts shall be pursued to instill a national consciousness that appreciates the significance of achieving competitiveness in process and quality. Because the delivery of any product or service should respond above all to the needs of the customers, policies that foster a customer-centric business environment will be given close attention. An aggressive education and information campaign through productivity and quality-related training, seminars, and promotional materials, in print and mass media, are necessary. Development
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of customer-service standards sets the norms. Incentives, recognition schemes and quality awards can serve as rewards and inducements to high-performing, customer-focused organizations. In addition, the government shall pursue innovation as an essential factor in harnessing culture of competitiveness. Along these lines government shall: (1) review the role of higher education institutions in the country’s innovative system; (2) review investments in science, technology and innovation (STI) human resources to directly link them with strategies in retaining the “best” and “brightest” Filipino STI talents; and (3) promote a culture of multi-disciplinary collaboration, knowledge sharing, open dialogue and cross-fertilization of ideas as extremely relevant and important in the emerging global competitiveness environment. Government shall promote a national culture of competitiveness by instilling customer focus and a sense of pride in job well done. A culture of competitiveness is a national psyche toward achieving excellence in the delivery of products and services that respond to the needs of the customers. Embodying a culture of competitiveness requires the following initiatives: 1. Developing Human Resources Government shall develop human resources that instill a national culture of excellence by developing and harnessing a broad range of vocational, clerical, technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills, propagating firm-level productivity and boosting competitiveness awareness. Harnessing skills and human capital as asset, propagating firm-level productivity and competitiveness shall be promoted in line with full human development. Program interventions
shall be pursued to develop the core values for an entrepreneurial mindset. Such a mindset is one that will bolster for an enterprising mindset and a proactive attitude will be pursued. This mindset leads to constant improvement and innovation, creativity in offerings and processes and therefore becoming competitive at all times. Individuals become selfdriven, resourceful, always positive and optimistic, opportunities and solution-oriented. To ensure market-responsive education and training, the supply side of the labor equation should be addressed through quality education/training and effective assessment and certification systems. The government shall undertake and maximize capacity-building programs with the support of foreign governments and intra-government organizations under the framework of various bilateral and multilateral engagements. Likewise, linkages among Filipino skilled workers and their business network, technical experts and Filipinos involved in epistemic communities abroad shall pursue various multi-stakeholder talent-sharing and brain-gain and skills enhancement initiatives (e.g. Science and Technology Advisory Council, the Balik-Scientist Program and ERDT). In addition, “sunrise” industrial or service activities with global potential shall be identified by roadmaps that forecast and prepare initiatives for skills requirements on employment needs. From 2007 to 2010, four roadmaps were developed for such industries: (a) electronics, (b) BPO/ IT enabled-services, (c) medical tourism, and (d) health and wellness ( including the retirement ) sectors. By 2016, roadmaps for the remaining sunrise industries namely agribusiness, eco-mining, value chain materials,
and manufacturing, shall be developed to complement the employment requirements. In cooperation with higher education institutions and the private sector, niches shall be identified and matched with the employment needs and strategic positioning of local firms and industries. 2. Mutually agreed-upon working arrangements Mutually agreed-upon working arrangements increase efficiency and streamline operation.Thus, they are essential for the competitiveness of enterprises.These must be consistent with the promotion of employment and protection of basic rights of workers accompanied by adequate social safety nets to protect the vulnerable workers. The government shall establish facilitation mechanisms and services accessible to workers and enterprises alike. 3. Strengthen existing Tripartite Industrial Peace Councils In line with democratic institutions and traditions, policies should encourage the strengthening and reactivation or creation of more industry tripartite councils nationwide and firm-based dispute settlement schemes that are geared toward self-regulation governed by voluntary codes of good labormanagement practices. In addition, the government will adopt conciliationmediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms at different levels (LGU, industry, and national); implement a less than 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation of all labor cases under the single-entry approach; and campaign for less industry-based voluntary code of good practices. Focus Interventions To Increase Exports/ Investments/ Tourism With its limited resources, Government shall focus its interventions on key areas that are job generating, where the country enjoys comparative advantage, and with high growth potential.
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1. Investment promotion, industry development in job-generating areas
To increase exports and encourage foreign and domestic investments, the government shall pursue intensive promotion and industry development as well as offer a more focused incentives package to stimulate the economy and allow all development partners an opportunity to take advantage of the gains from increased economic activities. The Philippine Export Development Plan 2011-2013 and 2014-2016 shall provide detailed strategies to implement the over-arching strategy of Moving Up the Value Chain to Double Exports. With more investments pouring in and more revenues from exports and tourism,
consumption is boosted by higher purchasing power from a vibrant economy. With the fundamentals in place, this whole process becomes a cycle that leads to growth. To maximize the gains from targeted and holistic interventions, the following key areas will be pursued in the medium term: a. Tourism
Tourism is a powerful driver for economic growth, infrastructure modernization, local area development, and employment generation. The increase in visitor expenditure and investment arising from tourism activities create livelihood and jobs in
Figure 3.5: Strategic Destination Area for Tourism
Source: Department of Tourism and Japan Bank for International Cooperation- Sustainable Management Plan for Central Philippines.
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many local communities, which helps reduce poverty.
international comparability of the country’s tourism products.
Tourism development will be pursued in a sustainable manner to continuously create jobs and livelihood for local communities and generate foreign exchange for the economy while ensuring a high level of visitor satisfaction. Adherence to sound and manageable environmental practices in the development and promotion of tourist destinations as well as enhancement of tourism products and services will serve as cornerstones for planning, product development, human resources development, and marketing. Aiming to make the Philippines a destination of choice for tourism in the Asia-Pacific region, the government shall take the following measures:
• Formulate a national tourism development plan (NTDP) as the framework for the identification of tourism destinations and products, domestic and international markets, marketing and promotion as well as prioritization of tourism infrastructure requirements by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation and Communications, and designation of TEZs by the TIEZA. This will also provide the basis for LGUs to subsequently formulate their local tourism development plans. (Figure 3.5)
• Encourage the diversification of existing destinations, and creation of new tourism areas and products including the expansion in room capacities through the implementation of the rules and regulations for the designation of Tourism Enterprises Zones (TEZs). • Mobilize the enormous capacity of the country’s LGUs at the provincial, city and municipal levels by strengthening their capacity to plan, regulate and guide tourism development so that it is environmentally and socially sustainable as well as economically inclusive and viable. Moreover, increase the competitiveness of the country’s tourism enterprises and products by implementing partnership with the LGUs and the private sector to implement a mandatory system for the accreditation of tourism enterprises, including the formulation of a national standards and certification program for tourism facilities and services to ensure the highest quality and
• Encourage LGUs to develop tourism related-products and services using the communitybased and ecotourism approaches as implemented by innovative and entrepreneurial local governments in Bohol, Palawan, and Bicol, and have contributed to poverty reduction, protection of the environment, and gender equality in local areas. To this end, LGUs can seek the assistance of capable public and private higher education institutions in their areas, whose academic, research and extension programs in tourismrelevant disciplines and technical expertise can be tapped for local tourism/culture planning, tour guide services, standards-setting and quality assurance for the hospitality sector, site and institutional development, and the showcasing of cultural heritage. • Undertake a focused and sustained international and domestic tourism promotion campaign and programs using both traditional and the new social networking media targeting existing and new markets as well as OFs. • Launch focused and sustained international and domestic tourism Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
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programs using the new media with the support of OFs. Likewise, the support and cooperation mechanism for private sector and nongovernment organizations participation shall be enhanced. Efficient intra-government coordination system shall be put into practice in tourism promotional and planning activities. These shall involve the Tourism Promotions Board (as mandated by the Tourism Act of 2009) and the respective tourism related promotional units of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), BOI, DTI, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the various agencies and councils supporting culture and the arts (i.e. CCA, FDCP, and so forth). The entry of tourists under thematic programs (e.g. health and wellness and employment generation) shall be further facilitated in coordination with the DFA, Department of Justice (DOJ) and the BOI. Such a multidimensional stakeholder approach shall maximize the promotion of medical tourism; retirement; meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE); adventure and ecotourism; film production, and Philippine cultural and culinary diversity. • Develop and implement a new tourism marketing campaign/ branding in consonance with the country’s international image and trade promotion thrust. • Promote public- private-sector partnerships both in infrastructure development and capacity expansion and modernization in the accommodation and recreation sectors, among others. The private sector will be engaged in extensive consultation to identify gaps, policy reforms and programs that will assist
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the tourism sector achieve its goals and objectives in the medium term. The Tourism Coordinating Council shall be the vehicle to strengthen such partnerships. b. Business Process Outsourcing
The Philippines is now the secondlargest destination for outsourcing and is soon expected to lead the global industry in terms of revenue earnings in voice/call center operations. The Philippines is projected by foreign analysts to lead in all aspect of BPO operations worldwide in the next five years. Thus, it is imperative to build the right value proposition to sustain both prevailing and prospective global positions. • BPO, IT and IT related services comprise both voice (e.g., call centers) and non-voice (e.g., back office/knowledge process outsourcing (KPO), IT outsourcing, Engineering Services Outsourcing (ESO) and design process delivery, transcription, animation, and game development. Even as the Philippines takes the top position in the contact-center segment of the BPO industry, there is a need to nurture the growth in the KPO segment of the BPO industry, further enhance wage and work conditions, and strengthen the multi-stakeholder support framework. Thus, an average annual export growth of 20 percent shall be achieved from the following strategies: (1) development of a sustained data collection system for the services sector; (2) implementation of a comprehensive export branding program; and (3) legislation for data privacy and against cyber-crime in order to reduce risk perception of Philippine
BPO services as well as pursue legislation of the Magna Carta for Call Centers Workers. • In addition to BPO, Services and Creative Industries shall be promoted and enhanced. This will include other services such as accounting (professional services and outsourcing), education, engineering, franchising, interactive media with focus on animation, and gaming, health and wellness, and shipcrewing/ship management. To support the industry, there is a need to nurture the talent pool, develop the infrastructure and regulatory support, and improve the socioeconomic environment. To this end, government shall: • Enhance investment promotion and industry development strategies by synergizing initiatives and programs of the government and private sector to maximize resources; • Harmonize the educational system with the changing needs of the industry; • Advocate talent development through training and opportunity building, creating awareness that BPO provides high-paying jobs/careers, and focusing on expanding the talent pool; • Sustain government commitment thru fiscal and nonfiscal incentives and facilitate the conduct of industry-focused road shows overseas; • Improve the long-term risk perception and overall business environment; and
• Expand the development of “Next Wave Cities” in partnership with private sector. c. Electronics
The electronics sector is a major driving force of the Philippine economy and has consistently been a source of highvalue, high-impact investments preferred Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Likewise, the country also houses some of the world’s top electronic companies. There are two major players in the electronic components sector: the third-party subcontractors, which are mainly Filipino-owned, and the multinational plants which cater to the requirements of their parent companies. The electronics industry will continue to be the driver of growth of Philippine merchandise exports. Shipments are foreseen to exceed US$30 billion by 2010. At an annual growth rate of 10 percent, electronics exports are expected to hit more than US$ 50 billion by 2016. The priority sub-sectors for promotion for electronics are: (1) components/devices (semiconductors); (2) electronic data processing; (3) automotive electronics; and (4) solar power or photovoltaic cells. To show the reliability of Philippine electronics and increase exports, country image branding and investment are significant. Likewise, this would entail aggressive promotion by: targeting emerging markets; conduct of high-level investment missions; integration of the electronics industry; establishment of human competencies throughout the value chain such as continuously growing talent pools in MS and PhD levels as long term strategy; and attract new players in potentially competitive sub-industries such as solar cells, growing capacity in IC design and the country’s collaboration with Taiwan.
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d. Mining
The Philippines is situated along a welldefined belt of volcanoes called the Circum-Pacific Rim of Fire making it one of the most mineralized countries in the world. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) estimates that some nine million hectares of the Philippine total land area of 30 million hectares are geologically prospective for metallic minerals. Some of these areas may be developed further, particularly large ore bodies and linked with downstream processing industries. The operation of processing plants and value-adding activities which have a demand-pull effect on primary production will serve as a catalyst for the development of other industries and sectors generating economic activities. The multiplier effects of these industries will foster the growth of the mining industry throughout the country. The Philippine Mining Act is regarded as among the first worldwide to mandate corporate social responsibility in mining projects and activities. The current export oriented mining industry should aim at producing manufactured goods and industrial products based on an industrialization framework and supported by a strong R & D program on efficient and state of the art technologies. For instance, copper production should be linked with smelting and refining operations down to the manufacture of cable wires and other high value finished products. The Iron and Steel Industry should be rationalized to address not only the local requirements but should also compete in the export market. Generation of more investments in mining and mineral processing and mineral based manufacturing industries is the key to doubling exports by the sector by 2016. Policies, goals, objectives, strategies and programs of both national and local government entities need to be
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in sync and focused on promoting mining and mineral processing to establish industrial zones in identified areas with substantial mineral deposits. In the short-term, investment promotion activities of the BOI, DFA (and its Foreign Service Posts), and DTI (and its Foreign Trade Service Corp) may focus on pre-identified mining projects determined by both the BOI and the MGB as “problemfree” in terms of mining permits, in collaboration with the LGUs, and in consultation with local community. Other recommendations to further increase the sector’s competitiveness and contribution to economic development are the following: • Develop the framework for the industrialization of the Philippine Mining/Mineral Industry to support the country’s export activities and vertical integration to stimulate downstream and upstream industries and encourage domestic processing of minerals for the export markets; • Strictly enforce compliance with environmental and social development commitments; • Cleanse inactive mining applications and non-performing mining contracts; • Continue public information campaigns and increase dialogues with concerned groups. Inform the public about responsible mining that minimizes environmental impact; • Harmonize national and local government policies, goals, objectives, strategies and programs; and
• Ensure international linkages to relevant global sustainable extractive industry standards and best practices and benchmarks (e.g. Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative or EITI). e. Housing
Investing in mass and socialized housing will enable investors to enjoy incentives, as the government seeks to address the housing gap of 5.8 million units from 2010 to 2016 or about 800,000 units per year. The government has also increased the target number of housing loans from 75,000 to 150,000 housing units. This is in line with the government’s thrust of facilitating access to a variety of housing options that are decent, affordable, and responsive to the diverse and changing needs of the people by providing incentives to low-cost mass housing developers. f. Agribusiness/Forest-based Industries
As one of the identified priority areas, market-driven and competitiveness-led agribusiness/forest-based and livestock industries shall be continuously promoted in both inbound and outbound investment missions, and shall be included in promotional activities such as business matching and investment briefings. To further raise investment in agrobased industries, the government shall provide incentives as well as identify lands that are adequate for certain agricultural products. These lands should have already been covered by agrarian reform and the agro-based industries will respect the security of tenure of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and will work to improve the income and livelihood of the ARBs. The domestic economy shall be strengthened through asset reforms, development of agriculture and promotion of industrialization. (See Chapter 4: Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries)
Among agro-based products exported by the Philippines, the exports of fresh and processed foods are seen growing at 10 percent annually, a performance that will come mainly from fresh fruits such as banana, pineapple, mango, papaya, and okra; preserved fruits; beverages; and processed marine products (e.g. tuna, shrimps, etc.). Markets of these products shall be expanded and diversified through international promotional events, inbound business matching and addressing the market access issues resulting from new requirements of target and growth markets. Government shall strengthen the certification system for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACPP), and ISO 22000 as well as halal and kosher food standards and certifications. The DOST and DTI shall assist food processors in improving the packaging of food products. The DA shall ensure the production of specific varieties required by the market and other agri-products which are raw materials for processed food, e.g. allocation of sugar. Moreover, new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) will be utilized to increase Philippine agricultural exports. Coconut, which is widely available in the country, is an immense source for food and non food products. Non food-based products such as coconut oil account for a significant portion of Philippine exports of coconut products with crude coconut oil accounting for most of coconut oil exports. To double exports of coconut products by 2016, value-added products such as refined coco oil, coco biodiesel and oleochemicals shall be promoted. Technology shall be developed to collect coconut water from the production of coconut oil. It is also imperative that supply of coconut should be available to processors.
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Refined coco oil is used for both food and industrial/external applications. To promote the use of refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) coco oil in the international food processing market, the government shall help in information campaigns to counter the negative publicity about coco oil (allegedly perpetuated by producers of competing products), and create an awareness of coconut oil’s health benefits. The Philippines already figures prominently in almost all categories and products of the worldwide coconut industry, but efforts shall be undertaken to further develop the coco-coir and coco-peat segments to export higher value products such as geo-textile for soil erosion control or green architecture projects, rubberized coir products for car seats, mats, bed mattresses, air filters, among others. Investments in technology shall be promoted and issues concerning material supply aggregation and consolidation shall be addressed. Through a trilateral undertaking, the DA, DFA and the DTI, shall continue to source breeders for cattle and water buffalo in order to enhance the supply of beef and milk products in the market. g. Logistics
The Philippines’ international logistics activity is relatively small compared to nearby countries. Together with the growing MSMEs potentials and global supply chain relations, this low base indicates a potential for high growth for logistics and supply chain activities. To expand the sector, the government shall encourage investments in the development and expansion of logistics infrastructure in the international market. It will also promote other existing ports such as those located in Batangas and Subic not only to decongest the Manila port but also to open opportunities to worldwide shipping in the new areas.
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Furthermore, the government shall review and develop/reform policies and rules, such as customs practices; transshipment of cargoes in various modes (i.e. air-air, sea-air, and air-sea); and foreign shipping services along the entire multi-modal transportation chain. h. Shipbuilding
The Philippine shipbuilding sector, which now ranks fifth in the industry, covers building, ship repair and shipbreaking, and accounts for two percent of the total world market. By 2014, investments are expected to grow by PhP93 Billion. Investment growth will be focused on serving identified markets, such as South Korea and Japan, although other markets opportunities will also be considered. In addition, support for shipbuilding shall also come from promoting the country’s human capital and continuously providing enhancement programs. The export market, which is dominated by three foreign shipbuilders, accounts for more than 98 percent of the total turnover, with the number expected to increase. Under good management and with skilled human resources matched by capital, technology and global market opportunities, the industry is moving forward to make the Philippines the fourth largest shipbuilding nation in the world in the next five to ten years. i. Infrastructure
Infrastructure plays a vital part in the country’s economic development and growth. Investment shall be directed towards the development of air and sea ports; roads; agricultural support facilities such as irrigation systems and systems for water supply; commercial infrastructure for trade and exposition; waste management systems (i.e. solid and liquid waste); and energy
source facilities for power supply. (Refer to Chapter 5: Accelerating Infrastructure Development). j. Other High-potential Industries
While there are priority areas that will be focused on, the government will also be vigilant in nurturing industries that post potential in (1) domestic and export market demand; (2) job generation; (3) utilization of local talents and creativity; and (4) maximization of the total value chain. Prospective areas perceived as highgrowth potential include: homestyle products; wearables; motor vehicle parts and components; garments; and construction and related materials, among others. Homestyle Products. Annual growth of 7 percent is targeted in the designdriven homestyle products, which includes furniture and furnishings, holiday décor, houseware and ceramics, woodcraft, giftware (excluding toys), shellcraft, and basketwork. The booming outdoor market in China and India and nontraditional markets such as South America (Brazil), Eastern Europe and the Middle East shall be the target markets. Aggressive export promotion through international trade fairs shall be pursued. The strong design capability of exporters, capitalizing on the mixed-media furniture, shall be continuously developed and sustained. Wearables. Fine jewelry is the major export product of this industry. It also covers costume jewelry, fashion accessories such as headgear, scarves, gloves, belts and bags. To attain the 10 percent annual growth target, the government shall help the industry gain international exposure through trade fairs and shall put in place uncomplicated export and import policies and regulations.
Motor Vehicle Parts and Components. This industry targets an average annual export growth of 12 percent for parts and components and up to 5 percent for completely-built up (CBU) exports. Wiring harness exports, driven by rising global market demand, are expected to grow in volume by 97 percent through more efficient operations, or almost US$ 24 million in additional annual export earnings. Earnings are also expected beginning 2012-2013 from projects with the U.S., Korea, Thailand, U.K. and Australia. To attain the targets for CBU exports, government and the private sector shall aggressively encourage global car manufacturers to assign specific car models to be supplied by Philippine original equipment automotive parts manufacturers/exporters. The Replacement Parts Market will be tapped in addition to the original equipment parts market. Products with high potential are: electric fuel system parts; substrates for catalytic converters, anti-lock brake system, leafsprings, radiators, exhaust system and mufflers, automotive rubber parts, alternators, automotive carpets, tempered safety glass, windscreen, weather–strips, automotive plastic parts, nuts and bolts, and aluminum alloy wheels. Subcontracting for customized orders of various automotive metal and plastic fabrications such as casting, forging, stamping, machining, and tooling will be pursued. Garments. The garments industry is one of the country’s foreign exchange earners, exporting a total of US$1.67 billion in 2009. Top export markets include the US, Japan, Great Britain, Germany and Canada. For 2011, exports are estimated to increase by as much as US$2 billion. Employment in the industry, currently at 150,000 workers, is foreseen to increase considerably over the next five years.
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Construction and Related Materials. The construction sector consists of (a) woodbased products (e.g. doors, windows, plywood and veneer, joineries/moldings); (b) metal-based products such as iron and steel, aluminum and copper products; (c) nonmetal-based products (except marble); and (d) chemical-based products (e.g. PVC plastic, vinyl, paints and varnish). By 2013, the construction industry is expected to reach a total of US$ 1.37 billion in export sales, with a 12 percent annual growth.
The government shall continue to implement the national innovation strategy called Filipinnovation.
The formulation of a Construction Industry Strategic Plan for the 21st Century or CI21 is intended to provide a framework for the industry’s accelerated growth. 2. Development and implementation of programs that will enhance productivity and efficiency through green programs and sustainable consumption and production patterns. Programs will include PPP initiatives; projects in the countryside such as ecoefficiency and eco-design programs (i.e. Bayong Development, Bamboo and coconut, among others); advocacy programs that will be enhanced through LGU, community, and media partnerships; and funding of projects and programs through international grants shall be explored. Domestic efforts shall include the granting of incentives (i.e. through the BOI Investments Priorities Plan or IPP) to green projects and programs. 3. Development and implementation of technology development projects in various priority areas/sectors to boost its innovativeness and competitiveness (i.e. the design of an ICT-based English language learning to increase the human resource uptake of call centers). 4. Review indicators on the number of new technology-based firms created. 5. An integrated high-impact export promotion program that will enhance country branding will be adopted and
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implemented at the initiative of the DFA, DTI, DOT, DA, pooling their resources with other relevant stakeholders. 6. Industry and services shall be induced to ascend the value chain to develop higher local value-added products and services through a well-conceived and comprehensive industrial strategy. Market diversification shall be achieved by: targeting high-economic growth markets such as China and India, participating in global supply chains with ASEAN; maximizing the benefits existing Free Trade Agreements; and strengthening our international trade policy negotiation structures. Provide Firm-Level Support To Potential, New, And Existing Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises. 1. Facilitate access to BDS Government shall create a favorable environment for MSMEs to thrive and ease their access to financing, facilitate their entry to larger markets and increase their productivity and efficiency. Almost half of MSMEs are engaged in wholesale and retail trade. Given this large number, government shall carry out programs to maximize their participation in supply and distribution systems within value chains for identified industry clusters. Business development services (BDS), including enhancements needed to boost productivity, will be provided for promising MSMEs. The government shall also build on existing programs, specifically the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Program, information campaigns, provincial caravans, and SME Centers. In addition, government shall encourage the formation of new MSMEs. LGUs shall facilitate business registration, provide enabling environment in support of enterprise
development, and fully implement MSME-related laws (e.g. Magna Carta for MSMEs, BMBE Law). To complement the existing strategies identified under the SME development plan, four thematic areas shall be adopted: corporate social responsibility, climate change, gender, and migration. This approach shall also foster economic activity in the countryside. Government shall also assist in the development of programs that will encourage MSMEs to produce green products, and use environment-friendly processes. Business development services will maximize the use of local and sustainable sources such as waterlily, bamboo, coconut among others, and utilize materials in producing and marketing domestic and exportable products from these resources. Likewise, BDS will also educate MSMEs in processes that are non-threatening to the environment. 2. Improve access to financing Government Financial Institutions such as the People’s Credit and Finance Corporation, Land Bank of the Philippines, and the Small Business Corporation — the main wholesale finance institutions catering to microfinance institutions (MFIs) — shall collaborate with DTI, DOT and viable MFIs in developing innovative market-based financing schemes to support micro-enterprises. Government will collaborate with MFIs to use microfinance as a tool for inclusive growth by expanding access by microenterprises and poor households to credit, savings, and other financial services. 3. Develop livelihood programs for sustainable micro-enterprise Government shall support the transformation of livelihood activities of the poor into sustainable microenterprises. To this end, DTI and DSWD shall collaborate in
providing business development and productivity enhancement services to existing livelihood projects. With closer collaboration between DTI and DOT, community-based and ecotourism projects will be implemented to provide alternative and supplemental livelihood for local communities as well as help in poverty reduction, raise family income, and promote a better quality of life in the rural and far-flung areas, which are considered desirable tourism destinations. 4. Promote Entrepreneurship among OFs A more aggressive campaign to tap OFs as sources of capital shall be pursued. Government shall utilize media and various forums, including presidential and official trips, in encouraging entrepreneurship among OFs and/or their dependents. DTI and DOLE shall review and strengthen existing programs and consider ways to maximize the brain gain derived by OFs from foreign deployment. The DFA, DOLE, DOF, Commission on Filipinos Overseas, and the Bangko Sentral shall conduct financial literacy campaign overseas to educate and orient OFs regarding their investment and remittance options which may include special bond issuances and related financial instruments.
The industry clustering strategy is vital for linking manufacturing with other sectors.
5. Advancing through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) A “whole-of-government” approach will be pursued to achieve competitiveness. Thus, the government will strengthen vital factors that highly contribute to the advancement, distinction, satisfaction and demands in the domestic and international markets “Science, Technology and Innovation” (STI), and “Quality”. a. The government shall continue to implement the national innovation strategy called Filipinnovation. This will enable the country to achieve (1) a competitive and multi-disciplinary work force competent in producing value-added knowledge-based services of global standards; (2) competitive Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
95
Figure 3.6: Industry Cluster Map
The government shall pursue market access through effective bilateral, multilateral and regional engagements and representation, and maximize opportunities offered by existing trade agreements.
local firms driven by or borne out of constant innovations brought about by increased R&D; and (3) a public policy environment that ensures continuous innovation not only through executive, legislative and judicial initiatives but through local government programs. It will promote the usage of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in enterprises. Filipinnovation focuses on: (1) strengthening human capital investments for STI; (2) stimulating STI; (3) enhancing management of the STI system; and (4) upgrading the Filipino mindset in S&T. Since the strategy/policy imperatives are interconnected, it shall be coordinated and harmonized to create necessary conditions to deepen and consolidate STI capacity. b. The government shall set up a National Quality Infrastructure to integrate and coordinate series of activities involving metrology, standardization, testing, and accreditation and certification. It will provide procedural landscape for products and services of enterprises, particularly SMEs, to meet quality requirements. It will guarantee competitiveness in the national and
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international markets quality certification.
through
c. STI, a crucial factor for productivity, competitiveness, job creation, sustainable development and poverty alleviation will also pursue R&D initiatives: • Address opportunities for STI professionals; • Address structural gaps in the STI and R&D sectors such as inefficiencies in the structure of incentives and allocation of R&D resources that are obstacles to new programs and activities which could help attain STI and R&D goals; • Facilitate new STI policies needed to boost productivity, economic growth and job creation through increased knowledge-intensive economic activities while maintaining social cohesion; • Foster tie-ups between industry and the higher education institutions to
strengthen the effective transfer of appropriate technology and advanced skills needed by the industry and for the production of higher value goods and services; • Facilitate and utilize sufficient information on the scientific and technological experiences and know-how of other countries; • Establish e-centers to enhance access to knowledge and technology, particularly in rural and remote areas; • Implement programs and tools to support and respond to climate change and disaster risks incidents especially for fishers and agri/marine farmers; and • Policy backup and enforcement mechanisms for existing laws require bolstering and institutionalizing in close collaboration with neighborhoods. Cluster Development In developing identified industries, government shall pursue an industry cluster program to foster interenterprise linkages among MSMEs and strengthen collaborative networks. Industry Clusters are geographic concentrations of competing, collaborating and interdependent businesses, working on a similar regional infrastructure and creating wealth of regions through exports. It fosters the transfer and adoption of new technologies, creates risk capital, and attracts foreign investment It breaks down organizational, geographical and sector boundaries, all needed for creating a cycle of
sustainable economic growth. The industry clustering strategy is vital for linking manufacturing with other sectors (e.g. mining, agriculture, tourism, construction, etc.), particularly as these affect raw material needs of manufacturing and the manufacturedproduct requirements of other sectors. (Figure 3.6) Industry clusters provide benefits such as: • Maximizes capacity through shared hard and soft infrastructure, human resources, R&D and safety standards; • Provides access to all players, attracting expertise and local suppliers; • Ensures that top export products or revenue streams are sustained through the development of its value chains down to the provinces and municipalities;
Proactive measures to empower consumers, promote competition, and enforce trade regulations shall be pursued.
• Offers a focus to attract new investments, encourage local expansion and stimulate start-up of new companies; • Promotes horizontal collaboration and strategic partnership; • Enhances productivity by providing firms access to specialized inputs and skills, as well as unique information, knowledge and technology; and • Promotes product complementation that enables longer visitor stay and higher expenditure in tourism destinations. The government shall maximize PPP as a strategy in industry clustering. On a larger scale, growth centers or regional hubs shall be identified to synchronize the mobilization of public and private resources. These hubs shall unlock Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
97
productive capacity in the countryside by providing a critical mass of resources in support of private businesses even outside the capital. The integrated international air and sea connectivity of Clark-Subic, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro (with the upcoming PPP project for the Laguindingan airport), and Davao shall be highlighted to enhance the profile of these growth centers among foreign and local investors.
The entire supply chain shall be improved to reduce production and distribution cost of basic and prime commodities
For IT-enabled clusters such as technology business incubators, technology parks and clusters of knowledge-based industries, the creation of shared infrastructure and the provision of business support services for innovators and developing entrepreneurs shall be promoted. The establishment of technology business incubators across the country will be pursued, taking into consideration commercial sustainability, careful matching of target markets with the strengths and ambitions of potential firms, and proximity and linkages to research institutes and universities. The provision of business support services shall be private sector-led and demanddriven. The clustering of knowledgebased industries through science and technology parks shall be stimulated Global And Regional Integration (Increase Market Access) The government shall pursue market access through effective bilateral, multilateral and regional engagements and representation, and maximize opportunities offered by existing trade agreements. The government commits to engage all possible stakeholders in undertaking proactive participation in international engagements geared at keeping the country in the radar screen of international business. This initiative will particularly benefit and maximize trading potential of MSMEs.
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Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) contribute to the competitiveness of Philippine export products and services. The low utilization rate of these agreements in the country shows the need to conduct the orientation and capacity-building workshops for manufacturers, enterprises, and service providers to enhance their capability to avail themselves of the benefits of these PTAs. The government shall therefore initiate the following programs and activities: • International trade strategy The government shall pursue the following programs to complement its international trade strategies and provide more opportunities for market access: (1) National Single Window will be opened to improve trade facilitations and logistics; (2) support shall be afforded to infrastructure and quality of trade facilitations to improve the efficiency of logistics services; (3) to further assist MSMEs integrate into global production networks, government shall formulate and implement an industrial strategy, as well as enhance SMEs’ capabilities; and (4) the negotiation process shall be reviewed and enhanced through reforms of trade policies, the formulation of a negotiation process, and capacity building of the Trade Related Matters (TRM) Committee, and trade-negotiators. Best-practice models shall be adopted for trade analysis to get more robust costbenefit analyses of proposed measures and reforms. • Economic diplomacy and consular commercial and economic representation overseas
The coming years will see the redefinition of globalization, as the global economic system continues to integrate with the domestic economy.
The government will therefore: (1) maintain and safeguard economic security in multilateral, regional, and bilateral economic engagements; (2) maintain and safeguard national and economic security through strategic partnerships within the Asian region to ensure that Philippine foreign policy decisions are taken in the context of Asian Regionalism and Asian Community; (3) continuously evaluate multilateralism and the stability of international organizations; and (4) work to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) targets by 2015 and reduce poverty through intensified international cooperation. In line with the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan and the Multilateral Agreement on Full Implementation of Passenger Air Services, greater collaboration will be undertaken to realize the potential of the ASEAN region as a source market for tourism. In addition, tour programs shall be developed through twinning and dual destination with other ASEAN countries, attracting more international tourists and foreign direct investments in tourism. To inform the public including private industries/firms engaged and/ or potentially capable to trade outside the country, the government will continue its information, education and communication campaigns on PTAs. The information campaign sessions will be conducted in 12 key cities nationwide to cover discussions of the benefits of the agreements as well as administrative procedures for availment. The sessions will also feature businesses, which have so far benefited from a PTA to entice and encourage others to leverage said agreements to their advantage. Using mass and digital media as a tool, each information session will be supported by campaigns such as press releases and radio and television coverage.
Goal 3: Action agenda to enhance consumer welfare A consumer sector that is vibrant and dynamic demand better products and services and encourages the production of high quality products and services that are globally competitive. It shall be a key strategy under the Plan to raise consumers’ consciousness of their rights and responsibilities, and their options for redress. The objective is to intensify consumer education, starting from the young. Hence by 2016, the Plan envisions 100 percent integration of consumer welfare in the education curriculum; and resolution period of consumer complaints reduced by half. Encourage Consumer Products And Services Satisfaction. To encourage the production of competitive products and services, government shall encourage a consumer sector that is vibrant and dynamic and demands better products and services. 1. Intensive consumer education and advocacy An informed consumer is an empowered consumer; hence, government shall intensify its consumer advocacy efforts through a more aggressive awareness and information campaign. The government shall pursue consumer education by integrating product quality and safety based on internationally accepted standards in the high school curricula as well as in alternative learning systems. Likewise, the government shall expand its links with media and utilize available media channels such as radio, print, television, and out-of-home advertising and tools, as well as actively network with various organizations. Also, it will advocate consumer programs that will merit public and private satisfaction. 2. Consumer protection and trade regulation The government shall help maintain reasonable prices and availability of supply of basic and prime commodities. To achieve this, the government will intensify and expand programs that will address affordability of basic necessities Competitive Industry and Services Sectors
99
and prime commodities. To address consumer concerns, a sustained mechanism for speedy resolutions of complaints will be implemented in collaboration with the private sector. The government shall work at the development of a national comprehensive competition policy, pursue the legislative agenda on competition law, product liability and other consumer related laws. 3. Development of products and services standards The government shall encourage the manufacture of products to conform to internationally accepted standards. By 2016, an additional 2,000 Philippine National Standards will be developed, adopted and harmonized, while 100-percent compliance by companies on standards that are developed for mandatory certification will be enforced. Improve Supply Chains Of Basic And Prime Commodities The Price Act of the Philippines declares the policy of the State to ensure the availability of basic necessities and price commodities at reasonable prices at all times without denying legitimate business a fair return on investment. It is also a declared policy of the State to provide effective and sufficient protection to consumers against hoarding, profiteering and cartels with respect to the supply, distribution, marketing and pricing of said goods, especially during periods of calamity, emergency, widespread illegal price manipulation and other similar situations. In this regard, government is mandated to: (1) develop, adopt and promulgate measures to promote productivity in basic necessities and prime commodities; (2) develop an improved and efficient transport and distribution system; and (3) develop, adopt and promulgate measures to stabilize prices at reasonable levels.
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Under the Plan, government will intensify and expand programs that will maintain the affordability of basic necessities and prime commodities. A review of the supply chain will be implemented to determine effective points of interventions to make enhancements and eliminate deficiencies. This requires infrastructure support and logistics mechanisms that shall result in lowering of price with the elimination of middlemen and other barriers to bring the goods and services to the market. Producers, manufacturers, traders, retailers, and consumer organizations shall be consulted so that the supply chains of basic goods and services may be improved, reducing costs in production and distribution and thereby checking rise in prices.
04
Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Sector
Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Sector
101
Competitive & Sustainable Agriculture & Fisheries Sector The agriculture and fisheries sector provides food and vital raw materials for the rest of the economy. It is itself a significant market for the products and services of the nonagricultural economy. As the sector grows and modernizes, it releases surplus labor to the industry and services sectors. Rising productivity and efficiency in the sector are critical in maintaining the affordability of food and purchasing power, especially among the poor. The sector’s development is therefore vital in achieving inclusive growth and poverty reduction as well as attaining the targets under the MDGs. The country, however, exhibits a slower structural transformation than other East Asian countries. The shares of agriculture in GDP and total employment have continued to decline, but the transfer of the labor released from this sector to higher-productivity jobs in industry and services has lagged owing to low skill levels among agricultural workers and distortions in other economic sectors. Increasing demands on the sector’s output have also put pressure on its natural resource base. Unsustainable practices employed to improve yields have resulted in land degradation and problems of water availability. Climate change has exarcebated the inherent vulnerabilities of the sector. Development efforts need to focus on transforming the sector into one that is not only highly productive but also climateresilient, environment-friendly, and sustainable.
Assessment Sector Performance The sector remains an important part of and contributor to the economy. Contribution to output and employment. From 2004 to 2010, agriculture and fisheries contributed an average of 18.4 percent to GDP and the sector grew at an average rate of 2.6 percent annually. This performance was significantly below the target of the previous Plan. Among the regions, the top contributors in 2009 have been Region 4-A (12.1%) followed by Region 3 (11%), Region 6 (10%), Region 10 (8.2%) and Region 12 (8.0%). In terms of employment, the sector 1
employed an average of 11.8 million people. These account for almost 35.1 percent of the total work force (Table 4.1). If the whole agriculture value chain is considered, the contribution to GDP and total employment would reach 35 percent and 50 percent, respectively. Contribution of subsectors. The sector’s growth was driven primarily by fishery (1.21%), palay (0.40%), corn (0.31%), banana (0.22%) and poultry (0.22%) as shown in Table 4.2 in the next page.1 Growth in the fisheries sector is partly due to the expansion of aquaculture and robust demand for commodities such as seaweeds. The productivity of municipal fisheries, such as small-scale capture fisheries (less than 3 gross ton boats), has
The values in parenthesis reflect growth rate as weighted against commodity share in the Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry (AFF) gross value added.
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Table 4.1. Agriculture and Fishery (with Forestry) Performance and Contribution to Economy: 2004-2010
AFF Sector
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Average
MTPDP Target
4.0 - 5.0
4.2 - 5.2
4.2 - 5.2
4.0 - 5.0
4.3 - 5.2
5.1 - 6.2
5.2 - 6.2
4.4 - 5.4
Performance (in %) Actual Growth
5.2
2.0
3.8
4.9
3.1
0.01
(0.5)
2.6
Agri Gross Value Added (in Php M)
226,417
230,954
239,777
251,495
259,410
259,424
258,081
246,508
% share to GDP
19.6
19.1
18.8
18.4
18.3
18.1
16.8
18.4
Agri Employment (in '000 persons)
11,381
11,628
11,682
11,785
12,030
12,043
11,974
11,789
36.0
36.0
35.8
35.1
35.3
34.3
33.2
35.1
% share to total employment
Source: BAS, NSCB, 2011 Note: Revised growth target for 2008 and 2009 based on August 2008 DBCC Meeting
Table 4.2. Contribution of Sub-Sectors in Agriculture and Fishery Growth: 2004-2010
Sector
% contribution to growth 2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Average
Palay
1.3
0.1
0.8
1.0
0.6
(0.5)
(0.5)
Corn
1.0
(0.2)
1.0
0.7
0.2
0.1
(0.6)
0.31
Coconut
0.0
0.1
0.0
(0.0)
0.1
0.1
(0.0)
(0.02)
Sugarcane
0.2
(0.2)
0.2
(0.2)
0.5
(0.2)
(0.4)
(0.02)
Banana
0.1
0.3
0.2
0.3
0.5
0.1
0.0
0.22 0.16
Other crops
0.40
0.1
0.2
(0.02)
1.3
(0.3)
(0.4)
0.4
Livestock
(0.1)
0.3
0.3
0.3
(0.1)
0.1
0.2
0.13
Poultry
0.5
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
0.5
0.2
0.4
0.22
Agricultural Activities
0.2
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
(0.1)
0.11
Fishery
1.9
1.3
1.3
1.6
1.3
0.6
0.4
1.21
Source: BAS, 2011
been declining, however. This can be partly attributed to overfishing and poor enforcement of fishery laws. The national stock assessment of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) suggests that twothirds of the 12 major fishing bays in the country are already overfished. The positive performance of palay and corn is due to the use of quality seeds, increase in yield, and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities. For banana, this is due to an expansion in area, an increase in yield, and good demand in the local and export markets.
Contribution to global trade. Between 2004 and 2010, agriculture and fisheries sector exports rose from US$2.5 billion to US$4.1 billion. The top agricultural exports, in terms of value are coconut oil, fresh banana, tuna, pineapple, tobacco, and seaweeds. The overall balance of trade in agriculture has become increasingly passive, with the deficit widening from US$837 million in 2004 to US$3.2 billion in 2010. The country recorded a favorable trade balance in some items, however, namely, vegetable and fruits (US$634 million), fishery products (US$497 million), and crude rubber (US$31.7 million) in 2010 (Table 4.3). There was no significant change in the structure of exports in the period. Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Sector
103
Share to total land area and number of farmers. In terms of land area, a total of 4.8 million agricultural farms in the country occupy 9.7 million hectares (2002 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries). These account for almost 32 percent of the total land area of the country. The top four crops with the highest hectarage are coconut (3.33 million hectares), followed by rice (2.47 million hectares), corn (1.35 million hectares), and sugarcane (0.36 million hectares). In terms of number of farmers and fisherfolk, about 1.61 million farmers are engaged in fishing (25.1%), 1.4 million are in coconut (21.7%), 1.35 million in rice (21.0%), 0.68 million in corn (10.6%), 0.07 million in sugarcane (1.0%) and around 1.32 million in other commodities (20.6%).
Agribusiness land development. Through the efforts of three rural development agencies, namely the DA, DAR and DENR, under the National Convergence Initiative (NCI), over 1.83 million hectares of land have been developed for agribusiness, generating about 2.67 million jobs between 2005 and 2010 (Table 4.4). The NCI is a strategic development approach that can contribute to sustainable development in the countryside through complementation of efforts in the rural sector. In December 2010, the three agencies signed the Joint Memorandum Circular ( JMC) adopting a shared “Policy and Implementation Framework for the
Table 4.3. Value of Philippine Agricultural Exports and Imports: 2004 and 2010 (in million $US)
2010*
2004
Item
Export
Meat and Meat Preparations Dairy Products and Bird's Eggs
Import
Trade Balance
Export
Import
Trade Balance
4.3
150.9
(146.5)
39.4
381.6
(342.3)
75.1
482.5
(407.4)
142.1
743.7
(601.6)
Fish and Fish Preparations
413.4
37.0
376.4
633.8
136.8
497.0
Cereal and Cereal Preparations
44.5
659.2
(614.7)
98.5
2,446.3
(2,347.8)
Vegetables and Fruits
783.4
102.9
680.5
916.6
282.7
633.9
Sugar and Sugar Preparations
102.3
70.2
32.1
105.1
369.5
(264.4)
14.1
90.0
(75.9)
13.0
237.6
(224.7)
Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Spices Crude Rubber Fixed Vegetable Oils and Fats
36.1
31.9
4.1
55.9
24.2
31.7
581.3
71.0
510.2
1,269.8
39.1
1,230.7
Others (e.g., tobacco, fertilizer, machinery etc.)
452.1
1,647.7
(1,195.6)
823.6
2,669.6
(1,846.0)
Total Agricultural Exports/Imports Source: BAS, 2011 Note: *2010 figures are preliminary
2,506.7
3,343.5
(836.8)
4,097.6
7,331.2
(3,233.6)
Table 4.4. Agribusiness Lands (including Agroforestry) Developed: 2005-2010
2005-2007 Agency
Areas
Jobs Generated
2008 Areas
2009
Jobs Generated
Areas
2010
Jobs Generated
Total
Jobs Generated
Areas
Areas
Jobs Generated
DA
812,096
1,334,678
335,948
479,747
295,524
436,677
30,408
52,767
DAR
247,493
237,387
19,579
27,492
31,605
41,981
2,106
2,106
300,783
308,966
8,759
8,759
1,967
1,967
50,024
50,024
-
-
60,750
60,750
1,068,348 1,580,824
357,494
509,206
377,153
528,682
32,513
54,873
DENR TOTAL
Source: National Convergence Initiative Secretariat, December 2010
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
1,473,976 2,303,869
1,835,508 2,673,585
Table 4.5. Land Acquisition and Distribution Performance: 2004-2010 (in hectares)
Accomplishment
Year
MTPDP Target
Funded Target*
Hectares
No. of ARBs
in % Funded Per MTPDP PerTarget
2004
212,121
110,046
104,069
71,682
49
95
2005
122,931
130,000
131,069
88,152
107
101
2006
214,000
130,000
125,177
72,280
58
96
2007
214,000
130,000
134,041
94,807
63
103
2008
220,453
130,000
146,275
90,738
66
113
983,505
630,046
640,631
417,659
65
102
2009
-
85,764
59,488
43,792
-
69
2010
-
200,000
107,179
63,298
-
54
915,810
807,298
524,749
Sub-total
Total
88
Source: DAR, 2011 Note: *Targets based on approved/reenacted budgets
Enhanced National Convergence Initiative among DA, DAR, and DENR”. Extension of land reform. The accomplishment of land acquisition and distribution (LAD) for the period 2004-2010 compared to the funded target is at 88 percent. On the other hand, the accomplishment in terms of the previous Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) 2004-2010 target is around 65 percent (Table 4.5). The target projection in the previous Plan states the commitment to finish land distribution by the end of 2008, the last year of the 10-year extension provided under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). A total of 807,298 hectares were distributed to 524,749 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) during the period. From 1987, the cumulative area distributed has now reached 4,113,347 hectares. Extending the CARP for the second time was a challenge unlike the first when RA 8532 was passed by the legislative branch before the Ramos Administration ended on June 30,
1998. This time, no second extension law was passed by Congress after the 10-year extension period. From July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, CARP continued to be implemented only under a Joint HouseSenate Resolution. On August 7, 2009, RA 9700, otherwise known as the CARP Extension with Reforms or CARPer, was signed into law mandating the completion of land distribution in five years. It also provided an additional appropriation of PhP150 billion for the implementation of the major components of CARP.
Gains in the sector have been achieved, but its full potential is unrealized. Growth below target. During the period 2004-2010, the average growth, while positive at 2.6 percent annually, has been below the target of the previous Plan, which is a sustained growth of 4.4 percent to 5.4 percent. The occurrence of the global financial crisis, a fuel price spike in 2008, and climate-related events in 2009 (e.g., El Niño, typhoons) all contributed to the non-attainment of the target. The devastation from the typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng resulted in damage to agriculture and fisheries estimated at
During the period 2004-2010, the average growth, while positive at 2.6 percent annually, has been below the target of the previous Plan, which is a sustained growth of 4.4 percent to 5.4 percent. The occurrence of the global financial crisis, a fuel price spike in 2008, and climate-related events in 2009 (e.g., El Niño, typhoons) all contributed to the non-attainment of the target.
Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Sector
105
Table 4.6. Land Productivity in Selected Southeast Asian Countries (in mt/hectare)
Commodity Rice (paddy) Corn Coffee (green) Banana Coconut Mango, mangosteen & guava Abaca Papaya Pineapple Sugarcane Vegetables (fresh)
Land Productivity, 2009 Indonesia
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
5.0 4.2 0.7* 59.7 6.6* 11.6 1.0* 85.1 74.2 63.1 10.6
3.7 5.6 0.6* 21.8 2.8 4.1 no data 10.0 34.7 46.7 13.2
3.6 2.6 0.8 20.2 4.6 4.1 0.5 19.6 37.4 56.8 8.0
2.9 4.2 1.0 13.6 5.8 8.0 no data 17.0 20.9 71.7 8.4
5.2 4.0 2.2* 14.3* 7.9* 7.1 no data no data 13.0 58.6 12.6
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database Note: *2008 data; 2009 is preliminary data
Table 4.7. Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) in Selected ASEAN Countries: 2007
Commodity Rice (milled)
RCA in 2007 Indonesia
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
0.002
0.000
0.001
23.423
37.510
Corn
0.117
0.002
0.010
0.507
0.003
Coffee (green)
4.173
0.005
0.002
0.085
30.556
Banana
0.011
0.035
26.329
0.082
0.039
11.618
0.472
66.303
0.033
0.000
Coconut (desiccated) Fruits (dried)
0.458
0.038
0.372
10.716
2.759
Tropical fruits (dried)
0.000
0.000
251.868
0.000
0.000
Mango, mangosteen & guava
0.145
0.058
11.972
3.834
0.162
Abaca
0.155
0.000
30.805
0.000
0.000
Papaya
0.007
1.754
7.417
0.157
0.000
Pineapple
0.050
0.241
47.533
0.628
0.038
Sugar (raw)
0.000
0.000
2.220
5.453
0.204
0.110
0.807
1.598
5.163
0.504
2.393
1.003
0.975
1.880
1.854
Vegetables (fresh) Total Agri Products
Source: Habito et al., 2010
PhP24.7 billion in 2009 pulling down the sector’s growth to only one-tenth of a percent in the same year. Declining productivity and competitiveness. While the productivity of the agricultural workforce has increased annually by an average of 1.66 percent from PhP19,894 in 2004 to PhP21,553 in 2010, land productivity in terms of yields of traditional crops (e.g., rice, corn, sugarcane and coconut) has stagnated or declined.
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The Philippines ranked fourth in rice, coconut, sugarcane and fifth in corn out of five ASEAN countries namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam (Table 4.6). In terms of price (producer price), rice in the Philippines is the most expensive (US$318.8/MT), which can be attributed to the lack of factor endowments such as a contiguous land area and big river systems. Furthermore, the growth of total
factor productivity (TFP) growth in agriculture has remained at a low level in the Philippines, namely 0.2 percent per year over the past two decades, compared to 1.0 percent per year in Thailand, 1.5 percent per year in Indonesia, and 4.7 percent in China (WB, 2010). Comparative advantage not fully exploited. The country actually has a revealed comparative advantage (RCA)2 not only in its lead exports such as coconut, banana, mango, pineapple, but also in sugar, abaca, papaya, dried tropical fruit, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables (Table 4.7). Despite the export potential of these commodities, however, particularly the emerging crops, the country’s share (8.3%) and value of agricultural products (US$3.2 billion) to total exports is among the lowest in comparable ASEAN countries. The country also continues to be the only agricultural net-importer among comparable ASEAN members, with an agricultural trade deficit of US$2.4 billion in 2009 (Table 4.8). The total value of agricultural imports amounted to US$5.6 billion, the top six agricultural imports being rice, wheat, soya bean products, milk and cream products, tobacco, and
urea. The value of agricultural exports in 2009 for the Philippines was only US$3.2 billion3 (WTO, 2010). This is small compared to those of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand which had over US$20 billion each. Elusive rice self-sufficiency. For the period 2004-2010, domestic rice production has met only 84.71 percent of the country’s annual average rice requirements, notwithstanding substantial public investments in the rice sector (DA, 2011). During the global food crisis in 2008, the Philippines imported some 2.4 million MT of rice valued at US$1.9 billion to supplement its domestic rice stocks. Increase in food commodities prices. The average increase in the prices of rice and corn were the highest among basic commodities for the period 2004-2010, at 7.8 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively (Table 4.9). This is largely due to the global food crisis in 2008 which saw the retail price of rice increased by as much as 29.1 percent. The 6.4-percent inflation in selected food commodities prices is higher compared to the national headline inflation rate of 5.6 percent. Higher prices of food commodities erode purchasing power, especially among the poor, and highlight the grave threats to food security due to extreme shocks, affecting not only production, but also marketing systems.
The country actually has a revealed comparative advantage (RCA) not only in its lead exports such as coconut, banana, mango, pineapple, but also in sugar, abaca, papaya, dried tropical fruit, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Despite the export potential of these commodities, however, particularly the emerging crops, the country’s share (8.3%) and value of agricultural products (US$3.2 billion) to total exports is among the lowest in comparable ASEAN countries.
For the period 2004-2010, domestic rice production has met only 84.71 percent of the country’s annual average rice requirements, notwithstanding substantial public investments in the rice sector. During the global food crisis in 2008, the Philippines imported some 2.4 million MT of rice valued at US$1.9 billion to supplement its domestic rice stocks.
Table 4.8. International Trade of Agricultural Products: 2000 and 2009 (value in $US billion)
Country
Value 2009
Export % Share 2000 2009
Value 2009
Import % Share 2000 2009
Trade Balance 2009
Indonesia
25.3
11.9
21.1
11.4
13.1
12.4
13.9
Malaysia
20.9
8.2
13.3
12.3
5.6
10.0
8.5
Philippines
3.2
5.1
8.3
5.6
8.4
12.2
(2.4)
Thailand
28.0
17.7
18.4
9.4
7.2
7.0
18.6
Vietnam
10.7
27.3
18.7
9.3
8.1
13.2
1.4
Source: World Trade Organization 2 3
RCA is the share of a product in total Philippine exports as a ratio of the share of the same product in total world exports.
This is slightly higher than the value of exports in Table 4.8 since WTO category is broader than the figures released by NSO.
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Table 4.9. Inflation Rates by Commodity for All Households (in percent) 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Country Rice Corn Eggs Fish Fruits and Vegetables Meat Average Philippines (headline inflation)
Average
2.6 10.7 5.4 8.0 6.0 13.0 7.6
7.0 5.5 3.5 6.6 5.0 5.9 5.6
3.7 4.7 5.6 5.2 8.8 2.4 5.1
3.4 4.4 6.8 3.3 2.9 2.6 3.9
29.1 23.2 6.9 9.1 11.7t 8.9 14.8
7.5 6.1 6.8 6.1 5.9 5.4 6.3
1.1 -1.8 2.7 3.1 0.5 4.1 1.6
7.8 7.5 5.4 5.9 5.8 6.0 6.4
6.0
7.6
6.2
2.8
9.3
3.3
3.8
5.6
Source: NSO, 2011
Table 4.10. Poverty Incidence and Magnitude on the Philippines: 2003, 2006 and 2009 Item Families Population
Poverty Incidence (%) 2003 2006 2009
Magnitude of Poor (in M) 2003 2006 2009
20.0 24.9
3.3 19.8
21.1 26.4
20.9 26.5
3.7 22.2
3.9 23.1
Change in Average Real Income (bottom 30%) 2009 vs. 2006 8.3 no data
Source: NSO, 2011
Despite positive growth and gains in productivity in some sub-sectors, there has been almost no change in the welfare of almost 6.4 million farmers, fisherfolk and other workers dependent on the sector.
Stagnant poverty headcount. Despite positive growth and gains in productivity in some subsectors, there has been almost no change in the welfare of almost 6.4 million farmers, fisherfolk and other workers dependent on the sector. The poverty incidence of families has changed slightly between 2003 and 2009 at 20.0 percent and 20.9 percent, respectively (Table 4.10), while poverty in terms of population has increased from 24.9 percent to 26.5 percent, respectively. This is despite an increase in average income of the bottom 30 percent of families of 8.3 percent in real terms from 2006 to 2009.4
Challenges Growth in production and productivity faces formidable constraints. High cost of production inputs Inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides typically account for 20-30 percent of total production cost while livestock and poultry feeds account for as much as 70 4
percent. As such, any variability in prices directly translates to an increase or decrease in the prices of agricultural commodities, especially at the farm level. The increase in international prices of commodities and the fuel price spike in 2008 contributed to the high prices of domestic fertilizer and corn. The price of fertilizer rose by as much as 135 percent in 2008 compared to 2007 and contributed to a decrease of 2.2 percent in palay production in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Inefficient supply chain and logistics systems Inefficiencies along the agricultural supply chain result in postharvest losses, higher transaction and distribution costs, and lower productivity. The Philippine logistics system has been characterized as being cost-inefficient, unresponsive to customers and market requirements, and unreliable. Compared to developed countries, distribution and processing costs in the country are 2030 percent higher with logistics costs
The poverty estimation methodology was refined by the NSCB in February 1, 2011. However, urban-rural disaggregation is not yet available when the official poverty statistics was released last February 8, 2011.
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accounting for almost 30-40 percent of total marketing costs (NEDAUNDP, 2005).
Low rate of adoption of technologies, including mechanization
The ineffective logistics services coupled with inappropriate postharvest handling have, likewise, resulted in huge postharvest losses. For rice and corn, about 14.75 percent and 7.2 percent of the total production are lost during postharvest operations, respectively. Losses are even higher in horticultural crops: losses in fruits range from 5 to 48 percent, while losses in vegetables range from 16 to 40 percent. These postharvest losses, when translated into monetary values, sizeably reduce the income of farmers and their households (BPRE, 2010).
Despite the availability of science and technology packages and products such as organic fertilizer, high-yielding varieties, cost-reducing farming practices, and value-adding technologies, adoption by farmers has been slow because of: (a) weak links between technology producers and extension workers and farmers/fisherfolk; (b) lack of media and public awareness of the benefits of the technologies; and (c) financial or capacity constraints of intended users.
Inadequate provision of irrigation infrastructure As of 2009, the total area provided with irrigation service is 1.54 million hectares wherein 765,000 hectares are under the National Irrigation Systems (NIS). Communal Irrigation Systems (CIS) cover around 558,000 hectares. The total service area represents 49 percent of the potential irrigable area of 3.126 million hectares. However, the pace of irrigation development in the country has been estimated at less than 1 percent per year. While quickgestating irrigation development activities such as rehabilitation and improvement of existing systems and facilities were envisioned to fasttrack irrigation development, the sector remains hampered by lack of funds to sustainably operate and maintain these irrigation systems, inadequate technical capacity of Irrigator’s Associations (IA) and the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) field personnel, as well as inadequate water supply. The succeeding Chapter 5, Infrastructure Development, offers a detailed assessment of rural infrastructure, particularly irrigation bottlenecks and narrates strategic directions to overcome these bottlenecks.
Similarly, the use of mechanization in Philippine agriculture has been low. The current mechanization level of the sector, which is 1.68 horsepower (hp)/hectare, is far below other Asian countries such as Korea (4.11 hp/hectare) and China (3.88 hp/hectare). Among rice and corn farmers, only 21.7 percent have mechanized while the rest continue to use manual labor and farm animals in production activities (UPLB, 2009).The inadequacy of aftersales service, substandard machinery, and the sporadic, fragmented and disorganized implementation of agricultural and fishery mechanization have contributed to low mechanization in the sector.
Inefficiencies along the agricultural supply chain result in postharvest losses, higher transaction and distribution costs, and lower productivity.
Limited access to formal credit and financing From 2004-2009, the annual proportion of agri-fishery and forestry (AFF) loans to total loans granted by banks was at a low average of 2.5 percent. The limited access to credit by small farmers and fisherfolk, despite the banking sector’s reported large amount of funds available for lending, has been due to: (a) the lack of track record among farmers; (b) lack of knowledge on accessing formal or bank financing, particularly putting together the required documents; (c) lack of acceptable collateral; delayed release of loans; and (d) numerous documentary requirements that formal lending institutions require from farmers upon commencement of Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Sector
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transactions. On the part of the banks, their aversion to high-risk and lowincome agricultural projects, the high cost of administering small loans, and poor repayment performance of agricultural loans, among others, have constrained the provision of credit to farmers and fisherfolk (ACPC, 2010).
The Philippines has long been vulnerable to weather risks, a fact exacerbated by climate change. Since the 1980s, the growth in agricultural gross value-added (GVA) has been erratic partly owing to the impact of severe weather risks and the periodic occurrence of the El Niño and La Niña phenomena. Aside from typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, the El Niño in 2010 caused damages to agriculture and fishery estimated at PhP8.4 billion over a total area of 355,986 hectares.
Competing uses of agricultural lands. Agriculture, together with the natural resource sector, has been adversely affected by shifts towards competing uses. Particularly sensitive for its implication for food security is the conversion of prime agricultural lands to nonagricultural uses (i.e., residential, commercial and institutional) and the rising demand for industrial crops (e.g., biofuel). Alternative land use activities have also encroached upon ecologically fragile lands. These point to the need for a national land use policy that will rationalize the optimal allocation of land among competing uses.
Households dependent on agriculture are especially vulnerable to climate variability and extreme events.
These changes bring further pressures on agricultural production, which is already stressed by other resource scarcities and economic challenges. Changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, increasing frequency and intensity of typhoons and dry spells, and sea level rise are expected as a result of climate change. These impacts will spell a difference in terms of cropping calendars, unpredictability of yields, pest pressures, crop losses, livestock and fisheries production, and damages to existing infrastructure. Sea level rise is already being experienced in parts of the country, reducing the productive coastal areas for agriculture and fisheries. Salt water intrusion in the lowlands and in aquifers for irrigation and domestic uses is also already being experienced.
Climate change
Environmental degradation
The Philippines has long been vulnerable to weather risks, a fact exacerbated by climate change. Since the 1980s, the growth in agricultural gross value-added (GVA) has been erratic partly owing to the impact of severe weather risks and the periodic occurrence of the El Niño and La Niña phenomena. Aside from typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, the El Niño in 2010 caused damages to agriculture and fishery estimated at PhP8.4 billion over a total area of 355,986 hectares.
Of the country’s total land area, 5.2 million hectares (about 17%) are severely eroded and another 8.34 million hectares (27.3%) are vulnerable to drought, alternating with floods and typhoons on an annual basis. In the lowlands, continued use of unsustainable production practices such as the extensive use of chemical inputs, expansion of grazing lands, slash and burn practices, and deforestation especially in watershed areas have resulted in land degradation (i.e.,erosion, declining soil fertility) and problems of water quality and availability. In the upland ecosystem, climatic drivers and human-induced activities have resulted not only in land degradation but also in the loss of biodiversity (BSWM, 2004).
The DOST-PAGASA scenarios for 2020 and 2050 project widespread warming in most parts of the country. Longer hot days and shorter cold days are expected. The number of days with maximum temperature of more than 35 °C is
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expected to increase in all parts of the country in 2020 and 2050. Projected seasonal mean temperatures in the Philippines are expected to rise by about 0.5-0.9 °C for 2020 and 1.2- 2.0 °C by 2050. Extreme rainfall is also projected to increase in Luzon and the Visayas while a decreasing trend is projected in Mindanao (MDGF1656, 2010).
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Agricultural development is also undermined by flawed policies and institutions. Weak agricultural extension service Devolution of agricultural support services and extension, beset by lack of LGUs absorptive capacities, has resulted in weak extension services. The decentralization of the agricultural extension service was pursued on the premise that the constraints to production and service requirements of farmers and fisherfolk would be best addressed through an LGU-led, NG-supported agriculture service system. The devolution, however, has been beleaguered with poor absorptive capacities of LGUs to take on the task of extension service provision. With the social, infrastructure, and economic sectors, agriculture has been less prioritized in the development agenda of many LGUs. Hence, funding allocation is minimal and often times dependent on the support of the DA. This has resulted in inadequate manpower and weak extension services of local agriculture offices, both at the provincial and municipal levels (Balisacan, 2006).
The NFA support price has on average led to an increase in consumer prices in ten regions of the country and contributed little to price stabilization (Purdue University, 2005). It is worth noting that among NFA rice consumers, only 46.6 percent are considered poor. In addition, among all poor households who are supposed to benefit from NFA rice, only 24 percent have been able to access them (Reyes et al., 2009).
Incomplete implementation of asset reforms The long period of implementation and pending completion of the CARP has resulted in underinvestment in the sector, largely owing to the uncertainty faced by landowners. Landowners are reluctant to invest while their farms are undergoing acquisition processing. On the other hand, for lands that have been awarded, support services to the ARBs are insufficient to improve productivity. The implementation of asset reforms must therefore be completed in the next five years as provided in RA 9700, including the allocation and release of the PhP150 billion budget for the program. The full implementation of the CARPer will facilitate asset reform and serve as an incentive to farmers and other stakeholders to invest in rural areas (Habito & Briones, 2005).
Contradictory rice policy
Limited investments in public goods
Vested with the function of stabilizing the supply and prices of rice, the country’s staple, the NFA’s operations aim to raise farmgate prices to secure farmers’ profit, and at the same time, maintain retail prices at an affordable level for consumers. Government intervention on both sides of the market has led to huge public losses, increased the volatility of domestic prices, reduced the welfare of both consumers and producers, and discouraged the private sector from investing in distribution and storage facilities (Balisacan et al., 2006).
Public goods are important because their benefits are shared by the community; they yield high social returns on investment and have long-term impacts, and they are not readily provided by the private sector but important to society as a whole. On the other hand, other interventions, such as subsidies on fertilizer have benefits limited to target groups, have impacts which are short-run, are costly to government, and do compete with or crowd out the private sector. The current spending on agricultural research and development (R&D), a public good of demonstrated benefits, is a mere 0.10
The current spending on agricultural research and development (R&D), a public good of demonstrated benefits, is a mere 0.10 percent of agriculture GVA. This is one-tenth of the 1.0 percent benchmark suggested by international practice.
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percent of agriculture GVA. This is onetenth of the 1.0 percent benchmark suggested by international practice. In the case of rice (which is indicative of the pattern for other products), the contribution of R&D, infrastructure and extension to rice production is estimated at 2.5 percent 40 percent, and 15 percent respectively, while returns on investments are: (a) 77.1 percent for R&D; (b) 80 percent for extension; and (c) 18 percent for irrigation (Balisacan, 2006). Public good provision must consider quality. Many infrastructure and postharvest facilities deteriorate rapidly. Field reports document the poor quality of flat bed dryers and rice straw choppers for organic fertilizers. Graft and corruption eat up a large part of the outlays. Food security exists “when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life”.
In 2004-2010, funds allocated for marketing assistance accounted for only 1.1 percent of the average annual budget of the DA. This is 7 percent lower than the prescribed allocation under the AFMA of 1997. The timely access and dissemination of market and market-related information is critical to making optimal business decisions that in turn impact on revenue, consumer prices, and supply conditions. Likewise, the availability of real-time market intelligence is useful in identifying potential markets as well as information on supply requirements.
Limited investments on commodities with comparative advantage While public investment for the rice sector has been substantial in the past years, amounting to almost 60 percent (PhP22.56 billion) of the 2009 AFMA fund, the allocations for high value and export commodities such as fruit trees, vegetables, tree crops and fisheries have been inadequate. Net returns from vegetable and fruit tree production are higher than from rice production by a range of PhP5,000-100,000 (BAS, 2009).
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The opportunity cost of underinvesting in other commodities is therefore very high. Focusing on commodities where we have comparative advantage will not only result in increasing income but also improving access to food, higher purchasing power, and enhanced overall welfare of the rural sector.
Incomplete implementation of the Strategic Agriculture and Fishery Development Zones (SAFDZs) and preparation of Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) The identification of SAFDZs as provided under AFMA has not been fully implemented (AFMA Review, 2007). Programs in the sector should also focus on areas of high agriculture potential to avoid spreading investments too thinly resulting in small impact in the rural areas. The SAFDZs will also facilitate prioritization of investment programming in the sector. The identification of these areas should be initiated by LGUs, with technical support from the DA and DENR to ensure that priorities are consistent with local development thrusts and strategies, as well as aligned with the national policies.
Delay in the implementation of rationalization plans Efficient and effective institutions and bureaucracy are essential to creating an enabling environment that encourages private, LGU and foreign investments in the economy. However, the country’s agricultural bureaucracy is continuously beset with problems related to overcentralization, fragmentation of agencies, weak coordination, overlapping of functions, politicization and corruption, making it ineffective in spurring growth and development for the sector (Habito and Briones, 2005). At the national level, there is a
need to rationalize the DA to focus its core functions on public goods and services, such as R&D extension, and regulation; and maintain its “steering” role in the development of the sector.
Strategic Framework Vision The Plan’s vision is a competitive, sustainable and technology-based agriculture and fisheries sector, driven by productive and progressive farmers and fisherfolk, supported by efficient value chains and well-integrated in the domestic and international markets, contributing to inclusive growth and poverty reduction.
Goals and Strategies Within six years, through prudent use of resources, the agriculture and fisheries sector shall have attained the following: (a) improved food security and increased rural incomes; (b) increased sector resilience to climate change risks; and (c) enhanced policy environment and governance.
For the sector to fulfill its role in reducing rural poverty and to achieve food security in the long term, increased incomes, productivity and production shall be prioritized. Increased investments and employment are to be fostered and ARBs transformed into profitable entrepreneurs. Strategy 1.1 Raise productivity5 and incomes of agriculture and fishery-based households and enterprises. Raising productivity and incomes is an important first step towards modernizing the sector. Productivity enhancements will make agriculture and fishery products more competitive, contributing to the growth of the other economic sectors. Chapter 3 on Competitive Industry and Services Sectors further reinforces the important linkage between the agriculture and non-agriculture sector, especially in the promotion of agribusiness and exports. The increased income of agriculture and fishery-based households and enterprises shall lead to the improvement of the quality of lives and capital accumulation for investments. Below are the measures that shall be taken to implement the above strategy: a) Diversify production:
Goal 1: Food Security Improved and Incomes Increased
• Facilitate and promote diversification of production and livelihood options;
This Plan takes the view that food security exists “when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life” (FAO, 2002).
• Update SAFDZs as bases identifying investment areas;
This goal will be further fleshed out with the release of the Food Staples Self-Sufficiency Roadmap (FSSR) 2011-2016. The FSSR aims to attain self-sufficiency in staples by focusing on irrigation and instituting reforms in the NFA. 5
Raising productivity and incomes is an important first step towards modernizing the sector. Productivity enhancements will make agriculture and fishery products more competitive, contributing to the growth of the other economic sectors.
for
b) Complete the delineation of municipal waters for better fishery resource management; c) Improve rural facilities:
infrastructure
and
• Establish climate-resilient agriculture infrastructure through enhanced technical design of irrigation and drainage systems and facilities, farmto-market roads (FMRs), postharvest
Productivity refers to land, labor and capital.
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facilities (PHF), trading posts, among others; • Provide irrigation services and facilities focusing on rehabilitation and restoration of national irrigation systems; maintain existing systems and establishment of small scale irrigation systems; enhance cost-sharing/ counterpart mechanisms for financing with LGUs; and adopt an integrated water resource management approach to ensure water supply; • Increase the effectiveness6 and efficiency of the rural infrastructure system, including agricultural logistics and various facilities such as farm-to-market roads (FMR), postharvest and information systems (see also Chapter 5: Infrastructure Development); based on a master plan, identify priority FMR projects that strategically link production and consumption areas; and • Tap private sector participation in the construction of the needed support infrastructure for the sector; d) Develop markets and regulatory competence:
sharpen
• Provide effective market assistance, marketing support and information systems, product development, market intelligence, and encourage participation in product promotion activities, both in the domestic and international markets; • Provide trade facilitation, including provision of trade and fiscal incentives to encourage participation and investments from the private sector. This will, likewise, entail reforms and law enforcement of agriculture trade policies, and strengthen market access initiatives and technical assistance to SMEs and cooperatives, among others; and 6
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• Sharpen regulatory competence through technical and legal training, improvements in laboratories and equipment, and alignment of domestic with internationally accepted standards, including those for organic inputs, food, and Halal certification; e) Strengthen Research, Development and Extension (RD&E): • Update databases and information systems for the formulation of a reliable and responsive National RD&E agenda; • Increase investments in integrated RD&E programs that promote productivity enhancement, develop environment-friendly and efficient technologies throughout the value chain, in partnership with selected higher education institutions, LGUs, private and business sector; • Harmonize all agricultural and fisheries mechanization programs and projects of all concerned national government agencies, LGUs, and higher education institutions; • Rationalize and strengthen the extension system to improve complementation of national, local and private sector entities along the value chain in the provision of extension services; • Expand and sustain the sector’s human resource base (see also Chapter 8: Social Development); and • Encourage the participation of farmers, fisherfolk and their organizations in research and promotion activities;
Effectiveness refers to cost effectiveness, applicability in the area or suitability with the needs of end-users.
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
f ) Improve the sector’s credit access: • Form stronger partnerships between government and private financial institutions; • Strengthen the AFMAmandated Agro-Industry Modernization Credit Financing Program (AMCFP); • Implement capacity building programs to improve the creditworthiness of farmers, fisherfolk and their organizations; • Promote long-term financing for long-gestation crops such as coconut, rubber, oil palm, coffee, cacao and fruit trees similar to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand; • Develop and pilot test innovative financing schemes that would target farmer and fisherfolk who have no collateral and credit track record; and • Intensify information dissemination of credit, guarantee and insurance programs. g) Secure food affordability:
availability
and
• Ensure the availability of food staples (rice, white corn, and other starchy food) at reasonable prices at all times; • Focus on long-term productivityenhancing measures for agriculture and fisheries such as irrigation, R&D and extension services instead of short-term interventions (i.e., direct input subsidies); • Engage proactively with LGUs and the private sector to provide strategic agricultural infrastructure and services;
• Optimize productivity in mariculture parks and broaden the aquaculture base; • Transform the NFA into an agency focused on addressing extreme shocks to food supply and prices, while maintaining a predictable regulatory environment for rice trade; and • Management of consumption and diversification of staples.
New investments are particularly important since the sector employs a large share of the labor force and accounts for a majority of the poor population.
Strategy 1.2. Increase investments and employment across an efficient value chain. New investments are particularly important since the sector employs a large share of the labor force and accounts for a majority of the poor population. Making the sector competitive and modern, however, may render some workers redundant, as in the case of mechanization. For the released rural workers to find gainful employment in the industry and services sector, capital accumulation must rise sufficiently such as in agro-industries and agricultural services (e.g., marketing and logistics). In addition, complementary education and training can make rural workers more adaptable and flexible. Expanding the markets of agriculture and fishery products through value-adding and scaling-up of operations can also provide additional employment opportunities. a) Create job opportunities by expanding existing markets, aggressively exploring new markets and promoting private investments on agro-industries, agriservices (i.e., custom-hiring), agroforestry and fisheries, in both PPP and private sector-led modes; b) Localize agricultural promotion and development in accord with the subsidiarity principle. Regional strategies must take precedence in championing local commodities and promoting sector competitiveness;
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c) Promote more value-adding into products and develop the capacities of stakeholders for value-chain management; d) Promote vertical and horizontal integration of input, production, and marketing (e.g., agro-industry clustering);
It is important to strengthen ARBs’ capacities for agricultural production and transform them into entrepreneurs capable of improving the productivity of the awarded lands, adding substantial value to their produce, engaging in off-farm endeavors, and improving their access to the markets.
e) Strengthen the country’s agricultural exports by focusing resources on highvalue crops (fruits and vegetables, ornamentals, rubber, oil palm, coffee, coconut, etc.) and fishery products (e.g., grouper, seabass, seaweeds, etc.), where comparative advantage is high; and f ) Expand investments in aquaculture and other food production areas. Strategy 1.3. Transform agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) into viable entrepreneurs. The CARP intends to improve the living conditions and wellbeing of the ARBs, lifting them out of poverty and empowering them to improve their socioeconomic future. Awarded agricultural lands, the ARBs’ basic input for their economic activities, must therefore be harnessed for this purpose, taking into consideration ecological sustainability and gender equality/equity. It is important to strengthen ARBs’ capacities for agricultural production and transform them into entrepreneurs capable of improving the productivity of the awarded lands, adding substantial value to their produce, engaging in offfarm endeavors, and improving their access to the markets: a) Achieve land tenure stability of the ARBs in the CARP-awarded lands, preferably through individual certificates of land ownership award
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In compliance with Section 14 of Republic Act 9700
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
(CLOA) or at least through collective CLOA; b) Strengthen the organizational capacity of ARBs and ARB organizations to develop and manage agri-enterprises; c) Scale-up microenterprises into formal and viable SMEs through the clustering of ARCs and establishing networks of enterprises; d) Liberalize access to credit by ARBs;7 e) Provide enterprise-based legal support for ARBs and ARB organizations to strengthen their structures and mechanisms; and f ) Establish physical infrastructure (FMR, irrigation systems and postharvest facilities, among others) in strategic ARCs and clusters.
Goal 2. Sector Resilience to Climate Change Risks Increased The resiliency of the country’s agriculture sector is threatened by climate change and extreme weather events. Damage to rural infrastructure and losses to crops, livestock and fishing grounds, water allocation and the competing priorities in the use of water supply are a few emerging problems that should be dealt expediently. Sound scientific advice is needed regarding appropriate crop varieties, cropping patterns, and climate-vulnerable structures, including irrigation systems.
Strategy 2.1. Reduce climate change-related risks and the vulnerability of natural ecosystems and biodiversity through ecosystembased management approaches, conservation efforts, and sustainable environment and natural resourcesbased economic endeavors such as agri-ecotourism. a) Adopt Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Technologies in the development of water, land, and related resources; b) Promote environment-friendly and sustainable production systems that use the farming systems approach, employ good agriculture/aquaculture practices, and promote organic agriculture, as embodied in RA10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010; c) Improve the climate change resilience of fisheries through the restoration of fishing grounds, stocks and habitats and through investment in sustainable and climate change-responsive fishing technologies and products; and d) Strengthen sustainable, multisectoral and communitybased resource management mechanisms. Strategy 2.2. Increase the resilience of agriculture communities through the development of climate changesensitive technologies, establishment of climate-resilient agricultural infrastructure and climateresponsive food production systems, and provision of support services to the most vulnerable communities. a) Strengthen R&D for the improvement of crop, livestock and fishery varieties (i.e., resistant
to temperature increase, droughttolerant, resistant to stresses such as water logging and pests); b) Promote viable and competitive crop, livestock and fishery varieties that can tolerate climate variability; c) Establish climate-resilient agriculture infrastructure through enhanced technical design of irrigation facilities, FMR, PHF, etc. that take climate risks and extreme climate events into account; and d) Strengthen agricultural extension and support services to raise farmers’ knowledge and capacity to adopt climate-sensitive farming and fishing technologies. Strategy 2.3. Strengthen the agriculture and fisheries insurance system as an important risk sharing mechanism. a) Improve risk-reducing mechanisms (i.e., guarantee, insurance) to encourage more banks and other lending conduits such as cooperatives and NGOs to lend to agriculture and fisheries; and
The NCI is a multisectoral and integrated planning approach adopted by the DA, DAR, and the DENR towards more efficient use of resources. Through the NCI, the three rural development agencies undertake joint planning, programming and budgeting as well as monitoring and evaluation in the achievement of the sectoral goals and targets of the Plan.
b) Introduce innovative risk-transfer mechanisms such as weather-based/ index insurance systems. Strategy 2.4. Incorporate natural hazards and climate risk in the agricultural land use plan or the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) a) Pursue the passage of a National Land Use Law as a basis for effective land use policy and planning; and b) Use land use planning at national and local levels to identify hazardous areas and as a basis for implementing adaptation and mitigating measures in climate risk- and disaster-prone areas.
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Strategy 2.5. Strengthen the capacity of communities to respond effectively to climate risks and natural hazards. a) Conduct IEC campaigns and capacity building activities for the purpose at the local level; and b) Establish community-based early warning systems, agrometeorology stations, automatic weather stations (AWS) and climate field schools. Strategy 2.6. Continue vulnerability and adaptation assessments especially in food production areas. a) Produce updated weather-based dynamic cropping calendars to address the irregularity of wet and dry seasons, and develop optimal planting windows based on medium-range weather forecasts; and b) Undertake a study to assess groundwater resources availability and vulnerability to ensure food security during period of drought.
Goal 3. Policy Environment and Governance Enhanced As a complement to the preceding goals, the policy environment and governance shall be enhanced through: (a) the NCI; (b) the use of an effective common management strategy among agencies concerned; (c) budgetary reforms; (d) PPP; and (e) a review of laws and policy issuances. Strategy 3.1. Reaffirm the mechanisms and objectives of the National Convergence Initiative (NCI). The NCI is a multisectoral and integrated planning approach adopted by the DA, DAR, and the DENR towards more efficient use of resources. Through the NCI, the three rural development agencies undertake joint planning, programming and budgeting as well as monitoring and evaluation in the achievement of the
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sectoral goals and targets of the Plan. The objectives of the NCI include: a) Accelerating the completion of the CARPer up to 2014; b) Rationalizing land use policies and strengthen the system of land property rights; c) Promoting sustainable agriculture and preserve the land resource base; d) Enhancing the investment and opportunity climate for agribusiness; e) Promoting sustainable upland development and forest management; and f ) Initiating CCA and mitigation measures. Strategy 3.2. Adopt Managing for Development Results (MfDR) as a common approach among rural development agencies. MfDR is a management strategy that focuses on development performance and sustainable improvements in outcomes, providing both framework and practical tools for strategic planning, risk management, progress monitoring, and outcome evaluation (OECD Policy Brief, March 2009). By focusing on clear and measurable results, government resources are translated into programs and projects that deliver development outcomes. Strategy 3.3. Implement budgetary reforms. The current budget system for the sector is commodity- and productionoriented and is not geared to promoting competitiveness. Funding for key functional areas under the AFMA, such as market and information services, regulatory functions, research, etc., is currently allocated to commodity programs, which are centrally managed
and lack the ability to prioritize strategically across the entire sector. A revised budget format shall correct this shortcoming by introducing a system based on priorities, functional responsibilities and market needs, consistent with the AFMA’s goals. The revised format will also provide for a greater alignment between the planning and budget processes. This budgetary reform is also inherently linked with the MfDR strategy. Strategy 3.4. Pursue PPP especially for infrastructure and value chain development. The private sector will be tapped to participate in government’s efforts in delivering immediately the needed infrastructure and services in the agricultural and fisheries sectors. Among the projects that may be eligible under PPP include irrigation infrastructure, food supply chain and postharvest services (i.e., bulk handling facilities, food/grains terminals and processing, storage, handling and port/transport facilities), production centers for various farm inputs, fish farming infrastructure, and market and trading centers. Strategy 3.5. Review critical legislation (i.e., AFMA, Fisheries Code) and policy issuances (i.e., sugar trade). A review of laws and policies shall be a continuing activity to ensure the responsiveness of such issuances to current developments in the sector. The AFMA of 1997 and Fisheries Code of 1998, mandates a mandatory review every five years. Corn and sugar trade policies will also be reviewed, to take into account the latest global trends and market forces, and to ensure supply adequacy supply, price stability, and affordability.
Legislative Agenda Pursue the Passage of a National Land Use Law The passage of the bill, pending for two decades now, is expected to provide legal and other mechanisms not only for land reform areas, but also zoned areas for water and water uses, especially for agriculture. This is especially important in anticipation of the end of the agrarian reform program and the subsequent opening of the land market. Further, it is envisioned that the policy shall serve as guide to the optimum allocation of land among competing uses within the framework of sustainable development. It shall also provide a mechanism for resolving land use policy conflicts taking into consideration the principles of social equity and economic efficiency.
Institute Reforms in the NFA The NFA Reorganization Act will further rationalize grains-sector trading. It restructures the agency by separating its regulatory and proprietary functions. The NFA shall grant import permits for rice to all applicants as a ministerial function, subject to the payment of applicable taxes, duties, and service fees. The quantitative restriction on rice must be reviewed in light of the WTO exemption that expires in 2012. The proposed law enables NFA to engage in activities consistent with its renewed mandate.
Rationalize DA, DAR and DENR The agriculture bureaucracy should be rationalized through the efficient and effective convergence and complementation of the agriculture, agrarian reform and natural resources (AARNR) service agencies and related offices by taking measures to sort out institutional overlaps. The convergence effort will operationalize sustainable development by integrating the social, economic, and environmental aspects of rural development. The proposed legislation will rationalize and strengthen Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Sector
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the provision of extension services towards improving national, local and private sector complementation.
Work for the Accelerated Irrigation Act Under this law, the NIA shall undertake a six-year accelerated irrigation program to construct irrigation projects in the remaining unproductive but potentially irrigable lands nationwide to an extent to be determined in a full inventory of potential areas for irrigation, and of potential irrigation projects in accordance with technical, economic, and environmental criteria.
Work for a Food Safety and Food Labelling Law This measure puts in place a coordinated food safety and certification system, clearly defining the functions and mandates of the agencies concerned; establishing a system for public laboratories to ensure the credibility of test results; and strengthening the participation of food supply industries in the global food trade, among others. Consumers’ right to information should also be protected through proper labelling of raw materials and ingredients of processed food products, including those sourced from genetically-modified organisms.
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Accelerating Infrastructure Development Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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Accelerating Infrastructure Development The Plan’s infrastructure development program aims to contribute to inclusive growth and poverty reduction. It will support the performance of the country’s economic sectors and ensure equitable access to infrastructure services, especially as these affect the people’s health, education, and housing. Toward these ends, the government will accelerate the provision of safe, efficient, reliable, cost–effective, and sustainable infrastructure.
Crosscutting Strategies Low levels of investment in infrastructure are directly caused by the country’s tight fiscal situation. Inadequate project preparation, poor project quality-at-entry, and poor project execution cause delays and changes in project scope and raises costs in the course of implementation.
The country’s inadequate infrastructure has been identified as a critical constraint to economic growth1. This inadequacy, in both quantity and quality, is the result of low levels of public and private sector investments in infrastructure, which fall short of the requirements of a progressive economy and a growing population. Moreover, inequitable access to basic infrastructure services has also become an obstacle to poverty reduction and, more generally, to inclusive growth because it limits the opportunities for economic and social advancement available to marginalized sectors. To accelerate infrastructure development and offer equitable access to infrastructure services, the following objectives and strategies shall be pursued across all infrastructure subsectors:
To optimize resources and investments Low levels of investment in infrastructure are directly caused by the country’s tight fiscal situation. Notwithstanding the measures to address the narrow
fiscal space discussed in Chapter 2, the following strategies need to be implemented to make the most of available resources and investments in infrastructure:
Improve project preparation, development, and implementation Inadequate project preparation, poor project quality-at-entry, and poor project execution cause delays and changes in project scope and raises costs in the course of implementation. All of these significantly reduce the project’s value and hamper the attainment of project objectives. To address this problem, the following policy reforms2 shall be implemented: • Strengthening the capacity of NEDA and other government agencies in Value Engineering/ Value Analysis (VE/VA) and Risk Analysis and Management to ensure that infrastructure projects are not overdesigned or overspecified and to minimize cost-overruns, project
See ADB. Philippines: Critical Development Constraints, ADB Publications, December 2007, p.1-62 and C.F. Habito. An Agenda for High Inclusive Growth in the Philippines. ADB Publications 2010, p. 1-61. 1
These reforms were recommended under the 2009 Philippines-Australia Partnership for Economic Governance Reforms (PEGR)-funded Reform Agenda 006-07 on Institution Strengthening of the NEDA and other oversight agencies on value engineering, contract preparation, and performance monitoring of infrastructure projects 2
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implementation delays, changes in scope of works;
and
• Incorporation of VE/VA and Risk Analysis in the guidelines and processes of the NEDA Investment Coordination Committee (ICC); • Development of Model Transaction Documents/ Contracts that may be uniformly applied to PPP projects of national government agencies (NGAs) and LGUs3; and • Monitoring, management, and evaluation (MME) of PPP projects for the immediate mitigation of potential problems during contract implementation, while maintaining clear lines of accountability between contracting parties and the oversight agency. To assist agencies in project preparation, a fund to support the conduct of feasibility studies may be established. This fund will ensure that feasibility studies are undertaken in a timely and correct manner. With regard to PPP projects, NEDAICC approval of business cases shall be secured before proceeding to a full feasibility studies to save on project preparation costs. This shall include the “go or no-go” decision on a project at an early stage and shall be required of all PPP projects irrespective of modality.
Synchronize planning and budgeting The MTEF and the OPIF represent substantial progress in ensuring the
consistency and responsiveness of the expenditure program with the national development agenda of the government. Despite these, there is still a need to guarantee that only those infrastructure programs and projects that will generate genuine economic benefits and are consistent with established development plans will be adequately funded for timely implementation. By synchronizing the prioritization of programs and projects on one hand and allocating appropriate funding across government agencies on the other, the government ensures that only programs and projects that are strategic and critical to the realization of developmental goals shall be prioritized for funding. As a prior step, however, government agencies must demonstrate that proposed projects indeed make positive net contributions to national economic and social welfare.
Coordinate and integrate infrastructure initiatives
Development initiatives across infrastructure subsectors shall be coordinated and integrated. Intended outcomes are better realized if there is a coordinated and integrated strategy for infrastructure initiatives.
Development initiatives across infrastructure subsectors shall be coordinated and integrated. This ensures that the requirements of these subsectors are addressed within the fundamental levels of the infrastructure sector and that their contributions are fully utilized. Intended outcomes are better realized if there is a coordinated and integrated strategy for infrastructure initiatives. LGUs play a key role in infrastructure development. While local autonomy is duly recognized, the financial and technical capacity of LGUs must be enhanced if they are to become more effective development partners. Their capacity for planning must also be improved so that local and national plans can be harmonized.
Specific BOT/PPP model transaction documents/contracts have already been developed for four subsectors namely: (a) urban mass rail; (b) bulk water supply; (c) solid waste management (SWM); and (d) ICT. A contract drafting tool which aims to encompass all other projects and sectors not covered by the four model contracts has also been developed. The model contracts and the contract drafting tool are both posted on the NEDA website under the “Programs and Projects” section. 3
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To aid planning and project development, the collection, management, and integration of key infrastructure and related data both at the national and local levels will be improved.
To attract investments in infrastructure Improving investor confidence is necessary in order to generate additional financing and attract service providers. Both, in turn, ease the burden of government in providing infrastructure. The following strategies aim to make the country an attractive destination for investments by establishing a stable, consistent, and transparent policy environment and by reducing the moneyand time-cost of doing business:
Improve the institutional and regulatory environment of the infrastructure sector Regulatory agencies play a vital role in infrastructure development since they strongly influence, for good or ill, the provision of existing infrastructure services and the levels of forthcoming investments. They also affect the accessibility of such services, particularly the rates at which these are made available. Improving the regulatory environment for infrastructure therefore becomes contingent on institutional reforms, which will involve: a. the separation of operation and regulatory functions of agencies in order to remove conflicts of interest that arise naturally when such functions are performed by a single entity; b. the establishment of an independent body that consolidates in itself all regulatory functions to support the provision of public infrastructure services in subsectors with multiple regulators;
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c. the creation of a regulatory framework where this is lacking and necessary; and d. the strengthening of regulatory institutions through capacity building and reinforced independence. Regulatory agencies should pay special attention to vertical integration trends in supply and distribution utilities. These may facilitate transfer-pricing and result in inefficiencies from the supply side to the distribution side. This issue becomes critical in sectors where natural monopolies are present, such as energy and water, where returns on investment are guaranteed and where distribution is regulated while supply is not.
Encourage PPPs The huge investment requirements of the infrastructure sector, coupled with the government’s need to observe fiscal discipline, means that government shall tap the private sector for the financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of major infrastructure in high-priority areas, such as transportation, power and water. To this end, the environment for the implementation of PPPs shall be improved by revisiting the following guidelines and policies: a. RA 7718 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR); b. Guidelines and Procedures for entering into Joint Venture ( JV) Agreements between Government and Private Entities; and c. RA 9184 or the General Procurement Reform Act. The objective of the review shall be to clarify ambiguous provisions and streamline the procedures and processes of project approval and implementation.
Experience during the global financial crisis and constraints encountered by concerned agencies in processing and implementing PPP projects will also be considered to make these guidelines and policies more responsive and attractive to the private sector.
To foster transparency and accountability in infrastructure development Encourage stakeholder participation Government shall encourage the active participation of the public and civil society in governance, monitoring, and feedback. Transparency and accountability are integral to a predictable policy environment conducive for investment.
To provide productive employment opportunities Adopt a labor-intensive scheme where applicable Infrastructure can contribute significantly to local employment generation and can harness skills and technical expertise of the workforce. To provide productive employment opportunities that will contribute to inclusive growth, the infrastructure sector shall adopt an employment–intensive or labor–based scheme whenever it is most optimal in infrastructure development. Safety and health in public works undertakings shall be ensured at all times.
Infrastructure Subsectors Transport
To adapt to climate change and mitigate the impacts of natural Assessment, Issues, and disasters Challenges4 Institutionalize CCA and DRRM in infrastructure development. The impacts of climate change and natural disasters add to the country’s infrastructure problems and hamper resolution of the constraints earlier discussed. Hence, CCA and DRRM will be institutionalized in infrastructure development. Plans and designs should include the possible effects of climate change and natural disasters in order to develop disaster–resilient infrastructure a n d help mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. LGUs should also incorporate CCA and DRRM strategies into their respective plans, programs and budgets to allow timely, efficient and effective mitigation and disaster response at the local level. 4
The impacts of climate change and natural disasters add to the country’s infrastructure problems and hamper resolution of the constraints earlier discussed. Hence, CCA and DRRM will be institutionalized in infrastructure development.
In the MTPDP 2004–2010, the development of the country’s transport infrastructure was principally aimed at the decentralization of progress and development by providing opportunities for growth, especially in regions and areas adjacent to Metro Manila. Towards that end, the following major thematic areas in transport were pursued and became the primary focus of both public and private investment: (a) the development of the nautical highway system and road-roll-on/roll-off (RORO) terminal system linking the entire country; (b) the development of tourism infrastructure to provide access to major tourism destinations; (c) the affirmative action for peace and development in Mindanao and other deeply impoverished areas; and (d) the decongestion of Metro Manila and the spread of development to adjacent regions.
Source: Updated MTPDP 2008–2010
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Facilities for RORO have been built or rehabilitated in 22 ports identified under the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH), with 42 RORO ships operating in the identified SRNH routes run by 25 shipping operators as of the end of 2009. Economic gains have been recorded in connection with the intermodal road-RORO terminal system (RRTS) connecting Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon, with a reduction in travel time by around 12 hours and a reduction of transport cost by 37-43 percent for passengers and 24-34 percent for cargo. The Subic Bay Port Development Project was also completed and was expected to generate significant benefits with the increase in the port’s container capacity from 100,000 to 600,000 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units). The Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), linked to the existing North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), was also completed and has been operational, reducing travel time from Subic to Manila and from Tarlac to Manila. The construction of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Toll Expressway (TPLEx) extending the SCTEx from Tarlac to La Union is ongoing and is expected to relieve traffic congestion along the existing Manila North Road. In the Southern Luzon Corridor, the completion of the Batangas Port Development Project and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Expressway will pave the way for the development of the industrial belt south of Metro Manila. With respect to roads and bridges, the completion of substantial improvement and rehabilitation is expected to reduce transport costs and induce economic activities, particularly in the rural areas. As of December 2009, 22,468 km. (75.15%) of all national roads had been paved, of which of 13,525 km. were national arterial roads and 8,943 km. national secondary roads. Meanwhile 93 percent of the total 314,456 linear meters of national bridges have been made permanent. As for local roads, of the 30,924.76 km. of existing provincial roads, 30.2 percent or 9,345.15 km. have been
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paved, while 69.5 percent, or 21,464.50 km, are unpaved, with 0.4 percent or 115.11 km. of still undetermined condition. Of the 14,810.44 km. of city roads, 61.7 percent, or 9,138.348 km. have been paved and 35.8 percent, or 5,308.220 km, are unpaved, with 2.5 percent or 363.872 km. of undetermined quality. Major tourist destinations identified in the previous Plan included Cebu– Bohol–Camiguin, Clark–Subic, Cordillera, Davao, Ilocos, Boracay, and Palawan, among others. To serve Panay Island and its immediate environs, the New Iloilo Airport was completed in June 2007. The New Bacolod (Silay) Airport for Negros Island destinations was inaugurated and opened for operations on January 18, 2008. The Caticlan Airport is currently being rehabilitated, and the Kalibo Airport’s terminal building was initially expanded to cater to the increasing visitor traffic to Boracay Island and nearby destinations. To serve the Cordillera area, the facilities of the San Fernando Airport in La Union were upgraded, while the first phase of improvements on the Busuanga (Coron) Airport in Palawan was substantially completed. On the goal of developing Subic–Clark as an Asian logistics center, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved and published the IRR of EO 253 expanding air services at Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) and Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA). Developments at DMIA include the expansion and rehabilitation of the existing passenger terminal and the installation of radar equipment to enhance the safety of flights, as well as to ensure roundthe-clock airport operations even in adverse weather. The CAB and the RP Air Panel negotiated air services agreements (ASAs) from 2006 to 2010 with Singapore, Turkey, Oman, Russia, Libya, Cambodia, United Kingdom, Spain, Brunei, Australia, Kuwait, UAE,
Qatar, Malaysia, Finland, Iran, Thailand, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Canada, Macau, Palau, Bahrain, People’s Republic of China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Nepal, and New Zealand. These agreements resulted in increases in capacity entitlements, new routes, more access points, multiple airline designation, and airline cooperative arrangements. The CAB was able to negotiate an average of 200– 300 tons capacity per week for cargo, which covers Manila, Subic, Clark, and other points in the Philippines. While there are completed and ongoing transport projects implemented through PPP under the BOT Law, private-sector participation in transport infrastructure development has been continually enhanced to augment the government’s budgetary support for capital investment. This effort included the development and construction of expressways, railways, and airports; the privatization of individual ports or groups of ports; and the operation and maintenance of transport facilities. For the roads subsector, the JICAassisted Master Plan on High Standard Highway Network Development, which identified a long list of potential PPP expressway projects, was completed in July 2010. In addition, the Preparatory Survey for PPP Infrastructure Development Project, which aims to identify bottlenecks in PPP project implementation and select priority infrastructure projects, is underway and close to completion. Some of the maintenance of land transport assets (i.e., maintenance of national, provincial, and city roads nationwide; improvement of drainage; installation of adequate traffic lights, and road safety and pollution monitoring devices) had been undertaken in the last few years using revenues from the Motor Vehicle Users’ Charge (MVUC). Objectivity in the prioritization and allocation of resources for national road maintenance was also enhanced using a
computerized system with comprehensive and up-to-date technical and economic criteria and data. For local roads, an incentive-based policy reform program is currently underway. This uses incentives or grants to finance road maintenance and rehabilitation to motivate LGUs to institute policy reforms in local government systems and processes, and improve performance in road rehabilitation and maintenance and other service delivery. Despite notable accomplishments in the transport sector, the institutional and bureaucratic reforms proposed under the previous Plan seeking to separate the operation and regulation functions of transport agencies have not been achieved. This notwithstanding, the civil aviation subsector underwent a degree of reorganization with the enactment of RA 9497 on March 4, 2008 creating the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). RA 9497 grants the new body fiscal autonomy through the corporatization of the preceding civil aviation agency, while retaining its technical regulation functions over the civil aviation industry. The economic regulation functions meanwhile rest with the CAB. There is a need to pursue a full restructuring of the air transport organizations as well as those for the ports and for rail transport. To become globally competitive and address safety issues, especially those raised by civil aviation stakeholders, the government is implementing the Communications Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. A similar project was completed in 2004— the Nationwide Air Navigation Facilities Modernization Project (Phase 3)—to replace ageing air navigation equipment. Likewise, maritime safety measures have been pursued in domestic shipping in compliance with International Safety Management (ISM) and National Safety Management (NSM) codes and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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Ship Safety Inspection System. Ship inspection has also been enhanced through the Japan International Cooperation Agency ( JICA)-assisted Project on the Enhancement of Ship Inspection completed in 2005. A MOA between MARINA and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to implement ship safety inspection was signed on September 14, 2005. To strictly monitor compliance by ships and to enforce maritime safety rules and regulations by deputized maritime enforcers, MARINA, on March 16, 2009, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the PCG, Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG), the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), and the Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB). In 2010, a total of 356,831 mandatory predeparture inspections (MPDI), 992 port state control inspections, and 5,476 Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) compliance inspections were conducted by the PCG. Compliance with international maritime security standards has been implemented through the adoption of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Vessel Traffic Management Systems (VTMS) have been installed in the Port of Manila, Corregidor Island, and the Port of Batangas following the security provisions of the Code. There are plans for the installation of similar standards in other major ports. In 2005, the Study on Wooden-Hulled Ships (WHS) recommended standards, rules, and regulations for the continued operation of existing wooden-hulled ships, and the construction, safety, and operation of new ones. On October 27, 2010, the Rulebook on the Construction and Repair of Wooden-Hulled Ships and Wooden-Hulled Boats with Outriggers was approved by the MARINA Board. As part of the domestic shipping fleet modernization program, MARINA entered into a MOA with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Maritime Leasing Corporation (now, DBP Leasing Corporation) on June 2, 2008. The aim is to provide loan facilities to qualified ship
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owners or operators who are interested in the acquisition of RORO ships to be deployed in SRNH routes. As of June 2010, seven companies have availed of the said facility involving the acquisition of 12 RORO ships. EO 588, entitled “Strengthening the Philippine Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Sector and Instituting Measures to Promote Its Growth and Development”, was issued on December 8, 2006. This mandated the formulation of a Comprehensive Development Plan for the Philippine Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry that was completed on October 16, 2007 and subsequently endorsed to the Office of the President on December 3, 2007 together with the draft memorandum circular directing the implementation of the Plan. To further promote the development of domestic shipping, RA 9295 entitled an “Act Promoting the Development of Philippine Domestic Shipping, Shipbuilding, Ship Repair and Ship Breaking, Ordaining Reforms in Government Policies towards Shipping in the Philippines and for Other Purposes” was enacted on May 3, 2004. The law deregulated the domestic shipping industry by allowing domestic operators to set their own passenger or cargo rates, hence promoting investments in the industry. Notwithstanding the accomplishments in the transport sector, several issues and challenges still remain to be addressed, such as the following:
Lack of integrated and coordinated transport network A major shortcoming of the sector is the absence of an integrated and wellcoordinated national transport plan that will guide the prioritized funding and implementation of transport projects, as well as the physical planning and intermodality of transport infrastructure. This situation is likely a consequence of the current institutional setup
characterized by weak coordination, regulation, and oversight for transport policies and plans. The lack of integration between national and local government plans and programs/projects is also a major problem that results in gaps in the transport network, contributing to the low capacity and quality of infrastructure facilities. This is partly a consequence of the insufficient capacity of LGUs to finance and manage local projects, particularly roads, and the lack of national government funds to maintain the existing national transport infrastructure base. Global assessments of the country’s transport infrastructure network indicate that its quality and capacity remain low. These deficiencies stem mainly from inadequate and unreliable funding for construction and development of transport infrastructure, as well as for the management and maintenance of existing transport infrastructure assets. To promote productivity and trade competitiveness, seamless multimodal transport networks and logistics systems are needed. The MTPDP 2004–2010 recognized the need for a transport logistics system that will decongest Metro Manila by ensuring efficient linkages between its business centers and nearby provinces. In 2007, the Subic– Clark–Manila–Batangas (SCMB) Corridor, which connects the three regions accounting for two-thirds of the country’s GDP,was envisioned as a major transshipment and logistics hub in the Asian region following the creation of the Luzon Urban Beltway (LUB) Super Region. The SCMB Corridor handles more than 80 percent of the volume of the national cargo throughput, but its potential is constrained by inefficient logistics operations and infrastructure support. This has primarily resulted in high transport costs of goods and services that has made the corridor less
competitive. What is needed is a seamless multimodal logistics system along the SCMB Corridor to support intraregional trade and investment, an increase in the level of services of an integrated transport system, and an efficient flow of commodities, supplies, and inputs to tourism areas and various economic and industrial zones. Other strategic logistics corridors need to be identified and developed in a similar manner.
Overlapping and conflicting functions of transport and other concerned agencies The institutional structure of the transport sector needs to be studied thoroughly to determine the most efficient institutional setup and the corresponding institutional reforms to improve the quality of transport service, and to prevent conflicts between different modes of transport that serve the same purpose. A requisite, however, is a long-term policy framework to achieve an integrated and well-coordinated national transport plan. This policy framework would also address governance issues in the sector by raising the level of accountability of decision-makers and serve as the basis for a multimodal transport plan to guide investment planning, programming, and prioritization, among others. Specific policies related to governance may be included in the policy framework to ensure that the public sector is performanceoriented and that outcome-based services are promptly delivered.
Transport safety and security concerns Road accidents are now the fourth leading cause of death in the Philippines according to the DOH. The ADB Regional Safety Program published in 2005 estimated the national cost of traffic accidents for the Philippines at US$1.9 billion (or roughly 2.8 % of GDP). In addition, truck overloading continues to be a problem. According to a JICA-DPWH axle load survey in 2004 and
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A safe, secure, efficient, viable, competitive, dependable, integrated, environmentally sustainable, and people-oriented Philippine transportation system.
a DPWH survey in 2005, about 11 percent of the 3-axle trucks and 12 percent of the 4-axle semitrailers were overloaded.
the sector’s development objectives and strategies on resolving identified issues and challenges.
On the other hand, the maritime subsector’s record in the area of safety is alarmingly bad, with an average of more than 160 accidents per year over the last decade. Maritime accidents are a major problem owing to a combination of factors such as: (a) a mostly retro-fitted and aging fleet; (b) underappreciation of cargo balancing on-board vessels; (c) loss of experienced crews to foreign shipping; and (d) natural disturbances.
To ensure an integrated and coordinated transport network
Additionally, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) of the US has downgraded the category of the Philippines’ aviation capability in providing safety certification and oversight for international carriers, citing technical and regulatory deficiencies, among others.
Underdeveloped transport facilities in conflict-affected and impoverished areas As a result of armed conflict and inequity in the distribution of income, economic activity and investments have been constrained in some areas of the country. In particular, conflict-ridden areas have experienced damages in their transportation network and have suffered from the disrupted delivery of basic services, thereby adversely affecting the people’s welfare and the quality of life.
Strategic Plan and Focus The current state and performance of the transport sector indicates gaps and bottlenecks that need to be addressed to support the government’s thrust toward competitiveness and its development goals. What is envisioned is “a safe, secure, efficient, viable, competitive, dependable, integrated, environmentally sustainable, and people-oriented Philippine transportation system” that will focus
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1. Adopt a comprehensive longterm National Transport Policy (NTP) To guide the accomplishment of transport objectives and goals and to improve governance in the sector, a comprehensive long-term NTP must be put in place. This will guide the restructuring of the transport sector into a well-coordinated and integrated multimodal transport system. The NTP should clearly establish the government’s policies in the areas of resource generation and allocation; the criteria for the preparation of agency plans, programs and projects; cost recovery and subsidies; regulations for passenger transport services; urban transport and settlements; transport logistics; and governance. In the interim, the NTP shall be operationalized through an executive order, and in the mediumterm, through a legislative enactment. The NTP would eliminate uncertainty and lend predictability and consistency to government decisions, thereby promoting accountability. With regard to PPP project implementation, policies related to risk allocation (e.g., allocation of regulatory risk), delivery of ROW, and government financial support for viability gap funding of transport projects will be established. Additionally, the NTP will institutionalize CCA and DRR strategies in recognition of the major impacts of environmental, geologic, and meteorological hazards on the development and preservation of transport infrastructure. It will also promote a people-oriented transport system that mainstreams gender considerations.
The roles of the private sector vis-àvis those of government agencies and other authorities as well as LGUs in the development, operation and management of various transport infrastructures will be defined in conjunction with the crafting of a NTP. For rail transport, for example, the government can be the primary developer of the railway infrastructure, while the private sector can be responsible for the operations and maintenance of the facility including the provision of rolling stock. Likewise, the NTP shall consider the definition of the roles of national government entities and LGUs in transport infrastructure development and management (e.g., cost sharing policy/subsidy), notwithstanding the Local Government Code of 1991, including scope of duties and responsibilities, as well as the linking of national and local plans, and budget allocation. The government will also address the inadequate linkage between the planning and budgeting processes to ensure that resources are allocated to their most important uses for transport infrastructure and management. 2. Develop strategic transport infrastructure and maintain/manage transport infrastructure assets a. Prioritize asset preservation
While transport connectivity is of utmost importance, the upgrading of the quality and capacity of existing transport infrastructure will be prioritized before expanding the coverage of the networks. The latter will be based on a strategic plan that takes modal complementation into account. For rail transport, the quality of the existing railroad tracks and services must be upgraded. In the allocation of resources, higher priority shall be given to
asset preservation or maintenance and rehabilitation of the existing transport infrastructure network rather than new construction or development. The “user-pays” principle shall be applied at the very least for the purpose of asset preservation. This principle may be invoked whenever pricing of the service is possible and potential users unwilling to pay for the service can be excluded. The same argument may be invoked for full investment-cost recovery. The focus shall be the upgrading of the quality and capacity of existing ports, roads, airports, and rail lines. Additional funding for maintenance should be provided to heighten and effectively maintain existing infrastructure assets. The previous annual appropriation of PhP4 billion for road maintenance on top of the Road Fund should be reinstated. Budgetary allocation may be further augmented through the GAA. The government shall also enhance a “user-pays” culture in infrastructure management. As proposed under the previous Plan, RA 8794 (“An Act Imposing a Vehicle User’s Charge on Owners of All Types of Motor Vehicles and for Other Purposes”) may be amended to include a fuel levy or some other form of road user contribution in order to expand the Road Fund. For long-term sustainability, the stability of available and adequate maintenance funds shall be ensured. To ascertain the sustainability of local transport networks, an incentives-based reform agenda for LGUs shall be put in place, where applicable, to help LGUs improve their performance in transport infrastructure management and maintenance.
The “user-pays” principle shall be applied at the very least for the purpose of asset preservation. The SCMB Corridor and other strategic logistics corridors must be developed to become seamless intermodal logistics corridors.
b. Provide access to major and strategic tourism destinations and production areas
Dependable transport access will be facilitated in coordination with LGUs to support major and strategic tourism destinations.National and local coordination will be fostered to provide the necessary transport infrastructure to link production and agricultural areas to major roads leading to markets and population centers. Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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c. Promote environmentally sustainable and people-oriented transport
The government will continue to promote an environmentally sustainable and peopleoriented transport system. The shift from the use of fossil fuel to renewable energy sources to power vehicles shall be pursued. Non-motorized transport facilities such as sidewalks, footbridges, underground walkways, and bicycle ways will be provided to ensure safety of pedestrians and bicycle users. Transportation design and systems shall consider the frail, elderly and differently–abled persons, among others. The dual roles of that simultaneously serve as regulators and operators shall be addressed by establishing a separate and independent regulator (or regulators)
3. Develop an integrated multimodal logistics and transport system a. Identify and develop strategic logistics corridors based on a National Logistics Master Plan
The SCMB Corridor and other strategic logistics corridors must be developed to become seamless intermodal logistics corridors. In support of this, a Logistics Master Plan shall be completed to guide overall development. This plan shall consider the intermodality of the transport network system, the industrial and area development plans and the identification of the necessary initiatives, programs, and projects. It will promote subregional economic-cum-logistics cooperation and will fully utilize the logistics systems that link the regions traversed by the logistics corridor (e.g., Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and Southern Tagalog for the SCMB corridor). The aim shall be an “economic corridor” where development benefits not only large cities but also smaller towns and rural areas along the corridor.5 The extension of the SCMB logistics corridor farther to the north and to the south will also be pursued. To support this, the viability of establishing an efficient long-distance, high-speed mass rail transit system, integrated with the mass transit commuter rail system in Metro Manila,shall be explored alongside the rationalization 5
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of the roles of various government agencies and entities concerned with mass rail transport development. The feasibility of freight-rail services for all strategic logistics corridors will also be considered. b. Improve the RRTS
Interisland logistics shall be enhanced by further developing the RRTS. Studies on the domestic shipping industry shall also be undertaken to identify concrete measures to lower interisland shipping costs. Where needed, the maritime regulator shall intervene to ensure competition in the industry pursuant to RA 9295. Efforts to improve performance and efficiency in port operations shall likewise be pursued. c. Explore ASEAN connectivity through sea linkages
The Philippine archipelago’s proximity to other Asian countries is an obvious reason to explore the establishment of an ASEAN RORO Network, a Philippine initiative adopted as one of the “flagship” programs in the ASEAN Connectivity Masterplan during the 17th ASEAN Summit in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. In support of this initiative, the government shall study the development of existing RORO ports to accommodate international RORO ships as well as the necessary regulatory framework to promote such service. The development of port facilities through PPP to cater to cruise tourism, both servicing interisland and international cruise vessels, may also be explored. d. Expand the Air Services
Full implementation of EO No. 219 shall be pursued. The Philippines shall allow airlines from foreign countries to fly to any airport in the country except Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which is currently congested.
The Government shall ensure that each participating foreign country shall reciprocate by allowing airlines from the Philippines to fly to any of its airports. Each foreign country may also exclude one of their major airports during the period of exclusion of NAIA. (Please refer to Chapter 2: Competitive Industry and Services Sectors).
To address the overlapping and conflicting functions of transport and other concerned agencies 4. Separate the regulatory and operation functions of transport and other concerned agencies In line with the goal of separating the operation and regulation functions of transport agencies, the port, rail and air transport organizations shall be restructured. The dual roles of air, water, and rail transport sector agencies, as well as other government entities involved in the provision of transport infrastructure and services that simultaneously serve as regulators and operators shall be addressed by establishing a separate and independent regulator (or regulators) with jurisdiction over all airports, ports, or railways. In rail transport, the policy, planning, and regulation functions shall be separated from the delivery of train services, which also serves to allow private sector participation. In the previous plan, the interim institutional strategy for the rail subsector was to establish a Strategic Rail Authority in the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for policy, strategy, and regulation. However, the long-term plan calls for an independent rail regulator. To encourage private sector participation, ROW acquisition and infrastructure shall be subsidized by national government appropriations, while private concessionaires provide the rail services.
To ensure transport safety and security 5. Comply with safety and security standards Standards on safety and security shall be regularly upgraded and updated in keeping with international standards and practices and strictly implemented and enforced. Maritime safety and security will be enhanced through the ratification of maritime safety and security-related conventions. Road safety will be promoted through the implementation of the Road Safety Action Plan.
To promote development of conflict-affected and highly impoverished areas 6. Provide linkages to bring communities into the mainstream of progress and development Transport networks in underdeveloped regions and conflict-affected areas shall be improved to open up economic opportunities and help solve peace and order problems.
Water is a basic need and everyone has the right to be provided with access to basic services related to water. In addition, economic growth itself must be supported, specifically by meeting the needs of priority growth and production centers for water supply, sewerage, sanitation, irrigation and flood management.
Water Water is a basic need and everyone has the right to be provided with access to basic services related to water. In addition, economic growth itself must be supported, specifically by meeting the needs of priority growth and production centers for water supply, sewerage, sanitation, irrigation and flood management. The water sector’s greatest challenge is to balance equity and efficiency in the management of water resources to “ensure adequate, safe and sustainable water for all.” Efficient and effective management of water resources is fundamental to achieving inclusive economic growth while ensuring a sustainable environment.
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Crosscutting Issues and Strategies in the Water Sector Assessment, issues, and challenges Access to potable water and basic sanitation
The absence of a single lead agency to coordinate development in the water sector is one of the major hurdles to the efficient implementation of strategic water infrastructure. There are at least 30 agencies involved in the water sector, with specific but often overlapping or conflicting mandates for water supply, irrigation, flood management, pollution control, watershed management, financing, policy formulation and coordination
MDG 7 commits the country to halving the number of people without access to water and basic sanitation by 2015. Meeting this target is a major challenge for a number of reasons. One, the lack of sector data presents a logistical challenge in the determination of priority waterless areas. Two, investments in water supply and sanitation have also been significantly low relative to overall public spending (World Bank 2005), which may be due to the lack of a coherent financing framework in the sector. Three, public infrastructure spending by the national government shows a bias for Metro Manila and other urban areas, including spending for water supply, sewerage and septage management. And four, the absence of a clear monitoring system makes it difficult to assess and address the sustainability of developed infrastructure.
Inefficient and insufficient support for growth and production centers The absence of a single lead agency to coordinate development in the water sector is one of the major hurdles to the efficient implementation of strategic water infrastructure. There are at least 30 agencies involved in the water sector, with specific but often overlapping or conflicting mandates for water supply, irrigation, flood management, pollution control, watershed management, financing, policy formulation and coordination, among others. This situation presents difficulties for effective coordination and implementation of projects and programs to sustainably meet water use and management. (e.g., in
meeting the needs of competing users of water; linking water service provision with basic sanitation services; and ensuring effective and efficient flood risk reduction and management). While the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has the legal mandate for water governance, its existing structure and budget limit the exercise of its functions. To address the existing leadership gaps, the mandate of the Subcommittee on Water Resources (SCWR), initially created under the Committee on Infrastructure (INFRACOM) to ensure the implementation of the Philippine Water Supply Sector Roadmap, was expanded to become the key policy coordination body for the water sector. 6 Despite this, however, the sector remains weak in terms of regulation and allocation of water resources. Furthermore, effective planning, target-setting, monitoring and implementation are impeded by the lack of up-to-date, integrated, harmonized and comprehensive data on the sector. Such data is significant in the development of new water sources; and in the design of CCA and DRRM mechanisms. But initiatives to establish a knowledge-sharing network among stakeholders in water have so far proved unsustainable since there is no clear framework and reliable financing for the continuous updating and improvement of access to information.
The SCWR is an inter-agency committee for the Water Resources Sector established through NEDA Board Committee on Infrastructure Resolution No. 2, Series of 2008 composed of representatives from key national government agencies, leagues of cities and municipalities, academe and civil society. Its key function is to advise the NEDA Board and INFRACOM on policies and issues related to the Water Sector. 6
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Strategic Plan and Focus To address issues on equity and efficiency of access to water 1. Practice Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the sector IWRM7 has been identified as the over-all strategy for: (a) the effective protection and regulation of water for security and ecosystem health; (b) the provision of responsive services for present and future needs; (c) the improved effectiveness, accountability and synergy among water-related institutions and stakeholders; and (d) adaptive and proactive responses to emerging as well as future challenges, such as CCA and DRRM. While the concept is widely accepted, however, IWRM practices have not been mainstreamed in policies, plans and programs. Similarly, integrating the ecoefficient approach8 to the development of water infrastructure to support the desired transgenerational outcomes in the sector has yet to be realized. The experience of numerous recent instances of disasters, nonetheless, has raised awareness and increased the acknowledgement of the benefits of IWRM. Now is an opportune time, therefore, to implement coordinated activities to mainstream IWRM practices and promote the development of ecoefficient water infrastructure. Because of the fragmented nature of the water sector, the establishment of a comprehensive and accessible information management system is necessary to ensure coordinated
planning and implementation. Data collection methodologies have to be synchronized to support planning and budgeting of key programs and projects. Mechanisms that allow consistent updating and harmonization of raw data should be put in place alongside the sharing of such data among the relevant stakeholders, project developers, and key policy-makers. 2. Rationalize financing in the water sector to fulfill MDG commitments The low level of investments in the water supply and sanitation sector hinder the achievement of the MDGs of the sector. The lack of a coherent financing framework must be addressed by rationalizing financing in the water sector to make the fullest use of limited public funds and encourage concessional financing, and private sector investments. 3. Work towards a lead agency for the water sector A lead agency for the entire water sector should be ultimately developed. The lead agency should be able to assume the functions of policy making, coordination, and resource regulation for the sector. It shall be provided with sufficient capacity and authority to implement key policies, plans, and projects in the water resources sector. In the meantime, NWRB should be strengthened so it can continue its function as the sector’s overall economic and resource regulator. 4. Develop capacities of NGAs, LGUs, and water-service providers (WSPs) for the sustainable management of infrastructure and better service provision
IWRM promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. 7
Ecoefficiency is having “more value with less impact on the environment”; it emphasizes monitoring of material and energy flows of stocks and life cycle assessment. While ecoefficiency has been successfully integrated in industrial and business processes, its application in water infrastructure development will require the establishment of both physical and nonphysical infrastructures (i.e., policies, institutional framework, financing, etc). 8
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The capacities of planning and implementing institutions must be developed to improve the performance of various structural and nonstructural infrastructures for the water sector. NGAs and LGUs should enhance their capacities in effective water governance, sustainable use of water resources,and planning for CCA, among others. LGUs and WSPs should be assisted in developing relevant, practical, and up-to-date management tools that support integrated water resources management and technologies. Service providers should likewise be capacitated in plan development, budgeting and operations, among others, in order to improve coverage, efficiency and sustainability of infrastructure.
Water Supply Assessment, Issues, Challenges Limited access 9 Most assessments show a limited overall coverage and low level of access to safe drinking water in many areas of the country. Among others, the World Bank (2005) noted a decline in access to improved water services from the late 1990s to 2002. The 2010 Report of the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Program on the MDGs10 observed minimal
increases in coverage over the past two decades, particularly in urban areas. Moreover, there is a wide disparity in coverage between urban and rural areas (see Table 5.1). Regional data further reveals a broad inequity of access even among rural areas. The Philippines Progress Report on the MDG 2010, on the other hand, suggests that the sector is on track to attain its MDG commitment (Figure 5.1). Nonetheless, achieving 100-percent coverage remains a challenge, since 15.73 million people continue to have no access to a safe water supply. Data on the number of service providers remain inconsistent and have not been consolidated. Notwithstanding this, Table 5.2 shows the approximate proportion of the population with access to clean drinking water within the scope of certain groups of formal service providers. Approximately 20 percent continue to rely on informal access, which are generally not considered sustainable.
Table 5.1. Estimated Coverage of Access to Water
Year
URBAN AREAS (in %) Household Total Connections
RURAL AREAS (in %) Household Total Connections
1990
93
40
76
8
1995
93
46
79
13
2000
93
51
82
18
2005
93
57
85
23
2008
93
60
87
25
Source: WHO/UNICEF JMP 2010 Report Reasonable Access – availability of at least 20 liters per day from a source within 1 kilometer of the dwelling (World Bank and UNICEF Joint Measurement Programme: www.wssinfo.org, accessed 22 November 2010) 9
The WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme ( JMP) for Water Supply and Sanitation is the official United Nations mechanism tasked with monitoring progress towards MDG-7 or halving the proportion of the population without access to water and basic sanitation. 10
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ercentage Access to Safe Water
Figure 5.1. Percentage Access to Safe Water
PERCENTAGE ACCESS TO SAFE WATER
90 PERCENTAGE (%)
eries 1 73.8 77.5 76.7 77.9 79.1 78.7 79.7 79.1 77.9 80.6 81.5 81.4 85.9
85 80 75 70 1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
YEAR
Source: Philippines Progress Report on the Millennium Development Goals 2010
Table 5.2. Levels of Access to Safe Drinking Water
Access to FORMAL levels of service/a Level 3: 45% WDs: 20%
Level 10% P O s : LGUs and 5% CBOs: 20%
Informal Access 2: Level 1: 25%
LGUs and CBOs: 35%
Self-provision through private wells, tanked or vended water supply or piped supply provided by SSIPs
Note: WDs: Water Districts PO: Private Operators (e.g., concessionaires, private developers, etc.) CBOs: Community-based Organizations (e.g., rural or barangay water service associations, cooperatives, etc.) SSIPs: Small Scale Independent Providers
Source: WB Report, Philippines: Meeting Infrastructure Challenges, 2005, as quoted in the NEDA Philippine Water Supply Sector Roadmap, 2010 (Footnotes) /a As defined in NEDA Board Resolution No. 12, Series of 1995: Level I (point source) - a protected well or developed spring system without a distribution system; Level II (communal faucet system or standpost) - a system composed of a source, reservoir, distribution system and communal faucets; and Level III (waterworks system or individual household connections) - a system composed of a source, reservoir, piped distribution system and household taps
Low investment levels and lack of financing for waterless areas Investment levels are too low to meet the growing demand for water. Among the key constraints to expanded coverage and improved quality of service are the low tariffs which hinder cost recovery and prevent the accumulation of funds for new capital expenditures. While cost recovery has been identified as a principle of regulatory policy, there has been minimal progress to achieve it. Regulatory oversight has been highly fragmented, as exemplified by the existence of: (a) three entities–NWRB, LWUA and the different LGUs–that exercise primary regulatory functions; and (b) specialized regulatory bodies such as the Subic Bay Regulatory Board and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System–Regulatory Office
(MWSS-RO). These institutions have different regulatory practices, processes, tariff-setting methodologies, and more importantly, overlapping functions or jurisdictions, resulting in variances in regulatory rules and enforcement across types of service providers.The lack of a single independent regulator for the water supply sector is a major reason for the absence of a clear regulatory framework with a credible and effective tariff methodology that is shielded from political intrusion, founded on accountability to consumers, and conducive to new investments to meet supply needs.
The Philippines Progress Report on the MDG 2010, on the other hand, suggests that the sector is on track to attain its MDG commitment. Nonetheless, achieving 100-percent coverage remains a challenge, since 15.73 million people continue to have no access to a safe water supply.
The program for waterless areas, which aims to provide water to 212 waterless barangays in Metro Manila and 432 waterless municipalities outside Metro Manila, has been allotted an annual budget of PhP1.5 billion. Because the administration of the Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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funds was largely discretionary, 40 percent (212 municipalities) of 432 municipalities identified as beneficiaries of the fund were not even part of the original list.
Strategic Plan and Focus
To address equitable provision of water supply and to ensure timely provision of water to key Moreover, there is no clear policy growth centers
The rapid increase in population resulting in the pollution of water systems and, in some areas, the exhaustion of groundwater reserves has quickly widened the gap between supply and demand for potable water, especially in tourism destinations, industrial areas and highly urbanized cities.
framework to guide the financing of water supply programs and projects. Currently, financing originates from a variety of sources. National government financing is primarily administered through LWUA and MWSS or onlent through GFIs or the Municipal Development Fund Office (MDFO). Additionally, congressional funds for water supply projects are significant but uncoordinated and largely allocated to areas based on political considerations. Local government funding, on the other hand, has mostly been for operation and maintenance rather than capital expenditures. (World Bank 2005) Private-sector financing has been skewed towards Metro Manila, and, there has been limited private investment by water utilities and private households outside Metro Manila.
Lack of new water sources to meet existing and future demand in growth centers The rapid increase in population resulting in the pollution of water systems and, in some areas, the exhaustion of groundwater reserves has quickly widened the gap between supply and demand for potable water, especially in tourism destinations, industrial areas and highly urbanized cities. Furthermore, extended dry seasons as a result of climate change are expected to exacerbate the demand for water. New water sources must be identified and developed to address this gap. The existence of financially viable areas for water supply means there is a good opportunity for the private sector to be engaged in source development.
The following strategies11 pursued:
will be
1. Strengthen Economic Regulation The creation of a single, independent economic regulator for water supply services is a priority strategy to address institutional fragmentation and the low level of investments in the sector. Legislative action is required to resolve the conflicting mandates of various agencies involved in the regulation of water services. Pending positive action from Congress, however, NWRB must be strengthened to allow partial resolution to the current situation. This interim action must also be supported by the formulation of a National Water Resources Policy (NWRP) to provide a policy framework for both economic and resource regulation in the water supply subsector. 2. Implement a priority program for waterless areas Consultations with stakeholders affirm the need for a specific program that will ensure the achievement of MDG 7 by 2015 and continuing 100-percent access to water in the medium term. Critical to the new program for water supply, however, is identifying key beneficiaries based on an updated assessment and identification of remaining waterless municipalities in the Philippines and ensuring sustainability of water service provision.
The strategies herein identified are consistent with the Philippine Water Supply Sector Roadmap (PWSSR). The PWSSR is the water supply sector plan and guide with long-term development outcomes supported by medium-term strategies and annual operational plans formulated and subscribed to by the different national government agencies, along with other stakeholders. Implementation of the strategies stated therein is crucial to achievement of the development goal to provide “access to safe, adequate and sustainable water supply for all.” 11
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3. Develop sustainable new water sources to meet demand
sustainable and efficient delivery of water supply to waterless and remote areas.
A comprehensive approach, adhering to the IWRM framework for projecting the demand-supply gaps across the country and for planning the development of new water sources should be developed not only to support the growing population, but also economic activity in growth centers -based on a viable national land-use plan. Extended dry seasons because of climate change would further exacerbate the demand for water, so that new water sources must be developed in a timely manner to ensure domestic water supply. This may adopt ecoefficient12 measures, including the reuse of excessive rainwater and recycled wastewater for nonhousehold purposes to rationalize water distribution.
Sanitation, Sewerage, and Septage Management
Resourceregulationshallbestrengthened to ensure that surface and ground water supply sources are sustainably developed and utilized. Alternatives should also be identified and prioritized based on a value-engineering perspective, which optimizes options and timing of development to provide value for money and minimize cost to consumers. 4. Localize national policies to support sustainable extension of water services Since LGUs are on the frontline in the provision of services each local government should be able to develop its own local plans, strategies and corresponding budget allotments, consistent with national policies and targets, including those identified in the PWSSR and the MDG. This should help harmonize and operationalize programs to address existing implementation issues and ensure the
Assessment, Issues, and Challenges Weak sanitation governance Many institutions are armed with sanitation-related mandates, but not one of them takes the lead in pushing for reforms in the sector. Although the DOH plays a key role due to the impacts of poor sanitation on health, only a small unit in the agency is concerned with sanitation. Its role is limited to policy formulation, thereby causing significant gaps between policy implementation and enforcement. In particular there is an inability to deliver commitments made under existing laws. Moreover, the Sanitation Code formulated in 1975 may no longer be appropriate for the requirements of a rapidly urbanizing population, particularly increasing population densities. The said code also does not consider the anticipated complications caused by climate change.
Inequitable access to basic sanitation facilities and sewerage and septage management services As in the water supply subsector, statistics on sanitation are uncoordinated and conflicting. This notwithstanding, WHO/ UNICEF JMP on the MDGs show a general trend of improving13 coverage from 1990 to 2008, with corresponding reductions in open defecation. From a 1990 baseline coverage of about 55 percent, the MDG target is to increase coverage to 84 percent by 2015. The
Many institutions are armed with sanitation-related mandates, but not one of them takes the lead in pushing for reforms in the sector. Although the DOH plays a key role due to the impacts of poor sanitation on health, only a small unit in the agency is concerned with sanitation. Its role is limited to policy formulation, thereby causing significant gaps between policy implementation and enforcement.
Ecoefficiency is having “more value with less impact on the environment”; it emphasizes monitoring of material and energy flows of stocks and life cycle assessment. While eco-efficiency has been successfully integrated in industrial and business processes, its application in water infrastructure development will require the establishment of both physical and non-physical infrastructures (i.e., policies, institutional framework, financing, etc). 12
For MDG monitoring, an improved sanitation facility is defined as one that hygienically separates human excreta from human contact. 13
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Figure 2. Percentage Access to Sanitary Toilets
Figure 5.2. Percentage Access to Sanitary Toilets PERCENTAGE ACCESS TO SANITARY TOILETS 90 PERCENTAGE (%)
Column1 Column2 1991 71.8 1994 74.9 1997 77.3 1998 80.4 1999 82.3 2000 82.9 2002 86 2003 81.7 2004 85.4 2006 84.2 2007 87.9 2008 88.6 2015 86.9
85 80 75 70 1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
YEAR
Source: Philippines Progress Report on the Millennium Development Goals 2010
Table 5.3. Estimated Coverage for Sanitation: 1990-2008
Year
URBAN AREAS (in %) Improved Open Defecation
RURAL AREAS (in %) Improved Open Defecation
1990
70
8
46
23
1995
73
7
52
21
2000
76
6
59
18
2005
78
5
65
15
2008
80
4
69
14
Source: WB/UNDP JMP 2010 Report
The Philippines is on track to meeting its MDG target for sanitation. Data from the DOH and 2010 Progress Report on MDGs, however, show fluctuating year-on-year coverage due to low investment levels, combined with a rapidly increasing population and the increasing frequency of natural disasters that affect the sustained operations of existing facilities.
DOH, however, sets a higher national target of 91 percent, with 96 percent for urban areas and 86 percent for rural areas. Similar to access to water supply, access to sanitation is much lower in rural areas compared to urban areas with a visible disparity amongst regions as well. Based on WHO/UNICEF JMP estimates, the Philippines is on track to meeting its MDG target for sanitation. Data from the DOH and 2010 Progress Report on MDGs, however, show fluctuating year-on-year coverage due to low investment levels, combined with a rapidly increasing population and the increasing frequency of natural disasters that affect the sustained operations of existing facilities. For sanitation facilities to be sustainable and make an impact on health outcomes, sewerage or septage management support is required. Unfortunately, there have been
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few investments in proper sewage collection and treatment, especially outside Metro Manila. Less than 10 percent of the population has access to sewerage services. Outside Metro Manila, selected highly urbanized cities (HUCs) provide services to less than 3 percent of their respective area populations. (WB 2005) This situation poses major health and environmental problems, especially in HUCs and during or after natural disasters (i.e., at evacuation centers and during rehabilitation of affected areas).
Low investment and financing Despite several national sewerage and sanitation policies like the Sanitation Code of 1975 and the Clean Water Act, demand for sanitation, sewerage and septage facilities, as well as related investments, remain low.
Open defecation is still practiced in many areas, especially is highly populated ones, resulting in polluted waterways and the spread of fatal and infectious diseases. Only 3 percent of public investments in water supply are used for sanitation. (PSSR 2010) Investments, by LGUs are limited since few of them have the capacity to implement, operate and maintain these systems. Low investment is also due in part to the low demand, which arose from a lack of popular understanding on the dangers of open defecation and open sewers. Official development assistance (ODA) for sanitation, septage and sewerage is largely administered by DPWH, DENR or MWSS for Metro Manila. Private sector investments are likewise limited because sanitation, sewerage and septage are perceived to be nonrevenue services, with high capital requirements relative to any projected returns. Ideally, these services should be linked to revenue-generating water service provision to facilitate cost recovery. Without a strong regulator for water, sanitation, sewerage and septage management services, there is no imperative or incentive for water service providers to extend the coverage of sewerage services.
Lack of awareness of the value of sanitation and its services Most LGUs accord the lowest priority and allot only minimal budgets for sanitation, septage and sewerage services because the benefits are indirect at best. The low demand for sanitation at local levels also extends to wastewater collection and treatment, thus further deferring the development of necessary infrastructure.
Furthermore, research on innovative technologies to provide economically and ecologically efficient sanitation, sewerage and septage facilities is lacking. Technical capacity to plan, implement, operate, and maintain these facilities is also limited both at national and local levels. Capacities to monitor the extent and level of service are likewise limited thereby adversely affecting effective planning and budgeting for the subsector.
Strategic Plan and Focus To improve health outcomes and effect a sustainable environment through improved sanitation, septage, and sewerage provision The following strategies14 will be pursued: 1. Develop effective national leadership and sanitation governance An empowered lead entity at the national level must be established to ensure that sanitation, sewerage and septage targets and plans are met and that critical policies, including the National Sanitation Code, are strictly implemented. Furthermore, necessary reforms are needed to pull in investments in sanitation, sewerage and septage facilities throughout the country, especially in highly urbanized cities (HUCs). Thus, any amendment or revision to existing national policies should articulate specific national targets and detailed strategies that can eliminate open defecation as well as facilitate local planning and budgeting for expansion of coverage, among others. This could be accompanied by legislative action, if required.
Only 3 percent of public investments in water supply are used for sanitation. Low investment is also due in part to the low demand, which arose from a lack of popular understanding on the dangers of open defecation and open sewers.Without a strong regulator for water, sanitation, sewerage and septage management services, there is no imperative or incentive for water service providers to extend the coverage of sewerage services. Most LGUs accord the lowest priority and allot only minimal budgets for sanitation, septage and sewerage services because the benefits are indirect at best.
The strategies herein identified are consistent with the Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Roadmap (PSSR), Similar to the PWSSR, the PSSR was developed and subscribed to by the different national government agencies, along with other stakeholders. It presents the plan and guide with long-term development outcomes supported by medium-term strategies and annual operational plans to be able to “provide safe and adequate sustainable sanitation for all and ensuring a clean and healthy Philippines.” 14
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2. Develop a regulatory framework A single, independent economic regulator for water supply, sewerage and septage management should be established to ensure the following: (a) accountability of service-providers to their customers; (b) sustainability of facilities through improved tariff methodologies; and (c) increased coverage through the provision of incentives and impetus for expansion of services within their areas. (See also strategies for water supply). 3. Rationalize investments and financing to provide infrastructure in strategic areas. Because of the high capital requirements of sewerage and septage management projects, government intervention is needed to support the private sector in increasing service (septage and sewerage) coverage. Thus, a financing framework should be developed to support sustainably the expected increase in demand for sanitation, septage and sewerage. Alternative PPP packages may be considered, among others. In the light of current constraints, it is necessary to be deliberate, especially in the implementation of septage and sewerage programs and projects including the development of septage/sewerage treatment plants. Highly vulnerable areas such as HUCs, which are populationdense and susceptible to sanitation problems, should be prioritized. However, it would also be advantageous to include priority tourism spots given their potential for economic development. The PSSR requires the formulation of programs by other key NGAs and LGUs to support the achievement of the envisioned outcomes. This includes the incorporation of sanitation measures in the design of significant infrastructure, such as school buildings and housing structures.
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4. Mainstream sanitation in emergency/disaster response Water-induced or related calamities resulting from climate change increase the vulnerability of communities that lack proper sanitation facilities. Hygiene promotion, coupled with sanitation response measures, should be mainstreamed in disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts. 5. Improve service delivery through vigorous communication To increase the effectiveness of national policies, a comprehensive and vigorous communication strategy must be undertaken to educate the public and decision-makers and increase demand for these services. Information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns among others, are to be developed. This includes dissemination of information on sanitation technology options and standards among LGUs and service providers.These campaigns aim to change behaviors towards proper hygiene in order to increase utilization of household sanitation infrastructure, such as sanitary latrines and septage collection tanks. Development planners and managers should also be provided similar IEC materials with added information on wastewater treatment and disposal methodologies.
Irrigation Assessment, Issues and Challenges Inadequate provision of irrigation Irrigation plays a vital role in the development of agriculture as well as in the attainment of food sufficiency. As of the end of 2009, irrigated agriculture comprised about 1.54 million hectares of land or about 49
percent of the estimated irrigable area of 3.126 million hectares. Around 765,000 hectares are served by national irrigation systems (NISs), while communal irrigation systems (CISs) and private irrigation systems (PISs) serve around 558,000 and 217,000 hectares, respectively. According to the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), it spent about PhP119 billion from 1983 to 2009, representing around 78 percent of its total approved appropriations for the same period. Despite this, only less than half of the total potential productive areas have been irrigated (see Table 5.4) While over 1.6 million hectares remain undeveloped for agriculture, these same areas are threatened by ongoing changes in land use (e.g., conversion into housing developments, golf courses, etc.). It is unclear whether such conversions are warranted by real long-term
development trends or these are merely responses to the artificially repressed state of agriculture and the protractedly unsettled status of property rights in agricultural land. Therefore, it may be a prudent course to protect productive land from rapid and irreversible conversions to nonagricultural uses.
Unsustainable use of irrigation water Because irrigation is the largest use of water in the country, a primary concern should be to optimize the productive use of water in irrigated agriculture to attain its full benefits and minimize waste. There is currently no incentive to conserve irrigation water, although payments are made on a per-hectare basis regardless of the actual water consumption needs of the crops. Subsidies disguise the true cost of providing irrigation services. In order to promote conservation and the sustainable use, treating water as an economic good provides the basis for putting into place
Irrigation plays a vital role in the development of agriculture as well as in the attainment of food sufficiency. Irrigation is the largest use of water in the country, a primary concern should be to optimize the productive use of water in irrigated agriculture to attain its full benefits and minimize waste.
Table 5.4. Status of Irrigation Development as of 31 December 2009
Region
Service Area (ha) Estimated Total National Communal Private Irrigable Irrigation Irrigation Irrigation Total Area (ha) System System System
CAR 99,650 1 277,180 2 472,640 3 498,860 4 246,960 5 239,660 6 197,250 7 50,740 8 84,380 9 76,080 10 120,700 11 149,610 12 293,610 ARMM 156,720 CARAGA 162,300 TOTAL 3,126,340 Source: NIA as of June 2010
22,622 57,567 142,530 202,311 53,146 20,530 53,191 10,040 19,104 15,162 26,419 33,971 62,437 16,520 29,427 764,977
35,351 96,654 41,775 78,008 53,133 70,050 20,372 22,529 29,748 19,739 23,564 15,639 22,255 7,095 21,719 557,631
22,912 27,329 23,095 20,555 17,962 29,484 5,499 2,539 4,466 1,972 14,764 25,915 17,296 225 3,316 217,329
80,885 181,550 207,400 300,874 124,241 120,064 79,062 35,108 53,318 36,873 64,747 75,525 101,988 23,840 54,462 1,539,937
Remaining Potential Irrigation Area to be Dev’t Developed (%) (ha) 81 65 44 60 50 50 40 69 63 48 54 50 35 15 34 49
18,765 95,630 265,240 197,986 122,719 119,596 118,188 15,632 31,062 39,207 55,953 74,085 191,622 133,440 107,838 1,586,963
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mechanisms that capture its economic value, since water is a finite and limited resource with competing uses and users.
NIA’s delicate system and financial performance NIA’s operation has rarely been profitable as the agency’s operating expenses far exceed its operating income. In order to improve the agency’s fiscal position, strategies to increase collection efficiency of irrigation service fees (ISFs)15 were implemented, particularly instituting incentive policies on ISF back-account collections. The net effect of such schemes resulted in a steady increase in NIA’s corporate income, and although the agency still runs annual net deficits (cash and noncash expenses), the deficits decreased from PhP648 million in 2000 to only PhP24 million in 2009.
The performance of most of the NISs and CISs has remained poor. Causes include inadequate O&M, lack of routine repair and ineffective management of available irrigation water sources due to financial, technical and institutional deficiencies.
With respect to the agency’s organizational restructuring, the DBMapproved Rationalization Plan is in its third year of implementation (part of a five-year phased implementation period). This saw the gradual turnover of operation and maintenance (O&M) activities, partially or wholly, from NIA to irrigators’ associations (IAs). Despite significant achievements over the years, NIA still has to maintain momentum in order to achieve the sustainable fiscal stability needed to perform its mandate.
Weak performance of irrigation systems The performance of most of the NISs and CISs has remained poor. Causes include inadequate O&M, lack of routine repair and ineffective management of available irrigation water sources due to financial, technical and institutional deficiencies. Irrigated cropping intensity of NISs nationwide averaged far less than the
200-percent target applied in project preparation. In addition, most of the service areas are dysfunctional and badly need rehabilitation.
Strategic Plan and Focus To provide basic support services and infrastructure as well as critical governance reforms in shaping a sector responsive to the challenge of ensuring food security for Filipinos across generations The following strategies will be pursued: 1. Rehabilitate existing irrigation systems and construct new smallscale systems Support services and infrastructure shall be geared towards the rehabilitation, repair and maintenance of existing irrigations systems. A rationalized fund mechanism should be implemented, specifically for the immediate rehabilitation of damaged irrigation facilities and systems, over and above the allocation intended for regular maintenance activities. Funding mechanisms envisioned shall include a National Irrigation Management Fund (NIMF), a Communal Irrigation Development Fund (CIDF) and a Patubigayan Trust Fund (PTF). These shall serve as repositories of irrigation funds intended for repair, rehabilitation and improvement as well as extended financial assistance to the irrigation sector. For immediate rehabilitation works resulting from disasters, calamity funds as a part of NIA’s appropriations may also be considered for national systems. Construction of new infrastructure
ISF is a means to generate revenues to cover operations and maintenance (O&M) costs. Personnel costs account for around 80 percent of NIA’s operating expenses. Substantial staff resources (up to 40 percent of field staff time) are spent on collecting ISF from individual farmers. 15
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shall focus on small-scale irrigation and water impounding systems (except multipurpose systems) based on a viable national land use plan. These systems are easier to implement and are more cost-efficient than large irrigation systems (except multipurpose systems). The determination of locations for new irrigation systems also factor in CCA and DRRM considerations. 2. Protect irrigated and potential irrigable lands With the government’s thrust to ensure food sufficiency as well as the recognition of the alarming rate of depletion of irrigable lands due to conversion, a review of government policies protecting productive land shall be undertaken. To complement such initiative and to clearly identify gaps, land-use mapping indicating the extent of irrigable areas vis-à-vis irrigated areas is required. (Cross reference with Agriculture Chapter.) 3. Develop a volume-based pricing mechanism As part of a long-term strategy to ensure its efficient use, wholesaling of water at the resource at the headgate to IAs is expected to drastically cut down collection expenses. This would entail IAs paying only a single fee, with the IAs taking responsibility for collecting ISF from its members. Volumetric (volume-based) pricing at the headgate enhances accountability, since it provides: (a) greater contract assurances for service delivery by the water supplier/s to the IAs and (b) incentive to properly maintain the distribution system, improve the equity of head- and tail-end distribution and conserve water resources. Pilot-testing of volumetric pricing has revealed constraints to implementation for open canals, as such, therefore, this will initially be introduced in NISs where secondary irrigation facilities or its components have been fully turned over to IAs through the
IMT program. In the interim, NIA may adopt and improve socially-acceptable demand-management strategies. 4. Implement irrigation management transfer (IMT) IMT aims to transfer to IAs the complete O&M responsibility on secondary canals and on-farm structures in larger systems, and of entire systems covering more than 3,000 hectares. Under such a scheme, it is estimated that the NIA will be left to manage less than 10 percent of the total NIS area, which should substantially reduce the subsidies/operational costs extended by the government. IMT facilitates stakeholder participation in decision-making and planning, provides better access to services and training for its members, produces some income from ISF shares and ensures the equitability of irrigation water delivery and distribution, among others.
Flood and Drainage Management Assessment, Issues, and Challenges
The country devotes a substantial portion of its resources in the recovery efforts from the effects of flooding. The cumulative impact of floods on the loss of lives and damage to properties and livelihood results in a deceleration, if not a setback, of social progress and economic activity in affected areas.
Inadequate disaster mitigation and response The country devotes a substantial portion of its resources in the recovery efforts from the effects of flooding. The cumulative impact of floods on the loss of lives and damage to properties and livelihood (see Table 5.5) results in a deceleration, if not a setback, of social progress and economic activity in affected areas. Furthermore, the country’s archipelagic character, with many small islands, makes it highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Climate data for the past 50 years shows rising temperatures trends, changing changes in rainfall patterns, and an increasing number of extreme climate events like cyclones, flooding, and drought. (Philippine Strategy on Climate Change Adaptation 2010)
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Table 5.5. 25-year Flood-related Impacts: 1980-2005
Year
Casualties** Dead Missing Injured
Damage Value* (PhP M)
1980
36
4
55
1,472
1981
484
264
1,922
1,273
1982
337
223
347
1,754
1983
126
168
28
523
1984
1,979
4,426
732
416
1985
211
300
17
3
1986
171
43
155
1,838
1987
1,020
213
1,455
8,763
1988
429
195
468
8,675
1989
382
89
1,088
4,494
1990
676
262
1,392
11,713
1991
5,201
4,278
357
74
1992
145
95
51
7,359
1993
814
214
1,637
25,038
1994
266
54
260
3,401
1995
1,255
669
3,027
57,781
1996
124
49
97
10,109
1997
199
28
66
4,842
1998
498
116
873
17,823
1999
56
3
25
1,555
2000
338
59
370
7,217
2001
431
134
418
6,924
2002
169
33
71
829
2003
139
28
182
4,567
2004**
1,046
437
836
7,679
2005**
62
36
51
2,487
16,594
12,420
15,980
198,609
Total
Source: Flood Risk Management Project Along Selected Principal Rivers, Implementation Program, DPWH, September 2010 *Total damages in infrastructure, agriculture and private property in million pesos. **Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) data.
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Recent events like typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in 2009 which resulted in massive damage to lives and properties were wrought by unpredictable weather patterns resulting from climate change.Existing flood control structures in identified high-risk areas nationwide have proved inadequate in handling the unexpected increase in stormwater discharge, which often results in massive flooding both in HUCs and rural areas.
Lack of financing DPWH has identified several critical flood control projects nationwide which, owing to insufficient funds, cannot be immediately implemented. This perennial funding problem not only affects the implementation of the hard infrastructure component of projects, but also affects the inherent activities such as the relocation of informal settlers and the acquisition of ROW. This also affects the implementation of complementary nonstructural measures such as flood forecasting, warning, and monitoring systems, evacuation plan, hazard mapping and watershed management activities. Additionally, O&M spending that depends heavily on government allocation are not exempt from funding constraints. LGUs and other implementing agencies also lack funds for regular O&M of existing flood control programs. Since flood structures are exposed annually to the brunt of typhoons, regular maintenance works have to be carried out to maintain optimal capacities of said structures.
Unsustainable operations and maintenance of structural and nonstructural infrastructures Coordination among government agencies and LGUs is a problem that affects the implementation, operation and maintenance of flood control structures. Once completed, flood control structures should ideally be managed and maintained by the LGUs, and for the case of Metro Manila, MMDA, who have territorial jurisdiction over the project, since these directly benefit from them. However, owing to inadequate financial support and capacity to conduct O&M, not all LGUs and
even MMDA can fully commit to this responsibility. The actual mandate for O&M also remains unclear since no law or guideline exists that lays down the sharing of responsibility between the LGUs and government agencies.
Strategic Plan and Focus To reduce adverse effects of flooding occurrences by maintaining watersheds and providing efficient and adequate infrastructure The following strategies will be pursued: 1. Prioritize the construction of flood management structures in highly vulnerable areas Available financing for disaster risk reduction and management of infrastructure in the event of floods must be optimized. This involves the development of hazard maps so that vulnerable areas with high population concentrations and important economic and agricultural activities can be prioritized in the provision of flood management infrastructure. 2. Apply CCA and DRRM strategies in the planning and design of flood management structures Recognizing the effects of climate change on the frequency of storms and rainfall intensity, design criteria for flood control structures should be revisited to ensure that capacities of structures are adequate to handle the expected increase in floodwater volume. Protocols on dam-water release during typhoons should also be reviewed. Moreover, downstream interventions will have to be complemented by upstream activities such as watershed management to minimize siltation which significantly reduces effectiveness of flood control structures, especially when left unabated.
The adoption and mainstreaming of the ecoefficiency concept in water infrastructure is an example of such an adaptation strategy. Excess water during rainy seasons can be impounded, stored and then released for future use in sectors such as irrigation and water supply. Equally important are immediate postdisaster response and interventions. LGUs and implementing agencies alike are encouraged to adopt a proactive approach in the conduct of DRRM. Emphasis shall be given to preventive measures and structures as well as in raising disaster-preparedness among stakeholders to minimize damage to lives and properties should a natural disaster occur. Furthermore, nonstructural measures such as flood forecasting and warning systems as well as LGU preparedness plans, should be developed accordingly. 3. Develop a mechanism to expedite immediate financing for the rehabilitation of flood management structures A hindrance to prompt response is the slow disbursement of funding to implement immediate measures. To expedite the process, it may be prudent to provide annual appropriations within DPWH’s budget. Likewise, DPWH and affected LGUs may opt to avail of various financing mechanisms and instruments designed especially for post-disaster rehabilitation and repair work. 4. Increase local government and community participation Since flood-related risks and damages are the immediate concern of local communities, their cooperation and participation in O&M of flood management structures and measures as well as disaster response should be enhanced. Programs should incorporate the participation of stakeholders and the identification of their corresponding roles in watershed protection, flood mitigation and disaster preparedness and response measures. With advocacy and capacitybuilding assistance from the DILG, LGUs are expected at the forefront of implementing localized CCA and DRRM Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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plans. The government would be required to appropriate the resources needed for both manpower and funding to facilitate smoother operationalization. Financing frameworks should also be developed to provide for the necessary capacity development programs as well as O&M activities of flood control structures and facilities. Finally, the responsibilities among stakeholders should be clearly defined to promote greater coordination among implementing agencies and LGUs, particularly during the implementation and O&M phases of flood control projects, and to enhance accountabilities. As of December 2009, the country’s installed capacity stood at 15,610 megawatts (MW). The Mindanao grid is heavily dependent on hydroelectric power plants. The transport sector accounts for the highest share of the total demand, with an average of 36.5 percent in 2009, while the industry sector is projected to grow the fastest at an annual average growth rate of 5.1 percent
Energy Assessment, Issues, and Challenges On Energy Security Total primary energy supply (TPES) in 2009 reached 39.6 million tons of oil equivalent (MTOE), with the production of indigenous energy (oil, coal, natural gas, geothermal, hydro, wind, solar, biomass, coco-methyl ester [CME] and ethanol) increasing by 2.0 percent from levels of 2008. The country’s self-sufficiency16 level thus increased from 56.7 percent in 2008 to 59.2 percent in 2009. For 2009, oil accounted for the biggest share of 34.0 percent in the energy supply mix, followed by geothermal energy with its share of 22.4 percent. Coal contributed 15.3 percent, while biomass added 13.59 percent. The remaining shares in TPES were divided between natural gas, hydro, wind, ethanol and CME. On the demand side, total final energy consumption (TFEC) will grow to 24.9 MTOE by 2013 and 27.7 MTOE by the end of 2016 from the 2009 demand level of 23.6 MTOE. TFEC for the period 2009-2016 is expected to grow annually at 2.3 percent on average.
The transport sector accounts for the highest share of the total demand, with an average of 36.5 percent in 2009, while the industry sector is projected to grow the fastest at an annual average growth rate (AAGR) of 5.1 percent as reflected in Table 5.6. Power Generation As of December 2009, the country’s installed capacity stood at 15,610 megawatts (MW). Fossil-fuel power plants, mostly located in the Luzon grid, are still the dominant source. The Mindanao grid is heavily dependent on hydroelectric power plants. Coal-fired power plants contributed 27.40 percent, followed by oil-based ones with 20.46 percent and those on natural gas, 18.14 percent. The installed capacity from renewable energy increased slightly with an additional 8 MW expansion of Northwind Power Phase II in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, which became operational in September 2008; the 2.5 MW Sevilla minihydro in Bohol commissioned in November 2008; and the two biomass plants in Negros Occidental with an aggregate capacity of 29.3 MW. Total dependable capacity of the entire grid was at 13,319 MW, or 85.32 percent of the total installed capacity. Gross power generation in 2009 reached 61,934 gigawatt-hours (GWh), 1.83 percent higher than 2008 level of 60,821GWh17. Natural gas-fired power plants remain the top producer of electricity, accounting for 32.11 percent of the country’s total gross generation. Coal-fired plants are second, with 26.60 percent share of the mix. Oil-based generation only accounted for 8.69 percent of the total gross generation in 2009. In mid-2010, the country was again hit by several hours of rotating brown-outs
Self-sufficiency level refers to the use of indigenous energy composed of oil, coal, natural gas, geothermal, hydro, wind, solar, biomass, Coco-Methyl Ester (CME) and ethanol 16
17
148
GWh converted in MW is multiplied by the following factor: (1000)*(1/24)*(1/365)
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
al Gas
o hermal ass /Solar els
8.11% 6.24% 6.15% 22.40% 13.59% 0.01% 0.30%
Figure 5.3. 2009 Primary Energy Mix: 2009 Imported Coal, 9.06% Imported Biofuels, 0.10%
Oil, 2.43% Natural Gas, 8.11% Coal, 6.24% Hydro, 6.15%
Imported Oil, 31.61%
Indigenous Energy, 59.23%
Geothermal, 22.40%
Biomass, 13.59% Wind/Solar, 0.01% Biofuels, 0.30%
Table 5.6. Projected Final Energy Consumption: 2009-2016
Sector
2009-2016 (%)
AAGR (%)
Transport
36.5
2.1
Industry
28.1
5.1
Residential
24.1
-0.2
Commercial
9.7
1.4
Agriculture, fishery and forestry (AFF)
1.6
3.4
because of a power supply shortage equivalent to 185 MW. The supply deficit was due to the decrease in dependable capacities of hydro plants caused by El Niño and preventive maintenance schedule of some power plants. Petroleum products The country’s total demand for petroleum products in 2009 rose 6 percent from 101,199 million barrels (MB) in 2008 to 107,299 MB, with diesel accounting for the largest share with 40.7 percent of demand mix. The transport sector is the highest petroleum product consumer followed by industry, as shown in Figure 5.6. To lessen the dependence on imported petroleum products, government has been continuously promoting the development and utilization of alternative fuels.
The country’s total demand for petroleum products in 2009 rose 6 percent from 101,199 million barrels (MB) in 2008 to 107,299 MB, with diesel accounting for the largest share with 40.7 percent of demand mix.
Alternative Fuels Biofuels Program. As of the first half 2010,the DOE had accredited 14 biofuel producers (12 for biodiesel and 2 for bioethanol). The 12 biodiesel producers have a combined production capacity of 395.6 million liters per year. The total sales of biodiesel (CME) blend was 130.9 million liters in 2009 and 54.2 million liters in 2010. Actual diesel fuel displacement from biodiesel in 2009 translates to an equivalent foreign exchange savings of US$34.9 million. On the other hand, Leyte Agri Corporation, the country’s first ethanol facility, and San Carlos Bioenergy Inc., Southeast Asia’s first dedicated ethanol distillery with an integrated cogeneration power plant, have a combined production capacity of around 49 million liters of ethanol annually. Both plants together sold 23.1 million liters in 2009, equivalent to foreign exchange Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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Figure 4. 2009 Philippine Capacity and Gross Generation, in MW
Figure 5.4. Philippine Capacity and Gross Generation: 2009
ColumInstalled Capacity Wind 0.21% Solar 0.01% Bioma 0.19% Coal 27.40% Oil-ba 20.46% Natur 18.14% Geoth 12.51% Hydro 21.09%
INSTALLED CAPACITY Wind 0.21%
Solar 0.01%
Biomass 0.19%
Hydro 21.09%
Wind 0.10%
Solar 0.01%
Biomass 0.02%
Hydro 15.80%
Coal 27.40%
Coal 26.60% Geothermal 16.67%
Geothermal 13%
Natural Gas 18.14%
GROSS GENERATION
Oil-based 20.46%
15,610 MW Includes embedded generator
Oil-based 8.69% Natural Gas 32.11%
7,070.10 MW (61,934 GWh) Includes off-grid generation
savings of US$10.1 million from gasoline displacement. In the first half of 2010, 9.2 million liters of ethanol were sold to oil companies. By end-2010, Roxol Bioenergy’s ethanol plant would have provided an additional capacity of 30 million liters per year, bringing total annual ethanol production to about 79 million liters.
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schemes promote large-scale conversion of taxi fleets and encourage new player participation in the program.
To meet the technical requirements of the program and ensure continuous research and development support, the DOE provided counterpart funding of PhP50 million for the establishment of a vehicletesting facility located at the Department of Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, UPDiliman.
As of first half of 2010, there were about 18,731 converted vehicles nationwide running on LPG and 217 auto-LPG dispensing stations (72 garage-based). The sales growth of auto-LPG products registered an equivalent reduction of CO2 emissions by 214,664 metric tons (MT) and 48,789 MT for 2009 and the first quarter of 2010, respectively. Moreover, the 293 LPG-converted tricycles nationwide have an equivalent reduction of 495,521 kilograms (kg.) of carbon dioxide.
Auto-LPG Program. In support of the government’s Auto-LPG Program, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has included the auto-LPG initiative in its “Clean Alternative Transport Fuel Financing Program,” which provides reasonable financing packages for auto-LPG related activities such as acquisition of autoLPG vehicles. The Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) also extended by two years the franchise of taxis that converted to auto-LPG. These
Natural Gas Vehicle Program for Public Transport (NGVPPT). The alternative use of natural gas in the transport sector is being pursued through the NGVPPT. From a minimal volume of CNG utilization in 2007 following the inauguration of the pilot mother and daughter refueling system, the total consumption of natural gas for the transport sector already reached 18.1 Million Standard Cubic Feet (MMSCF) in 2009.
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Figure 5.5. 2009 Sectoral Oil Consumption; 2009 Figure 5. 2009 Sectoral Oil Consumption, in KTOE SECTOR Industry Transport Residential Commercial Agriculture Non-energy use Power Generation TOTAL
CONSUMPTION (KTOE) 1,359.40 8,749.50 937.6 826.4 204.8 111.6 1,177.90 13,367.20
% share 10.17% 65.45% 7.01% 6.18% 1.53% 0.83% 8.81%
Industry Commercial Power Generation
Transport Agriculture
As of first half of 2010, there were 7 accredited bus operators and 34 CNG buses plying the routes of Southern Luzon and Metro Manila. An additional 27 buses are under testing and evaluation. The CNG daughter refueling station operates in Barangay Sto. Tomas, Biñan, Laguna.
Energy Board (NREB) was convened pursuant to Section 27 of RA 9513 to promulgate the said law and other related policy and regulatory mechanisms such as the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), Feed-in Tariff (FiT) System and the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP).
To sustain developments in the industry, a joint undertaking with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) was initiated to establish the first Natural Gas Institute in the country. The said Institute is envisioned to develop the industry and enhance local capacity to support the emerging natural gas industry and provide the necessary capacity building needs of the industry.
As of end-2009, total installed capacity from RE stood at 5,309 MW. Figure 5.6 shows the breakdown of the RE contribution to total power-generating capacity for on-grid areas. Total dependable capacity from RE resources for ongrid areas stood at 4,278 MW.
Residential Non-energy use
As of end-2009, total installed capacity from RE stood at 5,309 MW. Total dependable capacity from RE resources for ongrid areas stood at 4,278 MW. The goal of reducing fossil fuel consumption and promoting the development and utilization of renewable energy remains a major challenge.
RE technologies are relatively expensive for local investors/developers. On the other hand, foreign investments have been slow Renewable energy to take up the slack because of the issue of project ownership, which is by law, The “Renewable Energy Act of 2008,” stipulates majority Filipino ownership. (RA 9513) sought to accelerate the exploration and development of the The goal of reducing fossil fuel consumption country’s renewable energy (RE) and promoting the development and sources. It also seeks to strengthen the utilization of renewable energy remains DOE policies on renewable energy a major challenge. To benefit fully from programs and expand the provision RA 9513, government must institute of fiscal and nonfiscal incentives to certain changes, create new and additional encourage private sector investment units of infrastructure, and introduce new in the renewable energy industry. The systems. Among the cross-cutting issues Implementing Rules and Regulations raised on renewable energy development (IRR) were signed on May 25, 2009. during various energy consultations are the Consequently, the National Renewable following: Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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Figure 6. RE Contribution to Total Power Generating Capacity
Figure 5.6. RE Contribution to Total Power Generating Capacity: 2009 Sales
Natural Gas Oil Coal Geothermal Hydro Biomass Wind Solar
2831 3193 4277 1953 3291 30 33 1
Coal 4,277 MW (27.40%)
Geothermal 1,953 MW(12.51%)
Renewable Energy 5,309 MW (34.01%)
Oil 3,193 MW (20.46%)
Hydro 3,291 MW (21.08%)
Biomass 30 MW (0.19%)
Natural Gas 2,831 MW (18.14%)
NOTE:
Wind 33 MW (0.21%) Solar 1MW (0.01%)
The above graph should look like this >>> If it does not, try reselecting the data in the table above. Just click&drag. Thanks.
Electricity rates in the Philippines are deemed among the highest in Asia.
a. high cost of RE development due to limited number of local manufacturers, fabricators and suppliers of RE equipment and components which are mainly imported; b. limited options to optimize the development of resources because of a lack of an up-to-date database on RE resources; c. lack of capacity-building and training opportunities to enhance technical capabilities of stakeholders and potential developers; d. need for stronger R&D on RE; e. limited infrastructure support (i.e., transmission lines and submarine cables); f. limited information and education campaign activities on RE that includes advocacy on its benefits; g. absence of direct policy linkages with grassroots groups; and h. dependence on government initiative and resources for the development of energy projects.
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Fossil fuels Oil and Gas. The country has 16 sedimentary basins with a combined potential of 4,777 million barrels of fuel oil equivalent (MMBFOE) or 689.8 MTOE of oil and gas reserves. An additional 150 billion cubic feet (BCF) of gas have been recovered from the seventh well of the Malampaya which could fuel a 300 MW natural gas power plant for a period of 12 years. Existing oil and gas fields yielded an output of 2.92 MMB of oil coming mostly from the Galoc Field, which began producing in October 2008. With two production wells, Galoc Field has an average daily production of 14,000 barrels. Production for the first semester of 2010 was registered at 1.75 MB of oil, 56.51 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas and 2.16 MB of condensate. Despite a favorable business experience in the upstream energy sector, the social acceptability of these projects still needs to be addressed. Coal. The Philippines currently has 13 coal basins with a total resource
potential of 2.4 billion metric tons (BMT). Indigenous coal production in 2009 reached 4.7 million metric tons (MMMT or 10,000 BTU/lb), a 29.9 percent increase over the 3.6 MMMT produced in 2008. This is due to the robust output of Semirara Mining Corporation, which contributed 4.36 MMMT or 93.1 percent of the total coal production. As of the first half of 2010, coal production had reached 3.6 MMMT, which was 38.2 percent higher than the coal output during the same period in 2009.
new electric power plants is three to five years.
Social acceptability, environmental sustainability, and the country’s lowgrade coal are challenges that need to be addressed.
The WESM began commercial operations in Luzon on June 26, 2006 to create a competitive electric power industry for better and more efficient electric service at a reasonable cost to consumers. To date, 13 generating companies participate directly in the WESM with 11 distribution utilities (DUs) and five registered direct suppliers. WESM operations in the Visayas region, while hindered by inadequate capacity in both transmission and generation facilities, nonetheless commenced in December 2010. Market rules for Mindanao have yet to be laid down.
On Power Electricity Electricity rates in the Philippines are deemed among the highest in Asia. Economic growth has been impeded by an unreliable power supply as indicated in the annual average growth rate of -0.4 percent of electricity to GDP18 from 1999 to 2009. Power demand and supply With peak demand assumed to grow annually at 4.5 percent for the planning period 2009-2030, a total of 11,900 MW is needed for the Luzon grid; 2,150 MW for the Visayas grid; and 2,500 MW for the Mindanao grid. The liberalized and market-based power industry put in place by EPIRA relies on the private sector to construct generation plants to meet demand. Private sector investments in power generation, however, have been lower than expected vis-a-vis projected energy demand. Moreover, the usual gestation period to build 18
A 60-percent level in energy independence is conservative given the country’s natural resource endowments. Electricity generated from indigenous and renewable energy sources, however, is more expensive despite being accorded priorities in light of their environmentally benign characteristics. Establishment of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM)
A total of 11,900 MW is needed for the Luzon grid; 2,150 MW for the Visayas grid; and 2,500 MW for the Mindanao grid.
Privatization of at least 70 percent of NPC generating assets in Luzon and Visayas. As of June 2010, the government was able to privatize 26 of its generating or operating plants and four decommissioned assets. 20 of these assets comprise 91.7 percent of PSALM-owned capacities in the Luzon and Visayas, thus surpassing the 70-percent condition for open access and retail competition. The latest successful bid was of the 150-MW BacMan geothermal power plant. Transfer of management and control of at least 70 percent of total energy output
Electricity to GDP (watt-hour/Php) is an Intensity Indicator
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of power plants under contract with NPC to Independent Power Producer (IPP) Administrators
As of June 2010, actual privatization proceeds collected by PSALM from the sale of generation and transmission assets has amounted to US$4.42 billion.
The government successfully bid out 3,345.75 MW of NPC-contracted capacities to IPP Administrators, equivalent to US$3.228 billion in proceeds. This amounts to a cumulative 68.22 percent of total capacities privatized, towards the 70 percent required for the start of open access.
including 325 MVA transformers in favor of 57 DUs. Included in the sale packages are 40 Lease Purchase Agreements with 32 cooperatives under concessional terms amounting to about PhP2.4 billion. The balance of over PhP1.150 billion represents sales to private distribution utilities. Thirty-three sale contracts have been approved by the ERC amounting to PhP1.75 billion as of October 31, 2010.
Privatization of the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo)
Use of privatization proceeds to reduce borrowings
The government on January 15, 2009 formally turned over the 25-year concession of the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) to the NGCP. The NGCP remitted US$987.5 million to PSALM as its upfront payment for the operation of the transmission system and in compliance with the provisions of the sale transaction. This amount is 25 percent of the US$3.95 billion purchase price paid for the concession contract. This concessionaire of TransCo is in charge of development, upgrading, and rehabilitation of the electricity grid.
As of June 2010, actual privatization proceeds collected by PSALM from the sale of generation and transmission assets has amounted to US$4.42 billion. This includes other privatization-related fees such as lease rental, assignment of ROW, purchase price for land, and forfeiture of bonds.
Divestment of Transco’s subtransmission assets The sale of TransCo’s subtransmission assets involves some 131 sale packages covering 107 interested DUs, mostly electric cooperatives. In cases where more than one DU is connected to a transmission line, the connected and qualified DUs must form a consortium to buy and thereafter operate the asset. These subtransmission assets include about 6,200 circuit kilometers (ckt) comprising mostly 69kV transmission lines and 1,600 MVA of substation capacity. The cost of these assets is placed at about PhP7.6 billion (based on December 31, 2007 net book values). As of October 31, 2010, TransCo had divested itself of PhP3.55 billion (69 sale packages) worth of subtransmission assets
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The proceeds from the sale of National Power assets are used to service the financial obligations of National Power (e.g., prepayments of maturing debts, regular National Power debt servicing, servicing of IPP obligations).Of the privatization proceeds collected so far, PSALM has utilized US$4.089 billion for the following (as of June 30, 2010): Prepayments
US$1.297 billion
Regular NPC Debt Servicing
US$1.600 billion
Servicing of IPP Obligations
US$1.095 billion
Privatization Related Expenses
US$0.097 billion
Total
US$4.089 billion
Condonation of loans The national government, through PSALM, condoned the loans of electric cooperatives (ECs) used for electrification purposes amounting
to PhP18.1 billion. This resulted in a reduction in ECs’ rates in the range of PhP0.0578/KWh to PhP1.3507/ KWh. As of October 31, 2010, the government through PSALM had paid a total of PhP10.696 billion worth of financial obligations to LGUs and other government agencies. Mandatory Rate Reduction From January to March 2010, NPC granted a total of PhP358.1 million for the Mandatory Rate Reduction (MRR), in which the Luzon residential customers accounted for 27 percent. Residential customers of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) account for 20 percent. From 2001 to March 2010, NPC has already spent a total cost PhP25.65 billion for the grant of MRR. Regulation As stipulated in the EPIRA, members of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) are appointed by political authorities.This arrangement, however, has brought up issues of transparency and independence. The previous Plan (2004-2010) already contained a planned reassessment of the ERC’s performance and processes, suggesting the creation of an independent search committee as a mechanism for ERC appointments. To date, no such assessment and evaluation of the ERC has been conducted. An independent monitor of the regulatory setup of the sector is necessary as part of a system of checks and balances, especially once the generation and transmission sectors are privatized.
On Electrification Electric Cooperatives are private entities but receive sizeable
government subsidies. Some provisions of the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers have weakened the implementation of the Anti-Pilferage Law, leading to an increase in system losses and inefficiencies among ECs. An example is Article 19 of the Magna Carta, giving the consumer the right to tender payment at the point of disconnection or provide a deposit representing the differential billing. Article 20, moreover, obliges the utility to continue providing service despite arrears of previous occupants of a building/dwelling place. Parts of Articles 16-25 give the consumer a reprieve from disconnection during holidays, funerals, or if the consumer is sick. As of December 2010, the ERC has been in the final stages of amending both the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers and the IRR of the Anti-Pilferage Act. Earlier in 2009, the ERC had issued the Rules to reduce systems losses of ECs from 14 percent to 13 percent, and of private distribution utilities (PDUs) from 9.5 percent to 8.5 percent. The Rules for Setting EC Wheeling Rates (RSEC-WR) were issued to encourage efficiency and provide incentives for the ECs performance.
The delay in implementation was due to limited funds, ROW problems for transmission and substation projects, deferment of T/L and S/S projects since NPPs preferred distributed generation, and failed biddings for the purchase of equipment.
Barangays. As of July 31, 2010, 99.87 percent of all barangays were electrified, up from 99.39 percent in 2009 leaving only 54 barangays programmed for electrification until the end of 2010. From January 2009 to July 2010, the ECs provided electricity to 847 rural barangays. The 119 ECs in the country have achieved 99.94 percent energization relative to their respective franchise areas. The Mearlco and private investor-owned utilities (PIOUs), together with LGUs, have 27 and 7 remaining unenergized barangays, respectively. Households. As of July 2010, the household connection level in the country had reached 74.0 percent. This means 14.204 million out of a total 17.534 million
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households19 have electricity connections. Missionary areas. Large portions of the remaining unenergized barangays are mostly remote and with dispersed households that are difficult to energize, requiring extensive resources, time and effort. Electrification in some barangays, particularly those covered by solar projects, was found to be shortlived owing to the absence of a strong sustainable mechanism.
The Energy Reform Agenda for 2010-2016 is guided by the vision of “Energy access for more”. Accelerate exploration and development contracts through the Philippine Energy Contracting Round Intensify development and utilization of renewable energy and environment–friendly alternative energy resources/ technologies
Based on the 2009 Missionary Electrification Development Plan (MEDP), the total projected capacity addition for Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) areas was 26.69 MW, of which only 6.61 MW was added in 2009. For transmission and substation projects, a total of 226.01 km. of 69kV transmission lines and 50-MVA substations were projected. However, only 22.41 km. transmission lines were put up while the rest were in preconstruction stages. Likewise, no substation was put up in 2009. As for remote area electrification, 130 of 133 areas were electrified, an accomplishment of 97.74 percent. The delay in implementation was due to limited funds, ROW problems for transmission and substation projects, deferment of T/L and S/S projects since NPPs preferred distributed generation, and failed biddings for the purchase of equipment. The NPC Main Grid is no longer able to advance funds to finance the operations of SPUG, including project implementation, since the main grid plants were already sold. SPUG’s funds come from its revenues and the UCME subsidy. In 2009, the UCME was approved only on the latter part of the year and was used for SPUG’s operations and payments for the subsidies of New Power Providers (NPPs).
19
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Total number of households is based on 2000 Census
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Of the latest approved UCME equivalent to PhP2.7 billion for each year from 2010-2013, only PhP533 million is allotted for capital spending. This amount is not enough to fund all projects and additional funding is required. SPUG is now looking for other sources of funds. Under Rule 13 of the EPIRAIRR, the DOE in coordination with NPC, NEA, NPPs, DUs and QTPs has prepared the MEDP 2011 with two major components, namely, missionary generation and remote area electrification, which includes the barangay and household electrification. This outlines the government’s plan to implement policies and programs that will sustain the provision of adequate, reliable, and efficient supply of electricity in missionary or offgrid and remote areas and to enable these communities to receive the benefits of electrification. SPUG covers 284 plants in 214 areas, with 14 areas being candidates for privatization. Of these 14 areas, the generation function of two areas was successfully taken over by private parties. Missionary generation. Missionary generation includes the existing generation and associated delivery systems being managed by SPUG, NPPs and QTPs in small islands and isolated grids. The program involves improving reliability and efficiency through the replacement of old generating units and limiting the rental of units during emergency. Remote area electrification. Consistent with the overall objective of total barangay electrification and household electrification, all remaining unelectrified barangays in small islands and isolated grids will be provided with electricity
service. A total of 1,760 households are programmed for remote area electrification amounting to PhP169.714 million for the different missionary areas.
Strategic Plan and Focus The Energy Reform Agenda (ERA) for 2010-2016 is guided by the vision of “Energy access for more”. Government’s key priority is to ensure sustainable, diverse and reliable energy sources through consultation and the participation of multiple stakeholders. Increased economic efficiency in the use and distribution of energy services is critical to achieving energy access for the majority at competitive rates. The ERA will utilize PPPs to implement critical infrastructure projects of the government that will address the growing energy needs of the country. Through PPPs, the DOE can benefit from the technical and financial support of its partners in the private sector, including businesses, investors, and nongovernment organizations (NGOs). PPPs will cover all phases of energy development and utilization.
To ensure energy security Accelerate exploration and development contracts through the Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR) First launched in 2006, the PECR shall be continued. Aggressive promotion of indigenous oil and gas resources and coal prospect areas via competitive contracting scheme under the PECR will be pursued. Through PECR, the oil and gas sector is expected to yield an additional 23 Service Contracts (SCs) and drilling of 35 wells by end of 2016. From 2010 to 2016, production targets for the oil and gas fields are projected at 36.3 MMB of oil, 1,029.5 BCF of gas and 37.8 MMB
of condensate. The biggest contribution will be provided by the Malampaya oil and gas fields, which will contribute 23.1 MMB of oil, 1,022 BCF of gas and 37.2 MMB of condensate. New geophysical data will also be acquired to cover a total of 18,550 line/km. and 3,750 sq./km. of 2D and 3D seismic data, respectively, by the end of 2016. Intensify development and utilization of renewable energy (RE) and environment–friendly alternative energy resources/technologies RE development is targeted with the government gearing to be the world leader in geothermal energy, the largest producer of wind power, and the solar manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia. In addition, the harnessing of the country’s hydropower and biomass energy potentials shall be continued. The National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), to be drawn by DOE in consultation with other concerned stakeholders, will provide the overall strategic policy directions in the RE industry.
Increase utilization of alternative fuels. Implement higher biofuels blend from B2 to B5 to diesel, and E10 to all gasoline and corresponding standards in phases subject to availability of supply.
The government will pursue the research and development of untapped RE available such as ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). To date, the country’s potential sites for deep-ocean power consist of 910 blocks equivalent to 73,710 hectares. Deep Ocean Power Philippines, Inc. (DOPPI) has already filed its application for OTEC Pre-Development Contract for 36 areas. Existing RE-based power generation capacities shall be increasingly utilized. From the generation expansion exercises used in the formulation of the country’s power development program, out of the 8,156.7 MW of total RE potential, 4,701.96 MW is expected to come in the next 30 years, broken down as follows: (a) hydropower with 2,113.1 MW; (b) geothermal with 1,475 MW; (c) wind with 930 MW; (d) biomass with 112.8 MW; and (e) solar with 71 MW. Of these capacities, around 57 MW is expected in the short Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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term, 130 MW in the mediumterm; around 775 MW is expected to come in between 2014 and 2016. The remaining capacity is expected beyond 2016 and up to 2030. The committed capacities expected to be commercially operated within the short term are: (a) 70 MW from geothermal; (b) 50.5 MW from hydro; and (c) 17.5 MW from biomass.
Conduct RD for other nonfood feedstock in coordination with concerned agencies, academe & research institutions. Continuously promote the use of alternative fuels (i.e compressed natural gas, auto liquefied petroleum gas) as well as other emerging energy technologies such as electric vehicles in the transport sector.
Harmonization is a critical factor in the exploration and development of geothermal resources, especially those located inside protected areas, hence the need to unify provisions of RA 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System [NIPAS] of 1992) and RA 8371 (Indigenous People’s Rights Act [IPRA] of 1997), with relevant energy policies and programs for an integrated response to environmental and sociocultural concerns. Increase utilization of alternative fuels The government’s policies and programs on alternative energy are geared towards reducing the country’s dependence on price-volatile oil imports and diversifying from conventional fuels towards indigenous renewable and environment-friendly energy resources. The development of other feedstocks for biodiesel and bioethanol (i.e., jatropha) is also encouraged through research and commercial production. It is important to develop alternative energy sources, especially indigenous and renewable forms, with an end view of providing security of supply as well as realizing savings from importation. a. Implement higher biofuels blend from B2 to B5 to diesel, and E10 to all gasoline and corresponding standards in phases subject to availability of supply20
The National Biofuels Board (NBB) is set to recommend the levels of biofuel blends based on supply availability, price and quality of biodiesel, including blending 20
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infrastructure and logistics. b. Conduct RD for other nonfood feedstock in coordination with concerned agencies, academe & research institutions
The government will broaden the coverage of the Biofuels Program to identify other feedstocks. Technoeconomic studies on palm and algae as potential biodiesel feedstocks will be pursued, while cellulosic technologies will be used to produce bioethanol. The academe and other research institutions, which are among the partners in research and study by the DOE, shall be encouraged to continue their undertakings on nonfood feedstock R&D activities. c. Continuously promote the use of alternative fuels (i.e compressed natural gas, auto liquefied petroleum gas) as well as other emerging energy technologies such as electric vehicles in the transport sector
The promotion of natural gas use in industrial, commercial, residential and agricultural sectors will continue to be encouraged. The conversion of existing and decommissioned power plants to natural gas shall be pursued. Active interaction with the downstream energy sector shall be prioritized through gas-to-market projects. The use of CNG in vehicles will also be encouraged. Given the benefits of CNG and LPG over fossil fuels, the DOE will also renew its efforts to promote the former in the transport sector. The DOE will facilitate the required policy support as well as the availability of critical supply infrastructure and facilities. The infrastructure of major gas pipeline networks needs to be strengthened and expanded to reach commercial establishments and households.
DOE will work E10: with10%the 15th B2: 2% bio-diesel (coco-methyl ester [CME]) blend; B5: 5% bio-diesel (CME)blend; bio-ethanol
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Congress for the passage of the Natural Gas Bill. With regard to auto-LPG conversion, the DOE will conduct technology validation for dual fuel jeepneys and other motorized diesel/gas engines and conduct capability building for regulators and implementers to develop available manpower expertise. Studies will be conducted to determine the viability of expanding the use of auto-LPG to other types of engines, together with studies on the necessary safety standards.
4. Conduct a comparative study of similar or related energy policies in the ASEAN;
Pursue the enactment of a law on energy efficiency and conservation
8. Establish triggers to allow government to build power plants in face of weak private sector interest.
An Energy Efficiency and Conservation Law is a critical measure to economize the energy requirements of growth. The proposed legislation should incorporate policies and measures to develop local energy auditors and energy managers, develop the ESCO industry, encourage the development of energy-efficient technologies/ buildings and provide incentives for the effective promotion of efficiency initiatives in the energy market sector.
To achieve a reliable and secure supply of electric power The government shall pursue the following strategies: 1. Diversify the country’s power sources, especially in Mindanao, to address the susceptibility of hydro power plants to climate-change impacts;
5. Focus on demand aggregation and contracting from Electric Cooperatives; 6. Implement the Transmission Development Plan (TDP); 7. Revisit EPIRA and its IRR (e.g. the possibility of recommissioning of power plants under preservation, lifeline rates and cross subsidies among others; and
To expand the government’s electrification program The following strategies shall be pursued: 1. Pursue higher household electrification. The government intends to achieve 90 percent household connection by 2017 through the expanded rural electrification program using RE Systems.
Pursue the enactment of a law on energy efficiency and conservation To achieve a reliable and secure supply of electric power. Achieve 90 percent household connection by 2017
2. Rationalize the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification (UCME) rates approved by ERC in order to cover missionary electrification; 3. Engage LGU support for the missionary areas; and 4. Strengthen LGU capacity in power project development and in accessing available funds (i.e., ER 1–94).
2. Study alternative technologies in power generation; 3. Assess the vulnerability of energy facilities to climate change and natural disasters (e.g. El Niño and La Niña);
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Information And Communications Technology (ICT) Infrastructure Assessment, Issues, and Challenges Technological innovations and commercial developments have expanded growth opportunities in the ICT sector, with private sector players continuing to invest in developing the country’s ICT infrastructure. The government, for its part, has been promoting the spread of ICT as a means to interconnect the country, even out social opportunities, raise overall living standards and attain global competitiveness. The growth and dynamism of the ICT sector has accommodated the existence of 7 mobile operators, 73 local-exchange carriers, 14 intercarrier service providers, 11 international gateway facility (IGF) operators, and 471 value-added service (VAS) providers21. The availability of ICT services has facilitated development through more efficient and effective delivery of both existing and novel applications in business and commercial transactions, general government, education and health services, among others.
Current state of ICT deployment and use Service Coverage The scope of ICT technologies and services in the country includes fixed telephone lines, wireless communications, and broadband Internet, among others. Cellular mobile telephone service 21
(CMTS) is by far the dominant telecommunications service in the market, covering 94.7 percent22 of total municipalities, as compared with 53.9 percent23 coverage for fixed telephone lines. Despite the continued expansion and success in CMTS, a number of unserved municipalities still exist. Coverage gaps need to be addressed to achieve universal access and service for telephony. Meanwhile, the country’s fiberbased backbone network provides for domestic and international broadband connectivity with about 63 provinces (79%) in the country having fiberbased infrastructure. Further, at least 761 cities and municipalities (about 50%) are considered to be covered with fixed or mobile broadband Internet services.24 However, the presence and geographic reach of mobile broadband (usually 3G wireless technology) in said areas is still very limited and only covers urban centers and boundaries. ICT Penetration (Access and Subscription) The increase in the number of CMTS subscribers has been phenomenal, especially as the short messaging service (SMS) or more popularly known in the country as “text messaging,” has become a way of life for many Filipinos. Over two billion text messages (sending and receiving) are being handled daily by cellular mobile operators. More advanced services are also becoming prevalent, such as the multimedia messaging service (MMS) and the third generation (3G) mobile communication technology, which
Source: National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), figures as of end of 2009
Source: COMELEC data, used as of last 2010 Automated Election, where 5.26 percent of municipalities were identified to have not been covered by any mobile network service. It should be noted however that CMTS coverage in some municipalities may only be referring to the town centers, with remote barangays and schools of such municipalities still having no connection yet. 23 Source: NTC, 2009 24 Source: CICT 22
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Figure 7. Growth in Number of User/Subscribers of Major ICT Services, 2006-2010
2006-2010
Services:
100.000
User/Subscribers, in millions
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
CMTS (mobile Household with access to Internet Users Fixed telephone line telephony) broadband service 42.869 8.105 0.397 3.617 57.345 13.706 0.774 3.633 68.095 14.000 1.775 3.742 77.043 24.000 3.600 3.850 32.779 of Users/Subscribers 7.301 3.982 Figure 5.7.89.324 Growth in Number of Major ICT
90.000 80.000 70.000 60.000 50.000 40.000 30.000 20.000 10.000 0.000 2006
2007
2008
CMTS (mobile telephony)
Internet Users
Household with access to broadband service
Fixed telephone line
2009
2010
Source: CICT, NTC
were rolled out in 2004 and 2006. The greater challenge, however, is for Internet, particularly broadband access and subscription, to also catch up and achieve the same level of service with that of mobile telephony, be it through wired (e.g., Digital Subscriber Line connection) or wireless broadband access (e.g., 3G/ High Speed Packet Access technology). Figure 5.7 shows signs of market concentration in the sector with the continuous growth in mobile telephony services, leaving other forms of ICTs such as Internet and broadband access far behind. In terms of Internet connection speed, a recent global broadband speed analysis test shows that the Philippines’ average download speed (i.e, the speed at which data is sent from the Internet to your computer) is at 2.34 megabits per second (Mbps), while the average upload speed (i.e., the speed at which data is sent from your computer to the Internet) is at 0.65Mpbs.25 This ranks the Philippines at 72nd in worldwide download speed and 65th in worldwide upload speed. 25 26
At present, penetration of personal computers (PC) in the country is still considered low, especially in rural areas, which may be attributable to infrastructure limitations, availability of electricity access, and cost of ownership or household financial constraints. Since many Filipinos still do not own PCs, other alternative places such as Internet cafes, WiFi hotspots, offices, and schools, among others, serve as common Internet access points. There are currently some 30,000 to 40,000 registered Internet cafes and an estimate of 2,000 WiFi hotspots throughout the country. The increase in number of Internet cafes and the availability of free WiFi access in public spaces has led to competition and cheaper rates. Although PC ownership levels are quite low, utilization rates are much higher considering that the country’s social networking penetration rate is at 83.1 percent, which is higher than the global average of 57.5 percent.26
Based on the concept of shared facility, the national government, in collaboration with LGUs has established the Philippine Community e-Center Program, which to date has successfully connected over 1,200 communities to the Internet.
The use of shared access facilities has also helped increase Internet usage, and made access to Internet services more affordable, especially in poor and underserved communities. Based on the
Source: Speedtest.net, 200 Source: Universal Mccann International Social Media Research Wave 3, March 2008
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concept of shared facility, the national government, in collaboration with LGUs has established the Philippine Community e-Center (CeC) Program, which to date has successfully connected over 1,200 communities to the Internet. The CeCs also serve as common access points for e-Government services. Internet Connection in Public High Schools As of 2009, only 29 percent of the country’s public high schools had an Internet connection. Table 5.8 shows that the least number of connected public high schools are in the Cordillera (CAR), Cagayan Valley (Region II) and Bicol (Region V) regions. This can be largely attributed to budgetary constraints or the high cost of setting up infrastructure, especially over difficult terrain or geographical locations. Many unconnected public high schools are also located in areas not served by private telecommunications companies (telcos), which could indicate the digital divide between urban and rural areas across regions. Broadcast Communications As of end 2009, the broadcast sector comprised 306 television (TV) stations, 905 cable television (CATV) operators, 386 AM stations, 676 FM stations, and 5 direct-to-user (DTU) satellite providers. At present, the transition from the traditional analogue to digital television broadcasting is already progressing in many developed nations, or is otherwise being carefully studied in many other countries all over the world. To facilitate growth in the broadcast sector, the country is planning and preparing for the entry of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) broadcasting. In 2010, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) released Memorandum Circular No. 02-06-2010 that issued the adoption of the Japanese digital broadcast standard called Integrated Services Digital Broadcast – Terrestrial (ISDB-T) for
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the country’s impending migration to DTT broadcasting. e-Government Systems Current advancements in ICT services and applications have driven a trend towards new ways to link the government and its citizens. This has opened opportunities to improve the sharing of public information and to enhance the delivery of public services. As an indispensable step, various government agencies have been developing and enhancing their accessibility in the Internet, among others. As of September 2010, 304 or 93.8 percent of NGAs had established their own websites or portals and were in various stages of enhancing their web-presence (see Figure 5.8). A total of 14 NGAs (4.3%) are in Stage 4 characterized as government portals allowing for two-way transactional interactions; 93 NGAs (28.7%), Stage 3 (with interactive features on the website, including downloadable forms); 150 NGAs (46.3 percent) are at Stage 2, with frequently updated or “dynamic” websites; and 47 NGAs (14.5%) are at Stage 1 (comprises of only an official website or “static” websites).
Issues, Gaps, and Challenges Despite the significant progress in terms of wider access and availability of ICT services, a number of perennial issues and problems continue to affect the Philippine ICT sector. 1. Gaps in communications and information access/services, particularly, low coverage, penetration, and uptake of Internet and broadband Despite growth in the ICT sector, the pattern of this growth, particularly the rate of catch-up, differs among
the types of ICT services and their deployment across the regions. Among the available ICT services in the market, CMTS has the biggest advantage in terms of coverage and subscription, while Internet, especially broadband access, still lags. The current infrastructure (backbone network) already connects most of the Philippines, but there are still gaps in connecting a significant number of end users, such as communities, households, schools, as well as local units and agencies of government, especially in the rural areas. This suggests a wide disparity in the availability and level of ICT infrastructure and services, especially between major urban centers and rural areas. Profitability issues and situations in sparsely populated rural areas, including lack of important infrastructure support (e.g.,
availability of electricity and transport system) and possible risks of lower demand and subscriber base, preclude the entry of private operators. It is recognized that the task of developing the country’s ICT infrastructure primarily resides with the private sector. If broadband connectivity, however, is fully left to market mechanisms, it likely will be deployed by the private sector to urban centers only, with very limited roll-out in rural areas. Moreover, there is also a need to ensure that the benefits of the Internet and related technologies, including participation in ICT investment and opportunities, is made available into all segments of the population, including those who are disadvantaged due to education, age, gender, disabilities, ethnicity, income and those who live in remote regions.
Table 5.7. Internet Connection in Public High Schools per Region: 2009 REGION
TOTAL NO. OF PUBLIC HS
National
6650
NCR
CONNECTED No. of HS
WITHOUT CONNECTION
% Connected
w/in Telco area
out of Telco area
% Unconnected
1936
29.1
1150
3564
70.9
220
157
71.4
63
0
28.6
CAR
243
7
2.9
46
190
97.1
I
461
81
17.6
101
279
82.4
II III IV-A IV-B V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII ARMM
350 502 578 340 582 603 610 397 330 278 279 332 297 248
26 115 214 34 38 139 298 70 144 154 61 233 64 101
7.4 22.9 37 10 6.5 23.1 48.9 17.6 43.6 55.4 21.9 70.2 21.5 40.7
33 81 118 39 78 185 107 88 21 55 76 16 34 9
291 306 246 267 466 279 205 239 165 69 142 83 199 138
92.6 77.1 63 90 93.5 76.9 51.1 82.4 56.4 44.6 78.1 29.8 78.5 59.3
Source: Japan International Cooperation Agency ( JICA) Study Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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Column1 4.30% 28.70% 46.30% 14.50% 6.20%
Stage 4: Transactional Web Presence Stage 3: Interactive Web Presence Stage 2: Enhanced Web Presence Stage 1: Emerging Presence Without Web Presence
Figure 5.8. State of Web Presence among NGAs/a as of September 2010 Stage 4: Transactional Web Presence
14.5% 6.2% 46.3%
4.3%
Stage 3: Interactive Web Presence Stage 2: Enhanced Web Presence Stage 1: Emerging Presence
28.7%
Without Web Presence
Source: National Computer Center (NCC) /a Stages of Web presence based on the United Nations and the American Society of Public Administration (UN-ASPA) standards A wide disparity in the availability and level of ICT infrastructure and services, especially between major urban centers and rural areas. While the ICT sector is and should be private sector-led, government must continue to cultivate an enabling regulatory environment that ensures competition and a level playing field for the provision of ICT infrastructure and services. There are still a number of issues and inadequacies in the current structure of government information network and state of e-government system.
The growth in the country’s population has also driven an increasing demand for high-speed bandwidth and high-capacity application. 2. The legal and regulatory environment may not be as conducive for investments in ICT infrastructure There is a need to pursue various legal and regulatory reforms to ensure that these do not bar nor impede improved private sector investments in ICT. Furthermore, institutional reforms require that the policy and regulatory bodies of the government be strengthened and their independence and autonomy, including provision of well defined qualifications and fixed term of the commissioner, be reinforced as in the case of NTC. While the ICT sector is and should be private sector-led, government must continue to cultivate an enabling regulatory environment that ensures competition and a level playing field for the provision of ICT infrastructure and services. The growing popularity and importance of Internet and broadband has also driven increased competition and thus, poses a greater challenge on how to make these services accessible to a larger market base.
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There is also lack of “Green ICT” policies and initiatives to help manage the effects of ICT on the environment and climate change. With the rapid pace of technology adoption, the practice of green ICT should be more strongly instituted in all sectors, not only in ICT. 3. Inadequate infrastructure support for e-Government system Despite previous e-government initiatives undertaken by the government, there are still a number of issues and inadequacies in the current structure of government information network and state of e-government system. While web presence among NGAs are continuously evolving through establishment of web portals, LGUs especially in the local areas are limited by lack of appropriate infrastructure, technical features and interface. For a developing country that has a low level of Internet and broadband access, the substantial benefits of true e-government system would still be difficult to capture. Furthermore, various government bodies are currently developing and maintaining individual
telecommunications networks, resulting in seemingly fragmented development of government ICT applications. The bigger challenge is to develop a more integrated government communications network that allows for connecting and accessing ICT systems of various regional, provincial and LGU government offices nationwide.
are enjoyed by all Filipinos in both urban and rural areas alike. Since telephony, particularly though CMTS, has achieved a greater advantage in terms of access and usage, there is now a stronger focus on achieving universal access and service for Internet and broadband, especially for providing digital opportunities in the unserved and rural areas. Hence, the following strategies will be pursued:
Strategic Plan and Focus
1. Provide incentives to facilitate ICT infrastructure investments, particularly in the rural and unserved areas
Developing the ICT infrastructure is significant to support the socioeconomic growth requirements and opportunities of the county. Under the current framework, ICT infrastructure and services are primarily provided by private telecommunications operators, driven mainly by user demand. There are areas, however, that are too remote or difficult for private sector players to enter. Thus, while private sector investments will remain the key enabler, the government’s role is equally important in ensuring provision of ICT access and services for all, and in facilitating an enabling environment through appropriate policy measures and regulatory reforms to help sustain and further encourage private sector initiatives.
To provide fast, reliable and affordable access to communications services and information Driven by the increasing demand for high-speed and high capacity voice, video, and data services and applications, the private sector will continue to play a major role in the sectoral growth. It will still provide the bulk of investments towards the build-up and expansion of the ICT infrastructure networks and offer better and innovative services to the public. Equally important government interventions will include ensuring that digital opportunities from ICT
Providing universal access to areas not considered viable by the private sector is not a new challenge. In these areas therefore, the government can play a more active role in supporting and encouraging private initiatives. Create a Universal Access and Service Fund utilizing spectrum user fees (SUF)
The NTC already collects SUFs, which telecommunications operators pass on to consumers through service fees (about PhP2 billion collected annually and remitted to the National Treasury). These funds can be used to build ICT infrastructure in rural areas by institutionalizing the use of SUFs to create a Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF). Part of the UASF may be allocated for providing “smart subsidies”27 to aid prospective private operators in investing in the rural and unserved areas of the country. The fund may also be used in developing various broadband requirements of the public, particularly in education, health and for ICT awareness and capacitybuilding activities. In this initiative, mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability, preferably with multisectoral participation, would have to be institutionalized.
While private sector investments will remain the key enabler, the government’s role is equally important in ensuring provision of ICT access and services for all, and in facilitating an enabling environment through appropriate policy measures and regulatory reforms to help sustain and further encourage private sector initiatives. Since telephony, particularly though CMTS, has achieved a greater advantage in terms of access and usage, there is now a stronger focus on achieving universal access and service for Internet and broadband, especially for providing digital opportunities in the unserved and rural areas.
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2. Establish sustainable Community e-Center (CeC) Program
The CeC is an example of a selfsustaining shared facility providing affordable access to ICT-enabled services and relevant content. The government shall further support their sustainability and further expand to other access points, with the objective of establishing a CeC in every barangay.
With the currently low level of broadband coverage and PC penetration, the government can support establishment of shared access facilities to cater for rural and unserved areas. The CeC is an example of a self-sustaining shared facility providing affordable access to ICT-enabled services and relevant content. While a number of CeCs have been successfully established across the country, the government shall further support their sustainability and further expand to other access points, with the objective of establishing a CeC in every barangay. The government will also push for capacity building programs for CeC workers to develop their business and entrepreneurial skills in maintaining the facilities as well as aggregating CeC needs and services to increase awareness and private sector interest. 3. Implement measures to ensure security and privacy of data in a network and the transmission infrastructure With the rising number of people, institutions and organizations linked online, as well as the increasing number of ways by which people utilize the Internet, safety, security and privacy issues become of utmost importance. Hence, the following shall be pursued: a. Improve the country’s cybersecurity threat prevention, detection and response capabilities for critical infrastructure, including reliability and robustness to withstand threats and damages caused by natural disasters, terrorism, and other threats b. Constant audit of computer systems and resources that should be made mandatory by all institutions using ICT;
c. Issuance of technical guidelines, advisories and bulletins on the protection of computer systems from hacking and unauthorized access, among others; and d. Maintain a pool of cybersecurity experts in government agencies to extend emergency technical assistance to solve reconstruction of damaged data/systems and possible reconstruction to prevent recurrence of cybersecurity-related events.
To cultivate an enabling environment to further attract and sustain private sector investments in ICT infrastructure development Creating a legal and regulatory environment that is more consistent, transparent and conducive for investment will sustain current efforts in spurring economic growth and availing of digital opportunities in the country. Consistency, transparency, and predictability of rules encourage investments that are critical in sustaining the efforts to deploy and promote ICTs for economic growth. Regulatory reform will also help engage the private sector, and enhance the prospects for financial sustainability and viability of ICT access points. The regulatory environment should facilitate a level playing field through clear and updated policies, including review of existing regulations on frequency and proper spectrum allocation/distribution, to further promote competition for existing operators and new entrants. The following strategies will be pursued to this end:
Smart Subsidies are one-time financial incentives intended to help “kick-start” rural telecommunications rollout. It is not meant to cover the full cost of infrastructure roll-out, but rather to merely support investment, without creating subsidy dependency. 27
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1. Pursue legal, regulatory and policy reforms The following proposed legislations and other regulatory and policy reforms shall be pursued: a. Establish the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) (via the “DICT Bill”).The DICT shall be established to coordinate and implement the national ICT development agenda, policies, programs and projects. Transforming the CICT into the DICT should result in a thorough implementation of the national e-strategies cutting across other critical sectors such as e-education and e-health, and the country’s representation in international and regional ICT bodies. b. Strengthening of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) through the “NTC Reorganization Bill”. The NTC shall be strengthened by making its charter responsive to technological and market changes . It will also be strengthened by setting fixed terms for qualified members of the collegial body, vesting each member with authority independent of any political and personal influence during their term of office. The body’s fiscal autonomy in the implementation of sector plans and programs shall also be secured. c. Competition Policy for the ICT Sector. A competitive market is said to be the most efficient mechanism for developing a modern, ubiquitous, and affordable information infrastructure. A competition policy framework for the ICT Sector shall be developed under the leadership of CICT and with the full participation and support of the sector stakeholders.
This framework can be used to correct the flaws in the regulatory environment that restrain competition and prevent markets from functioning efficiently. This framework, moreover, will guide future initiatives and decisions of both the regulator and the private sector as they contemplate competition-related issues. It will also guide the NTC in the exercise of its regulatory functions and as it attempts to balance various public goals, including achieving universal service by making affordable ICT services available to all citizens, ensuring that consumers have access to high-quality products and services, and preventing the exercise of undue market power by firms. d. Reassessment of Republic Act No. 7925 or the “Public Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines, 1995”. While RA 7925, which currently governs the ICT sector, is rightly credited with fostering competition and accelerating investments in the sector, it has become superannuated owing to new technologies (such as the Internet and Voice over Internet Protocol) and business models that were not anticipated at the time the law was passed. Other laws are similarly outdated. The Radio Law (RA 3846), for example, constrains the NTC in the issuance of licenses and assignment of radio spectra that could otherwise help bridge the last mile in rural and unserved areas. There is also a need to revisit pre-Internet laws that, in the face of rapid and continuing technological change, now handicaps the NTC as it struggles to respond to the sector’s needs and the public demand for competitively priced and a wider choice of ICT goods and services.
Creating a legal and regulatory environment that is more consistent, transparent and conducive for investment will sustain current efforts in spurring economic growth and availing of digital opportunities in the country.
e. Convergence Bill / Information and Communications Policy Act. The passage of a Convergence bill must be pursued in order to rationalize all pertinent laws; provide a technology-neutral legal basis and tool to encourage investment into the ICT sector and the deployment of infrastructure and services to the rural and unserved areas; permit the continued
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development of new technlogies; and criminalize cable theft, including theft of cable TV signals and other infrastructure. f. Frequency Spectrum Management. There is a need for greater efficiency and transparency in spectrum regulation and allocation to better aid the private sector efforts in providing ICT infrastructure and services, particularly in unserved and underserved areas. This would also help facilitate allocating frequencies for players that would be interested in providing broadband (e.g., WiMAX) and other wireless technologies in unserved communities. Adequate and efficient infrastructure support must be provided to enhance an e-government system that will allow more effective exchange and processing of data across NGAs and to enhance government’s capability to deliver services electronically directly to citizens.
g. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Reform. A strong and demonstrated commitment to protect Intellectual Property Rights will enhance national competitiveness and encourage the development of local innovations and technologies. Efforts shall be undertaken to enhance protection for intellectual property thru antipiracy campaigns and amendments to the Copyright Law and the IP code. Such laws and campaigns will also provide for parallel support and initiatives to ensure universal access to and deployment of new technologies, applications and knowledge. h. Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Broadcasting switchover. Subsequent to the recent adoption of the ISDB-T standard for the country, the government, in coordination with the broadcast industry and concerned stakeholders, will embark on DTT broadcasting migration, guided by the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations for the digital switchover. The digital transition is expected to help facilitate growth in the broadcast sector through improved quality of television broadcast systems and programming, as well as for a more efficient utilization of the broadcast frequency spectrum. i. “Green ICT” Policies. The adoption of Green IT as a technology will reduce the ill-effects of unregulated ICT
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particularly to human health and the environment. This includes exploring how ICT applications can be used in such a way as to conserve and optimize energy use. For instance, it uses computers that require lower power input thereby producing less radiation to the user and to the environment. Green IT also deals with the proper disposal of obsolete computers and IT equipment, and pushes for a paperless society. Thus, crafting appropriate guidelines and policies to address the negative impacts of ICT infrastructures will be pursued, addressing appropriate disposal of ICT equipment, among others.
To achieve increased transparency, efficiency and trust in Government through enhancement of e–government systems E–Government systems serve as important mechanisms for increased transparency, efficiency and trust in government. Thus, the following will be pursued: Provide adequate and efficient infrastructure support to enhance e-government systems Adequate and efficient infrastructure support must be provided to enhance an e-government system that will allow more effective exchange and processing of data across NGAs and to enhance government’s capability to deliver services electronically directly to citizens. This involves further enhancing e-government portals including the online payment facility. A secured data center and public key infrastructure (PKI) system for government transactions would also need to be established to encourage the use of the e-government Portal towards seamless transaction across agencies.
E-government applications in the LGU level should be promoted so that applications such as those for real property, business permitting, treasury and accounting, and other applications would be used by all LGUs to provide better services to their constituents and increase their revenues.
city and municipality and a SWM Committee in every barangay; b. The formulation of a National Waste Management Framework; c. Submission of Local Government Solid Waste Management Plans;
Interoperability of information systems d. Conversion of open dumpsites into across government bodies will also controlled dumpsites; be pursued, by adopting standards and policies for interoperability and e. Conversion of controlled dumpsites integration strategies. This will enable into sanitary landfills; and easier, more efficient exchanging and processing of data across NGAs f. Establishment of a National Solid applications. (Please refer to Chapter 7, Waste Management Fund. “Good Governance and Rule of Law” for a more comprehensive discussion on The National Solid Waste Management good governance). Framework provides for the reduction, reuse, and recycling (3Rs) of municipal solid wastes and treatment of the hazardous components and residual waste management through sanitary landfills or the use of alternative technologies to process and or treat the waste. The policy is people-centered, Assessment, Issues and where citizens are expected to play a Challenges major role in segregating solid waste at source (household level). In the pursuit of sustainable development, the protection of Compliance with the ESWMA, however, public health and the environment has been weak and the targets set therein should not be neglected. The proper have yet to be attained: management of waste is meant to safeguard resources. To improve a. Only 338 LGUs have completed its management of solid waste, the their Solid Waste Management Plans Philippines enacted RA No. 9003, or 20.9 percent of the 1,610 cities and otherwise known as the Philippine municipalities have completed their Ecological Solid Waste Management Solid Waste Management Plans. In Act (ESWMA) of 2000, which Metro Manila, only eight out of 17 enunciates the government’s cities and municipalities (47 percent) policy of “adopt[ing] a systematic, have complete plans; comprehensive and ecological program of solid waste management b. Nationwide, only 7,680 out of program”. Some of the salient 42,000 barangays are covered by provisions of the Implementing Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the for a compliance rate of 18.28 percent. ESWMA pertain to the following: In Metro Manila, 685 out of 897 barangays are covered by MRFs, or a a. The creation of Solid Waste compliance rate of 76 percent; and Management (SWM) Board in Metro Manila, every province, c. Of 1,205 disposal facilities in the
Social Infrastructure
Compliance with the ESWMA, however, has been weak and the targets set therein have yet to be attained.
Waste Management Solid Waste Management
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country, 1,172 are open and controlled dumpsites, and only 33 are sanitary landfills serving 75 LGUs nationwide, for a compliance rate of only 2.7 percent. In Metro Manila, there are two disposal facilities. There is a controlled dumpsite in Payatas scheduled for closure by the end of 2010; the other is a sanitary landfill in Navotas. Most Metro Manila LGUs dispose of their residual wastes in sanitary landfills outside the metropolitan area.
The limited investment capacity of LGUs and the perceived low willingness of LGU constituents to pay for SWM services have been considered as the main reasons for the underperformance in achieving the ESWMA targets.
Each Filipino generates between 0.30 and 0.684 kg. of solid waste daily, depending on where this occurs. NCR posted the highest waste generation rate of about 0.7 kg per capita per day, while ARMM is the lowest with 0.30 kg per capita per day. Total waste generation is 35,154 tons per day, or 12.83 million tons every year. Upfront capital costs of SWM are high, thus limiting the financial capacity of LGUs to invest in such projects.The limited investment capacity of LGUs and the perceived low willingness of LGU constituents to pay for SWM services have been considered as the main reasons for the underperformance in achieving the ESWMA targets. To augment the financial capability of LGUs, the revised NG-LGU Cost-Sharing Framework for SWM was approved in 2009 allowing NG to provide grants to LGUs of up to 40 percent of the total cost of a SWM project. Table 5.8 shows the NG-LGU costsharing framework.
Issues and Challenges Notwithstanding various initiatives in the sector, several issues and challenges still remain to be addressed, notably the following: a. the slow progress in implementation of the ESWMA;
the
b. the lack of short- and long-term solutions to properly address problems on SWM;
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c. overlapping national and local policies; d. the need for massive implementation of 3Rs at the Household and Barangay level; e. the need to improve and upgrade the national database for SWM; f. the lack of sufficient trained personnel at the national and local level; and g. the need to fully utilize the National Ecology Center (NEC) and the Regional Ecology Centers (RECs).
Strategic Plan and Focus To implement the provisions of RA 9003, there is a need to address waste problems/issues holistically. Each concerned area should develop a concrete action plan to address the challenges of the sector, provide the necessary funds for the operation of SWM facilities, and educate the public on the impact of SWM not only as a means to protect the environment, but also as a way to sustain and support social development.
To ensure suitable/sustainable SWM Fully implement the ESWMA •
Pursue the closure and rehabilitation of all open/controlled dumpsites and the construction of sanitary landfills to increase service coverage to more LGUs;
•
Support the massive implementation of the 3Rs through the establishment of more MRFs and materials recovery systems (MRS);
Table 5.8. NG–LGU Cost–Sharing Framework (in %)
LGU Income Class
Municipalities and Provinces NG Grant LGU Share
Cities NG Grant
LGU Share
1st and 2nd
20
80
40
60
3rd and 4th
40
60
25
75
5th and 6th
50
50
20
80
•
•
Assist LGUs in formulating their respective 10-year SWM Plans; and Establish a start-up fund to accelerate the implementation of the ESWMA. National funds are needed to start the different tasks of the NEC and to implement the SWM approaches.
Generate basic information for SWM that can be used in different programs and projects to properly implement the provisions of RA 9003 •
Develop a framework for setting-up baseline data/indicators on SWM at the LGU level. These shall include the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation system through the development of an accessible database on waste characteristics, diversion rate, LGU compliance, alternative technologies and other parameters that will foster better information exchange; and
•
Fully utilize NEC and RECs to act as hubs for information, networking, and technology showcasing and advocacy.
•
(Other detailed strategies are discussed in Chapter 10 on the “Conservation, Protection, and Rehabilitation of Ensuring Ecological Integrity Towards Sustainable Development”.)
Health Care Wastes Assessment, Issues, and Challenges There are around 2,100 public and private hospitals nationwide with an approximate capacity of 96,000 beds, generating 28,000 kg. of health care wastes (HCW) per day at an average of 0.30 kg. per bed capacity per day. On the other hand, there are around 680 public hospitals with an approximate capacity of 44,000 beds generating 13,200 kg. of HCW per day. The NCR has the largest bed capacity (approximately 30,000 beds) which can generate 9,000 kg. of HCW per day. The volume does not include the amount of wastes from small clinics, stand-alone laboratories, research laboratories, municipal health centers and barangay health stations, which generate mostly general or domestic health care wastes.
Pursue the closure and rehabilitation of all open/controlled dumpsites and the construction of sanitary landfills to increase service coverage to more LGUs;
The general distribution of health care wastes is as follows: general or domestic wastes (80%); pathological and infectious wastes (15%); chemical and pharmaceutical wastes (3% percent); sharps (1%); radioactive wastes, cystostatic wastes, pressurized containers, broken thermometers and used batteries (less than 1%). As the lead government agency in the formulation of national guidelines for health care waste management, the DOH requires all health facilities to follow correct procedures in the five-stage process of health care waste management: (a) waste minimization and segregation; (b) waste handling and collection; (c) waste internal Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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transport and temporary storage; (d) waste treatment; and (e) final disposal. Complying with the five-stage process is a responsibility of HCW sources or generators themselves, consisting mostly of private and public hospitals. Private hospitals are responsible for their own investments in equipment operations and personnel for HCW management. Public hospitals, on the other hand, need to justify and apply for an annual budget for HCW.
At present, there are 10 accredited TSD facility operators serving public and private hospitals in the NCR and nearby regions. Elsewhere in the country, however, TSD facility operators are nonexistent and public and private hospitals must rely on inhouse options and technology for waste treatment and disposal. There are some 111 TSD facilities nationwide, most of which are in Luzon. Other urban and industrialized regions have only a limited capacity for treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes, hence the problem of their disposal. Develop an interactive database to track chemicals and hazardous wastes.
Since the Clean Air Act (RA 8749) of 1999 and its IRRs were issued, the health sector has been limited to nonburn technologies for the treatment of HCW, such as wet thermal disinfection or autoclaving, microwave, chemical disinfection and the biological process.The first two technologies are largely imported and usually costly.
To ensure hygienic/sanitary disposal of health care waste 1. Minimize the spread of health care wastes at the source Institutionalize HCW management system in health facilities through investment in training and communications. Schools that include HCW management processes in their technical curricula should be given incentives; and Ensure that mercury and other harmful metals are not released to the environment through the elimination of the use of mercury-based medical equipment and devices.
Hospitals must determine which technology best meets the needs of HCW management while minimizing the impact to the environment and enhancing the safety of the hospitals and the general public.
2. Enhance access of hospitals and health facilities to technologies, products and services to assure compliance with health care waste management guidelines
Public and private hospitals in the NCR contract out the treatment and final disposal of their HCW to private companies called Transport, Storage, Disposal (TSD) facility operators. At present, there are 10 accredited TSD facility operators serving public and private hospitals in the NCR and nearby regions. Elsewhere in the country, however, TSD facility operators are nonexistent and public and private hospitals must rely on inhouse options and technology for waste treatment and disposal.
•
Engage LGUs in PPP options and financial schemes for the establishment of large-scale waste treatment technologies. The development of BOT projects for cooperative waste treatment facilities and sanitary landfills is a viable option;
•
Provide incentives to private investment for the promotion of research, development and manufacture of nonmercury-based devices and technologies used in health facilities and for health care; and
•
Encourage the development and manufacturing of local waste treatment technology and ensure their availability in the market.
Of the 72 hospitals managed by the DOH, 30 percent are located mostly in Metro Manila and contract out their waste treatment and disposal requirements. Most use chemical disinfection for waste treatment and have limited or no access to a sanitary landfill for the final disposal of treated wastes. Of these same 72 hospitals managed by the DOH, 90 percent have existing sewage treatment plants or are currently in the process of installing these facilities.
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Toxic Chemicals and Hazardous Wastes Assessment, Issues, and Challenges The DENR through the EMB regulates the movement and disposal of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes in the country. There are 46,823 existing chemicals in the country in the updated Philippine Inventory of Chemicals and Chemical Substances (PICCS) and 48 toxic chemicals are not included in the Priority Chemical List (PCL) for strict monitoring. There are about 11,162 registered hazardous waste generators (HWGs) and 262 registered transporters. The top three hazardous wastes generated are putrescible/organic wastes, waste oil, and wastes with cyanide. Based on export clearances issued by EMB, approximately forty percent of those exported hazardous wastes were sludge that contain copper, silver, etc. There are some 111 TSD facilities nationwide, most of which are in Luzon. Other urban and industrialized regions have only a limited capacity for treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes, hence the problem of their disposal. The key challenge is how to properly track and monitor the handling and disposal of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes.
Strategic Plan and Focus To ensure proper and sustainable disposal of toxic chemicals and hazardous waste 1. Improve the hazardous waste management of industries/ establishments and increase compliance with regulatory policies pertaining to the importation of toxic chemicals and substances and the transportation, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous wastes
• Strengthen the enforcement implementation of RA 6969 the control of toxic chemicals hazardous wastes through survey monitoring activities; and
and on and and
• Develop an interactive database to track chemicals and hazardous wastes. 2. Minimize chemical-related incidents and the risks to the environment and to public health posed by improper management of hazardous wastes by industries • Develop a national plan for chemical incident prevention; and • Embark on a massive information and education campaign and continuously coordinate with LGUs and other government agencies and
Housing Assessment, Issues and Challenges The National Urban Development and Housing Framework (NUDHF) 20092016 finds the housing problem to be serious and is a largely urban phenomenon. The magnitude of housing need, defined as the housing backlog plus new households, is enormous and is estimated to reach about 5.8 million housing units in 2016 (Chapter on Social Development). In Metro Manila, the total backlog has been projected to reach 496,928 housing units. Innovative and highdensity housing strategies are required if the housing deficit is to be effectively addressed.
The magnitude of housing need, defined as the housing backlog plus new households, is enormous and is estimated to reach about 5.8 million housing units in 2016. Accelerate mass housing programs with alternative housing technologies, schemes and approaches to ensure decent and affordable homes. Integrate basic infrastructure support to resettlement sites and emerging regional sustainable communities, such as provision of potable water, safe and sufficient electricity, access roads to the nearest commercial centers, and ICT, among others;
Beyond the public sector providing housing and the auxiliary services, new approaches are needed in the face of continuing ruralurban migration that is bound to exacerbate the housing problem. The affordability of and access to government housing programs by the poor will also continue to pose a major challenge in the near future. The housing problem is evident in the proliferation of slums and informal settlements in the urban areas. Recent Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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estimates show that more than a third of urban populations are slum dwellers. In Metro Manila there were about 581,059 informal settlers (data from HUDCC as of July 26, 2010). These communities are characterized by unsanitary conditions, congestion, and limited access to basic urban services (e.g., health centers, schools, waste disposal, safe water supply). Resettlement and relocation programs have been implemented but have attained limited success in providing employment, livelihood opportunities, and adequate services to many of the relocatees. Government has allocated less than 1.0 percent of the total government expenditures for the housing sector in recent years, or less than one-tenth of a percent of GDP on the average. This makes Philippine public spending on housing one of the lowest in Asia. (Habito, 2009)28 The role of government in providing access to housing opportunities and services must be clarified. In the last four decades, government response to the housing problem has failed to rectify the fundamental issues of providing shelter, especially for the poor.
Strategic Plan and Focus The housing sector is guided by the theme: Gaganda ang buhay kung may bahay at hanapbuhay (Life will improve with housing and livelihood.) The vision is to provide a holistic framework of a home and eventually a harmonious community through provision of housing infrastructure, integration of basic services, and implementation of appropriate housing/construction standards. It targets the provision of some 1.47 million housing units for the Plan period 2011-2016.29
28 29
174
To address the housing needs and gaps in basic services, especially for the poor and marginalized a. Accelerate mass housing programs with alternative housing technologies, schemes and approaches to ensure decent and affordable homes. In relation to this, the following will also be undertaken: • Employ labor-intensive method in the implementation of housing projects wherever feasible to generate employment in the beneficiary communities; • Develop and implement the appropriate standards in the construction of the housing units to incorporate DRRM and CCA; • Explore vertical expansion in the construction of housing units taking into consideration the basic geographical location, soil quality and other environmental considerations; and • Explore the use of indigenous and recyclable materials as environment-friendly alternatives to reduce cost in building houses. b. Integrate basic infrastructure support to resettlement sites and emerging regional sustainable communities, such as provision of potable water, safe and sufficient electricity, access roads to the nearest commercial centers, and ICT, among others; c. Ensure that all government infrastructure projects integrate the relocation and resettlement requirements of affected families
This is based on Habito’s 2009 paper for the Asian Development Bank (ADB). See Table 8.10 under Housing section of Chapter 7: Social Development.
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
into their plans and costing in collaboration with other concerned agencies; d. Develop a financing framework for relocation and resettlement, including workable PPP schemes for socialized housing development; and e. Support LGUs efforts to develop a system of land inventory to better identify areas for urban growth and planned areas for human settlements through their Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs).
Health Facilities Assessment, Issues and Challenges Although health facilities have become available and accessible in most communities, many remain unaware of the services offered and consequently seek more specialized care in hospitals rather than their Rural Health Units (RHUs) or Barangay Health Stations (BHS). Government primary health facilities are conveniently located, with 94 percent of households being within 15-minute walking distance to an RHU or BHS. Such facilities are frequently bypassed, however, for more specialized care. RHU resources remain underutilized, while higher level facilities are overcrowded, unnecessarily causing a state of inaccessibility.
households and urban dwellers were the predominant users of private facilities. From 2007 to 2010, the government allotted PhP8.43 Billion to upgrade around 1,176 health facilities nationwide.
Issues and Challenges For 2011, infrastructure in the health sector will require additional funding because of limited funds for health facilities such as Basic and Comprehensive Emergency Obstretic and Neonatal Care (B/ CEmONC) facilities, in addition to the DOH-retained and -maintained hospitals.
Table 5.9. Summary of DOH Infrastructure and Equipment: 2007-2010 RHU-BHS
Level 1
Level 2
Others
TOTAL
%
0
1
8
1
5
3
18
1.5
CHD 1
21
9
6
1
1
1
39
3.3
CHD 2
102
11
10
0
1
2
126
10.7
CAR
112
10
14
0
1
0
137
11.6
3
5
46
1
4
0
59
5.0
CHD 4A
14
3
10
1
2
0
30
2.6
CHD 4B
82
14
14
0
0
0
110
9.4
CHD 5
5
16
15
3
1
0
40
3.4
CHD 6
76
8
29
2
2
0
117
9.9
CHD 7
17
10
14
1
2
1
45
3.8
CHD 8
42
14
20
2
0
1
79
6.7
CHD 9
33
10
9
0
2
0
54
4.6
20
11
2
1
1
71
6.0
15
7
2
2
1
80
6.8
17
9
1
1
0
92
7.8
8
2
2
0
2
23
2.0
12
5
0
0
0
44
3.7
0
1
0
9
2
12
1.0
183
230
19
34
14
1176
100.0
NCR
CHD 3
In terms of health facility utilization, 36 the Filipino Report Card on Pro- CHD 10 Poor Services in 2000 showed that CHD 11 53 77 percent of households surveyed 64 used health facilities of one type CHD 12 or another. Compared with rural CARAGA 9 households, urban households 27 tended to use health facility services ARMM more. Because of the lower cost MM HOSP 0 of health services, patients more 696 frequently utilized government TOTAL facilities than private facilities. Rich Source: DOH
Level 3 Level 4
Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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Table 5.10. 2011 DBM Budget Gaps
Purpose
DOH Request DBM–Approved (Required for MDGs) (within DOH ceiling (in PhP Billion) for 2011) (in PhP Billion)
BEmONC, 2754 units
9.6
5.75
3.85
CEmONC, 300 units
9
0
9
9.6
1.39
8.21
28.2
7.14
21.06
DOH Hospital Upgrading (66 Hospitals)
Strategic Plan and Focus Invest in the Health Facility Enhancement Program that defines a unified and rationalized health facility blueprint covering both public and private health facilities. Increase public investment for health and rationalize the use of all sources of funds for health, including the national and local government budgets and resources from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and other extra-budgetary resources for health.
To improve access to and quality of health facilities 1. Ensure coordinated and appropriate planning and development • Invest in the Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) that defines a unified and rationalized health facility blueprint covering both public and private health facilities; • Link provincial or city plans to the national allocation of investments for health, including acquisition of ROW and lands set aside for the construction of health facilities; • Improve access to specialized services in subnational health facilities and enhance the quality-assurance system for public health facilities like the RHUs and BHSs. Provision of necessary access road to the RHUs and BHSs, especially in the remote areas, must be considered in the planning and development of health facilities; • Increase the percentage of public and private hospitals for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI); • Strengthen the gate-keeping function of lower level facilities; and • Integrate the provision of proper waste-management systems (e.g.,
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GAP (in PhP Billion)
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hospital, toxic and solid waste) in the plans of all proposed and existing health facilities. 2. Facilitate project/program financing • Increase public investment for health and rationalize the use of all sources of funds for health, including the national and local government budgets and resources from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and other extra-budgetary resources for health. These resources should be utilized to ensure that available accredited facilities are accessible to each Filipino family while improving the health service packages provided to them, including catastrophic spending; and • Enforce fiscal and administrative autonomy in all DOH-retained facilities in exchange for capital outlay support and progressive and well-calibrated re-allocation of hospital budgets to public health priorities. This will promote efficiency and improve healthcare services as well as secure investments. This can be achieved at the national level by pursuing corporate-style management in DOH-retained hospitals and promoting income retention at the LGU hospitals.
No. of inputs provided for the shortages 2004
New Construction Repairs Undertaken
3. Improve project implementation and encourage the use of alternative materials and technologies • Explore the use of indigenous and recyclable materials that are environment-friendly to reduce costs and incorporate DRRM and CCA concepts in building health facilities; • Employ labor-intensive methods in implementing health infrastructure projects as a means to generate employment in the beneficiary communities; and • Explore the possibilities of entering into PPPs in the construction, structural retrofitting, rehabilitation, maintenance and management of health facilities.
Education Assessment, Issues and Challenges The country is exerting all efforts to attain its education targets under the MDGs to improve quality, access and efficiency of education. Even as education has been identified as the central strategy for investing in people, reducing poverty, and building national competitiveness, the country has been cited as a “particularly striking example of under-performance” in educational reforms in the 2010 Education For All (EFA) Global Monitoring Report. Current policies have been cited as failing to make a difference in improving the education of the poorest Filipinos. Among its other challenges, the Department of Education (DepEd) has perennially confronted the problem of classroom shortage. In SY 2009-2010 alone, the Department has a total of 18.2 million enrollees but was deficient by more than 100,000 classrooms in both elementary and secondary public schools. Budget allocations for
2005
12,490
2006
9,407 1,130
14,887 5,800
2007
2008
15,215 15,832
2009
9,835 5,097
13,750 5,909
Figure 5.9. New Classroom Construction and Repairs Undertaken: FY 2004–2010 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 2004
2005
2006
New Construction
2007
2008
2009
2010
Repairs Undertaken
classroom construction have never fully covered the needs of an increasing school population. The problem of shortage is exacerbated by damage to school buildings wrought by typhoons and other disasters. As the DepEd intensifies its campaign to enroll all school-age children, in line with its commitment to achieve universal participation, classroom requirements will rise even more. An additional challenge is the prospective passage of the bill on mandatory preschool education, which will require the construction of even more classrooms to accommodate incoming learners.
The problem of shortage is exacerbated by damage to school buildings wrought by typhoons and other disasters.
Issues and Challenges Adequate classrooms are necessary for quality education. Several means have been employed to address this concern, but with a fast-growing population, shortages have never been eradicated. Since 2004, a total of 76,710 classrooms (elementary and high school combined) have been put up. This was achieved through the combined efforts of DepEd, DPWH, the local governments, private sector donors, school principals and members of Congress. Another response to reduce the pressure on infrastructure has been the use of alternative delivery modes (ADM) of education, such as the use of Accelerating Infrastructure Development
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2010 4,3
1,9
Despite continuing efforts to build new schools and make the most of what is present, the shortage persists. Closing the classroom gap and improving the quality of educational facilities will not only provide learners with the needed infrastructure for education, but also a conducive and suitable learning environment that will enhance the teaching-learning process, contributing to the improvement of their academic performance.
ICT. The availability of a database on ADM (e.g., the share of ADM to the total number of all learning delivery modes) will facilitate in determining the number of classroom required.
Strategic Plans and Focus
Despite continuing efforts to build new schools and make the most of what is present, the shortage persists. This is especially true in far-flung and remote areas. The total classroom requirement is 152,569 for all levels. For next school year, the estimated requirement for public schools is some 113,000 new classrooms, with an estimated cost of over PhP77 billion. This does not include the need for major repairs on 14 percent of existing classrooms estimated to cost PhP14 billion in 2011. The large demand for new classrooms makes the need for innovative approaches to the provision of classrooms even more urgent.
1. Close the classroom gap
The damage caused by various calamities hitting the country present a further challenge to maintaining an adequate number of classrooms. This is also related to the typical use of public schools as temporary shelters for those affected by disasters. To date, not all schools have adequate sanitation facilities, a fact that may lead to the degradation of students’ health. This, in turn, may adversely affect the academic performance of students. Closing the classroom gap and improving the quality of educational facilities will not only provide learners with the needed infrastructure for education, but also a conducive and suitable learning environment that will enhance the teaching-learning process, contributing to the improvement of their academic performance. Through this indirect but obvious way, addressing the infrastructure deficits in education contributes to economic growth and social development.
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To ensure adequate and equitable provision of quality educational facilities • Sustain the DepEd School Building Program through the Basic Education Facilities Fund under the GAA and other funding sources. • Provide continuing financial support for the construction of schoolbuildings in areas with acute shortages and for other programs under the Basic Education Facilities Fund; dilapidated or unusable school buildings, and those damaged by fire and other natural hazards, should also be rebuilt; • Explore various procurement modalities under the government’s PPP Program; • Explore NG-LGU matching schemes for school building construction. Under this scheme, every school building constructed by NG in a certain area will be matched by the concerned LGU with the same number; • Maximize classroom use of through class-shifts. The adoption of double-shift classes must be continued as long as it is needed in order to alleviate overcrowding in classrooms and to support efforts at addressing the classroom gap; and • Explore the use of indigenous and recyclable materials as environment-friendly alternatives to reduce the cost of building classrooms.
2. Improve the quality of educational facilities • Pursue the construction of disaster-resilient classrooms. It will be ensured that classrooms in areas prone to typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural hazards will be specially designed to withstand such calamities. This will minimize the need to rebuild and rehabilitate damaged classrooms, saving resources for other expenditures. In addition, schools are often used as temporary shelter for displaced, thus there is a need to strengthen and improve their design. School buildings shall be designed not only to be disaster-resilient but also so that these can be used as adequate evacuation centers to support the defense policy of providing tents and mobile trucks during calamities; and • Provide for sufficient water and sanitation facilities in school construction. The recent outbreak of several diseases shows the need to focus on promoting proper hygiene and sanitation in schools. Schools should include adequate water and sanitation facilities to protect the health of children and teachers. Additional funding will be allotted for this purpose.
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06
Towards a Resilient and Inclusive Financial Sector
Towards a Resilient and Inclusive Financial Sector
181
Towards a Resilient and Inclusive Financial Sector The financial sector intermediates claims between savings and investors. The credibility and stability of financial institutions and the relative attractiveness of various financial instruments to borrowers and lenders alike determine how much saving will mobilized, how much it stays in the country to be invested, and how this is to be allocated among the various firms and industries. Together with the state of confidence and long-term expectation, therefore, the stability and performance of financial institutions such as banks, equity and bonds markets, insurance companies, and other financial entities have an indirect but vital bearing on investment and the growth of output and employment in the country.
Assessment The Philippine financial system manifested its strength with a steady improvement in the balance sheet of the banking industry, the issuance and listing of corporate bonds, and the underwriting of insurance contracts.
The Philippine financial system manifested its strength over the past decade, including the period of recent global financial crisis. After significant dislocations in prior crises in the 1980s and 1990s as well as the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the system saw a steady improvement in the balance sheet of the banking industry, the issuance and listing of corporate bonds, and the underwriting of insurance contracts. Moving forward, however, the system will need to address concerns about the sustainability of its performance if it is to contribute significantly to development. Parallel to these, policymakers pursued broad-based financial sector reforms centered on restructuring the banking sector, institutionalizing corporate governance reforms, improving risk
1
management and strengthening the supervisory oversight of financial regulators1 in the early 2000s. Together with improved macroeconomic conditions, the steady inflow of remittances from OFWs, a minimal investment exposure to foreign structured products and a low dependence on exports, these reforms allowed the financial system to avoid the worst difficulties encountered by other economies during the 20072008 financial crisis. The financial system’s performance has been positively reviewed by third parties.2 Stress tests conducted on banks also confirm the strength of the banking system’s capitalization even with extreme test parameters. For inclusive finance advocacy, local supervisory initiatives have also been repeatedly acknowledged
These include the re-establishment Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (General Banking Law of 2000 or RA 8791) as the supervisor of the banking sector, Securities and Exchange Commission (Securities Regulation Code of 2001 or RA 8799, as amended) as the supervisor of the corporate sector and domestic capital market, Insurance Commission (PD 612) as the supervisor of the insurance and pre-need industries and Cooperative Development Authority (RA 6939) as the supervisor of cooperatives in the Philippines. The CDA Charter was enacted on March 10, 1990 and subsequent enhancements were similarly pursued in early 2000s but amendments of the Charter are still pending in Congress. 2 This is evident from the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) report of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in early 2010.
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by international institutions.3 These external validations of the improvements in the financial sector culminated in the sovereign ratings or outlook upgrades from some the major ratings firms.
Current Structure of the Financial System The Philippine financial system is primarily bank-based rather than capital market-based. The banking sector, whose total assets accounted for more than 80 percent of the total resources of the financial system4 and of GDP in 2010, plays the primary role in financial intermediation and is the main source of credit in the economy. Across banking groups, universal and commercial banks continued to hold the lion’s share of key balance sheet
accounts of the banking system on account of their market maturity, branch network and capitalization. The comparative market shares of key banking groups are summarized in Table 6.1. Meanwhile, the market share of non-bank financial institutions remains relatively small, accounting for about 18 percent of total assets of the financial system and 17 percent of economic output in 2010. The Insurance Commission (IC), for instance, reports that only 13.9 percent of the Philippine population has private life insurance coverage. In 2008, the private insurer’s penetration rate or the proportion of the premiums to the country’s GDP was only 1.1 percent. Among the reasons cited for the low insurance coverage is the lack of priority being placed on insurance products by the citizenry and the low financial literacy level among low income households including the informal sector.
The Philippine financial system is primarily bank-based rather than capital market-based.
Table 6.1. Comparative Market Shares of Key Banking Subgroups in the Philippines as of end-September 2010 2010*
Selected Performance Indicators
Period Bank Category
Core Loans Assets
(TLP, net of IBL and RRP with BSP)
End-September 2009
Universal and 88.5 83.8 Commercial Banks Thrift Banks 8.7 11.6 Rural and 2.8 4.6 Cooperative Banks All Banks 100.0 100.0 Universal and 88.3 83.8 Commercial Banks Thrift Banks 9.0 11.9 Rural and 2.7 4.3 Cooperative Banks All Banks 100.0 100.0 *Preliminary data; as of End-September 2010
End-September 2010*
Physical Composition
Deposits
Capital
Net Profit
88.2
86.8
91.3
9.2
9.2
2.5
Head Office
Branches
Total
4.8
57.3
52.4
3.3
9.2
16.1
15.4
4.0
5.4
86.1
26.6
32.2
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
87.8
87.9
90.2
5.0
57.4
52.8
9.6
8.5
5.7
9.6
16.6
16.0
2.5
3.6
4.1
85.5
26.0
31.2
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
3
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), for example, has ranked the country’s inclusive finance policy framework as the best worldwide. 4 Excludes the assets of BSP. Likewise, other non-bank financial institutions not under BSP supervision such as investment houses and financing companies without quasi-banking functions and/or trust authorities or are not subsidiaries or affiliates of banks and quasi-banks, lending investors, insurance companies and other government financial institutions (GFI) such as the Social Security System (SSS) and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) are excluded in the computation of total assets of the financial system due to data constraints.
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Figure 6.1. Comparative Market Share of the Insurance Industry as of endDecember 2009
The insurance industry’s total assets reached P528.2 billion as of endDecember 2009 with 122 market players. Life insurers captured the bulk of the insurance market at 79% while non-life insurers at 19% and professional reinsurers at 2 percent. Meanwhile, the number of companies listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) grew to 259 companies in 2011 from just 12 companies in 2003. Despite the rise in the number of listed companies, market capitalization as a percentage of economic output remained small (except Indonesia) compared to other ASEAN-5 economies. In 2009, market capitalization dropped to 45.8 percent of GDP from 54 percent in 2002. This reflects that the market remains illiquid and the free float of listed companies in the PSE still limited. 5
Mutual funds, with market size likewise smallest in Asia,5 are managed by broker-dealers and investment companies where largest of them in terms of asset size are either subsidiaries or affiliates of banks. In view of this unbalanced development of the financial sector, the country’s M2-to-GDP ratio6 of less than 50 percent over the last decade has been below the ASEAN-5 average and second lowest to Indonesia since 2006 (Figure 6.2). Meanwhile, Malaysia and Thailand have financial depth ratios of more than 100 percent. The domestic capital market and non-bank sector composed of investment houses, securities brokers or dealers, financing companies and insurance companies also remain small compared to regional peers.
Cf: April 2010 FSAP Report: An Update on the Philippines This refers to the measure of broad money which consists of currency in circulation, peso demand deposits or M1 and peso savings and time deposits. This is the ratio of which over economic output is a common measure of financial depth. 6
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Table 6.2. Philippine Stock ExchangeListed Companies: as of February 25, 2011
Company Group
Total No. of Firms per Sector
Banks Chemicals Construction, infrastructure & allied services Diversified industrials Diversified services Education Electricity, energy, power & water Food, beverage & tobacco Holding firms Hotel & leisure Information Technology Media Mining Oil Other financial institutions Preferred Property SMEs Telecoms Transport Total
16 8 16 10 10 3 13 23 41 8 11 5 17 5 14 1 41 2 6 9 259
Foreign participation in the financial system remains limited. The banking sector was liberalized and opened to foreign participation following the enactment of the Foreign Banks Law or RA 7721 in 1994. Since then foreign banks have been allowed in principle to establish branches with full banking authority, to invest in up to 60 percent of the voting stock of a new banking subsidiary, or to invest in up to 60 percent of the voting stock of an existing domestic bank.7 The first mode of entry has been closed, however, while the second is also suspended pending a moratorium on the establishment of new banks, except for those engaged primarily in microfinance. In practice, foreign banks may only pursue the third route of foreign entry, which is the acquisition of 60 percent voting interest in an existing domestic bank. Notwithstanding the liberalization of the banking sector, foreign banks to date account for only 11.9 percent of the banking system’s total assets8 although they have a stronger foothold in country’s credit card business.
Foreign participation in the financial system remains limited.
Source: Philippine Stock Exchange
Figure 6.2. Financial Deepening in ASEAN-5
Source: IMF Statistics, NSCB 7
Article 99, Chapter XIII of the Cooperative Code of the Philippines (RA 6938) limits the ownership of a cooperative bank to duly established and registered cooperatives in the Philippines, including another cooperative bank. 8 Section 3 of the Foreign Banks Law or RA 7721 limits the aggregate share of foreign banks to 30 percent of banking system’s total assets.
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Table 6.3. Structure of Financial Systems in ASEAN-5 (Averages: 2000-2009)
Economy Indonesia Malaysia Philippines Singapore Thailand
Domestic Credit Provided by Banking Sector
Equity Market Capitalization (% GDP)
Foreign Currency Bonds Outstanding
54.0 129.6 56.9 91.0 130.2
26.6 135.7 45.8 182.2 55.8
2.0 16.2 25.9 25.3 6.1
Source: IMF, World Bank and Asian Bonds Online
Table 6.4. Extent of Bank Access – Customer Reach (2010)
Country Indonesia Malaysia Philippines Singapore Thailand
Deposit accounts per ATMs per 100,000 100,000 people people 504.7 2,063.3 499.1 2,236.3 1,448.8
14.4 54.0 14.3 49.8 71.3
Branches per 100,000 people 7.7 11.4 11.8 10.5 11
Source: World Bank
The current geographical distribution of financial service providers shows a growing concentration in the high-income and urbanized areas of NCR, Central Luzon and CALABARZON.
The current geographical distribution of financial service providers shows a growing concentration in the high-income and urbanized areas of NCR, Central Luzon and CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon). Bank density is heavily skewed towards these three regions and the nationwide density ratio of five banks per city or municipality has been largely unchanged for the last decade. Consequently, about 37 percent9 of municipalities in the Philippines do not even have a banking office and can be considered either unserved or underserved with respect to a broad range of critical financial services such as credit, savings, payment transfers, remittances and insurance. Compared to the ASEAN-5, the Philippines lags behind in terms of customer reach (Table 6.4.).
9
The agenda to develop a robust capital market is of long standing, and has been previously analyzed extensively, yet many of the critical components remain unresolved. To attain the objective of a regionallyresponsive development-oriented financial system, there must be a clear acceptance that a thriving capital market is not an optional appendage but a crucial complement to the traditional bank deposit-loan market. The local bond market continues to be dominated by government securities and is largely fragmented, with the presence of too many tenor buckets and a longer maturity profile10 compared to other ASEAN economies (Figure 6.3).
The ratio may be lower if the client reach of non-bank microfinance institutions (MFI) and non-government organization/civil society organization (NGO/CSO)-oriented cooperatives are included. 10 Largely used as a debt management tool of the government to ensure liquidity for its deficit financing needs.
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Condition and Performance Banking Sector The Philippine banking system, which remains the core of the financial system and primary source of credit for the economy, continues to manifest sustained resilience for the last decade at par with its ASEAN-5 neighbors.11
Key performance indicators (Figure 6.4) showed steady growth in assets, lending, deposits and capital accounts. While credit expansion has been modest, averaging 6 percent in over a decade, this was due less to a lack of liquidiy in the system and more to developments in the capital market that allowed some highly rated companies to tap alternative funding. Alongside this, credit underwriting standards were strengthened, which ultimately allowed
The Philippine banking system continues to manifest sustained resilience for the last decade at par with its ASEAN-5 neighbors.
Figure 6.3. Comparative Benchmark Yield Curves, ASEAN+3
Source: Bloomberg, Asian Bonds Online 11
Cf: Attachment 1
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Figure 6.4. Selected Performance Indicators of the Banking System
Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
The country’s stock market also showed signs of recovering from depressed global market sentiments in 2007-2009.
banks to improve their asset quality and maintain prudent loan-to-deposit ratios. Bank solvency remains above the BSP regulatory requirement of 10 percent and the international standard of 8 percent; the country fully adopted the risk-based capital adequacy framework12 under Basel II in 2007. Core earnings grew together with modest, credit expansion and a general improvement in asset quality.
Equities Market The country’s stock market also showed signs of recovering from depressed global market sentiments in 2007-2009 12
particularly during the worst period of the U.S. subprime crisis in 2008. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) surged 37.6 percent to close at 4,201 points at end-year 2010, the fourth biggest annual percentage increase in the last ten years. For its performance in 2010 alone, the PSEi advanced by 1,148 points year-on-year from its level of 3,053 in 2009. During this period, the PSEi peaked at 4,413 points on November 5, 2010 while its lowest level was recorded at 2,788 on February 9, 2010. The broader All-Shares index
Prior to the banking system’s adoption of Basel 1, Philippine banks were required to maintain a net worthto-risk assets (NWRA) ratio of at least 10%. On July 1, 2001, the NWRA ratio was replaced by a 10 percent BIS-type risk weighted capital ratio when the banking system adopted the Basel 1 framework for bank capital (BSP Circular No. 280)
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Figure 6.5. Selected Stock Market Performance Indicators NET FOREIGN TRANSACTIONS AND STOCK MARKET CAPITALIZATION (For End-Periods Indicated In Billion Pesos)
MARKET TURNOVER AND P/E RATIO (For End-Periods Indicated In Billion Pesos)
Source: Philippine Stock Exchange also rose by 56.7 percent to 3,006 points in 2010 from the previous year’s 1,910. All sector specific indices also increased, led by the Holding Firms index followed by the Industrials, Property, Financials, Mining and Oil, and Services, in declining order. Other stock market indicators similarly showed positive sentiments on the local bourse with an uptrend in overall stock market capitalization and average price per earnings ratio.
Fixed Income Market Total volume traded at the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corporation (PDEx) for 2010 amounted to P5.4
trillion year-to-date (YTD), more than double its previous YTD’s level of P2.6 trillion. This is composed of treasury bills, fixed income notes, retail treasury bonds, zero coupon bonds and special purpose treasury bonds. On March 16, 2010, PDEx trading volume reached an all time high of 13 14
P53.8 billion (daily average) in its fiveyear history. However, government securities accounted for 99.2 percent of all fixed income instruments in the FIE. It is composed of treasury bills (8.9%), fixed income notes (78.8%), retail treasury bonds (11.5%), zero coupon13 bonds and special purpose treasury bonds.14 Meanwhile, corporate bonds made up the remaining 0.8 percent.
Foreign Exchange and Bond Markets
The domestic financial market has started to realize gains from improving market and investor sentiments. The peso strengthened against the US Dollar while sovereign credit spreads tightened.
Overall, the domestic financial market remains generally stable and has started to realize gains from improving market and investor sentiments. The peso strengthened against the US Dollar while sovereign credit spreads tightened during this period (Figure 6.6). Also, figure 6.6 summarizes the performance of Philippine financial markets post crisis and improved investor sentiment as evidenced by the general
Negligible share Negligible share
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189
Figure 6.6. Summary of Financial Market Performance
Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Bloomberg and Philippine Stock Exchange strengthening of the peso against the US dollar, rebound of the domestic equities market and tightening of sovereign debt spreads.
Challenges To nurture a thriving financial system, the challenge is to mobilize local saving and deploy the resources as may be needed throughout the archipelago.
Notwithstanding the improvements previously cited, some policy and structural issues continue to deter the further development of the financial system. If the financial system must positioned to serve the current and future needs of the public, these issues must be resolved:
15
190
Attachment 2
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Institutionalized generation of savings and mobilization of resources As an archipelago the country must live with demographic and economic diversity across regions.15 To nurture a thriving financial system, the challenge is to mobilize local saving and deploy the resources as may be needed throughout the archipelago. This provides for a regionally-responsive, development-oriented financial system that nurtures saving at its source while recognizing how some regions may have greater credit needs than others. Further strengthening the financial inclusion framework and its infrastructure support are key elements in providing the necessary financial services and in bridging the spatial gaps between regions.
Available savings are primarily lodged in shortterm instruments Economic priorities and projects normally require long-term funds but available savings is placed mostly in short-term instruments such as savings deposits16 and treasury bills. This tenor gap cannot be addressed by a simple pricing solution. There is a need to develop an outright long-term funds market. Put differently, savers must be provided the opportunity to become investors, and this will require an enabling environment that includes prudential guidelines, infrastructure support, a robust capital market and a national financial education program.
Lack of a thriving capital market The business of finance is impossible without the dynamics of trading. To establish an outright long-term funds market, the capital market must undergo fundamental changes. This includes defining a credible valuation benchmark, providing for forward markets, strengthening the cash market, and addressing the fragmentation of the government securities market. The latter raises the inherent tension between the market development function of government securities versus the mandate to minimize the cost of government debt financing.
Improving the financial governance framework Rapidly changing market conditions and the public’s evolving requirements increase the pressure on the governance structure of the market. The supervisory framework must pro-actively stay ahead of these market pressures. Regulatory
16 17
and supervisory authorities must ensure that their mandates are aligned with international best-practice and standards applicable in a domestic context. In the current regime of multiple regulators, the authorities must ensure consistency and comparability across their respective governance frameworks. Some of these will require legislative intervention while the rest will depend heavily on the working relationship between regulators and regulated entities.
FIs concentration in urban areas The uneven distribution of regional income and savings has led to the concentration of financial institutions and delivery of financial services in highincome and urbanized areas. Bank density, for instance, has remained at five banking offices per city or municipality for the last decade, leaving some 37 percent17 of the country’s municipalities either unserved or underserved.
Need for legislative support in critical reform areas Critical financial sector reforms cannot be implemented by financial supervisors alone. Legislative support is necessary to provide for the required legal and regulatory environment for these reform objectives. Close coordination with Congress as well as active participation in the legislative process remain pivotal. These policy and structural issues are known to most stakeholders. What is missing, however, is a holistic framework that ties them into a common strategic and tactical plan. This is ultimately a challenge of orderly execution and the need for an uncompromising commitment among stakeholders to adhere to the plan.
Attachment 3 Exclusive of client reach of non-bank MFIs and NGO/CSO-oriented cooperatives.
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Strategic Framework Vision for the Financial Sector A regionally responsive, developmentoriented and inclusive financial system which provides for the evolving needs of its diverse public. It is guided by the following precepts: • Bottom-up development • Top-down infrastructure support
In line with the national agenda and with Plan targets, a broad range of financial sector reforms will be pursued to further deepen the financial system and enable it to contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth.
• Prices that information
fully
reflect
relevant
• Enabling environment for the effective management of risks
Medium-Term Development Plan for the Financial Sector (MTDPFS) An array of reforms in the domestic financial system will be pursued to further deepen the financial system through a balanced development of the banking system and capital market. These shall be anchored on a conducive policy and regulatory environment, progressive adoption of international standards and best practices,18 good governance, and transparency for the effective delivery of financial services.
Key Reform Objectives and Targets Over the medium term, the government aims to (1) achieve a 7 to 8 percent growth in the country’s economic output beginning 2011, with a minimum of 5 percent growth annually for six years, (2) increase per capita income to US$3,000 over the six-year period and (3) reduce poverty incidence by 10 percent per year.
18
192
In line with the national agenda and with Plan targets, a broad range of financial sector reforms will be pursued to further deepen the financial system and enable it to contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth. This shall be achieved by effectively mobilizing and intermediating funds within a framework of inclusive finance to best address the evolving needs of all constituents. Key reforms will focus on: (a) promoting savings generation at the regional level but institutionalizing deployment of resources at national level; (b) developing an enabling environment for long-term savings; (c) strengthening the governance framework of the financial system in line with international standards and best practices, and (d) establishing a strong legal framework for financial sector development.
Specific Reform Strategies A. Promote a regionally responsive and inclusive financial system through institutionalized savings generation and resource mobilization. The high-growth trajectory set for the macroeconomy puts pressure on the financial system to generate the necessary resources to support heightened economic activity. This provides the strongest justification for positioning the financial system to be regionally-responsive and development-oriented. In order to engender sustainable and equitable growth, those in the margins of society must be part and take benefit from the nation building process. As things stand, their access to financial services has
With prior consideration to applicability on domestic conditions.
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
been limited by physical incapacity,19 geographic distance, high cost of credit and stringent documentary requirements. Consequently, these sectors remain vulnerable and their need for consumption smoothing persists. One way to address this is through the promotion of inclusive finance wherein everyone has access to all financial services including, but not limited to deposit account services, credit services, remittances, and insurance services. To this end, the Philippines has already made great strides in its effort to make financial services available to everyone not only through banks and insurance firms but also through other institutions such as cooperatives and microfinance nongovernment organizations. Moreover, technological innovation in mobile and electronic delivery channels has also helped in improving efficiency and availability of financial services. All these have been made possible through the establishment of an enabling policy and regulatory environment that encourages a market-oriented approach to the provision of financial services to previously excluded segments of the population like the enterprising poor. These notwithstanding, there remains to be room for improvement for Philippine financial inclusion and the following reform strategies shall be pursued to attain this:
1. Establish a conducive and regulatory environment that balances financial inclusion objectives with financial stability goals. a) Institutionalize market-based policy through issuance of law anchored on the greater role of the private sector in the provision of financial services and market-oriented interest rates with the National Strategy for Microfinance as a foundation. b) Craft a national financial inclusion strategy20 that officially defines financial inclusion, the medium-term strategies to be undertaken and the responsibilities or accountabilities of all stakeholders both government and private. 2. Promote the use of alternative products and delivery of financial services in underserved and unserved areas of the country such as: a) Microinsurance21 The promotion of microinsurance products and services, for instance, aims to expand the delivery of simple and affordable risk protection oriented financial products to the less privileged and the informal sector against financial distress and other unfortunate events i.e., typhoon devastation on crops. Specific action plans include the following: • Formulate performance standards for microinsurance;
19
Refers to persons with disability (PWD) National Strategy for Microfinance was formulated in 1998 and initiatives to institutionalize microentrepreneurship for poverty reduction and inclusive economic development were reemphasized as a policy statement in the latest speech of President Benigno S. Aquino III before the PinoyME People Powered Markets on 22 February 2011. 21 The Microinsurance Regulatory Framework (MRF) was launched in January 2010 to provide a policy and regulatory environment that will facilitate the participation of the private sector in providing risk protection for the poor and ensure that the rights and priveleges of the poor are protected. 20
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• Foster public-private partnership on microinsurance product development; and • Institutionalize microinsurance financial literacy program. b) Credit Surety Fund Program (CSF) The CSF is a program that involves the creation of a trust fund contributed by cooperatives from a province and its provincial government intended primarily to make micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) bankable by giving them access to formal sources of financing by means of a surety cover as a substitute for collateral. c) Microhousing According to data from the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), the projected housing needs of the Philippines plus projected new households by 2010 is 655,821. It used to be that banks are not able to compete with the rates provided by government housing programs because they are subsidized, but lately, the government has been trying to shift towards a market-oriented housing finance system. Thus, the development of micro-housing finance schemes could help alleviate the situation of the homeless poor. 3. Explore other facets of inclusive finance framework such as agent banking and use of non-bank financial institutions as delivery channels.
In pursuit of this specific reform objective, there is a prior requirement 22
to promote evidence-based policy making and impact measurement by establishing a systematic method of collection, monitoring and analysis of financial inclusion related data to address the need for accurate, reliable, and consolidated statistical data on various financial inclusion issues and required innovations. This shall integrate existing financial inclusion statistics as well as address gaps in the current statistical environment through information exchange and cooperative arrangements with other concerned agencies.22 4. Adopt a holistic approach to financial literacy and consumer education. 5. Encourage the continuing development of new loan products and other banking services aimed to address the special needs of the poor, women and persons with disability (PWDs). Unlike other borrowers, the target market for microfinance products23 such as those belonging to the agriculture sector might have cash flows that are different from those observed from the usual borrower. Likewise, there is a wide variety in the purpose of their loan application: consumption smoothing, financing for educational needs and funds for migration purposes such as placement fees, document processing fees. Hence, these warrant the introduction of financial products specifically designed for this group of borrowers. In terms of the delivery of financial services, the need to expand the number of ATMs and other banking products including announcements or
These include the National Confederation of Co-operatives (NATCCO), CDA, APPEND and other microfinance or cooperative related organizations involved in the inclusive finance agenda. 23 Based on existing laws and BSP regulations, microfinance loans are those granted to farmer-peasants, artisanal fisherfolk, workers in the informal sector, migrant workers, indigenous groups of people and cultural communities, differently-abled persons, senior citizens, victims of calamities and disasters, youth and students, children and urban poor.
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financial literacy materials in Braille24 to cater to the unique requirements of the blind remains a going concern. At present, most ATMs have a dot on the number “5” digit (middle digit in a 3x3 matrix consisting of nine numbers) of the ATM console to guide the visually impaired and only a small number of ATMS has the digits “1-9” in complete Braille. There is also a need for bank forms to be available in Braille or to be read aloud by a dedicated staff to a blind client. For the physically challenged, greater compliance of institutions, including banks to install facilities and devices within their premises that enhances the mobility of disabled persons pursuant to Batas Pambansa Bilang (BP) 344 needs to be ensured. This includes the installation of appropriate ramps and lowering the keypad console of ATM machines to aid the access of depositors who are in wheelchair. B. Develop an enabling environment for long-term investments. In order to encourage long-term savings and investment, the following specific reform strategies shall be pursued: 1. Develop auxiliary markets through forwards and cash markets. The development of the domestic capital market cannot be fully consummated only by the presence of liquidity and higher investor participation reflected in the volume of transactions. A capital market that promotes price discovery mechanism, that allows investors to manage resources efficiently, and that provides the avenue to protect investments, is the necessary infrastructure to provide alternative financing to the country’s economic development. Toward this
end, there is a need to develop auxiliary market through forwards and cash markets. Specific reform shall be pursued to: a. Institutionalize repurchase agreements (repos) and securities lending and borrowing (SLB) as a second-layer platform for the trading of government securities (GS). Repos and SLBs provide another means for short-term financing and can provide the inventory of GS to avoid failed trades. Putting this in place would require an efficient infrastructure that would ensure proper tagging of securities (i.e., once used in a repo or SLB, it cannot be used for subsequent transactions unless released by the contracting parties) and would need common ground rules to govern the securities trading. b. Develop a derivative forwards market to formalize the mechanism for investors to hedge their investments and manage their risk exposures. With the presence of a derivatives market, the volatility currently generated by abrupt spot trades can be addressed and provide the market with the necessary time to adjust to the required future volumes while using the forward rates as a valuation guide. 2. Establish a reliable capital market infrastructure The flow of resources from those with excess funds to those with better use for funds will not be fully consummated in the absence or the lack of infrastructure that would ensure the sanctity of transactions, the protection of capital as well as encourage their economic use. It is therefore desirable to set in place a reliable market infrastructure as
24
The Braille system, developed by a blind Frenchman Louis Braille in 1825, is a widely used method of reading and writing for the blind.
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foundation for saving and investment. This would require the development of legal and regulatory frameworks to govern the exchange of capital which entails crafting of appropriate enabling laws to encourage savings, disseminate credit information, strengthen regulatory supervision and protect the rights of investors. As an archipelago, a market infrastructure that can integrate the physically segregated markets across regions is important. Technology is available to allow for a central board that can present a uniform price for an issue regardless of the location of the purchaser. Thus, reforms shall be undertaken to create a market infrastructure that provides for the following: (1) default arrangement, (2) elimination of clearing and settlement risks and (3) availability of access to other retail clearing or settlement processes. 3. Support faster integration of the financial system into the ASEAN region. Increased exposure to the Asianwide financial markets can serve as an additional momentum to further deepen the domestic financial markets. It can also encourage the rapid growth of the country’s economy by improving the efficiency of savings allocation and providing additional financing to the domestic industries and businesses. Specific reform strategies on ASEAN financial integration shall be pursued to: a) Liberalize financial products and services; b) Further liberalize capital account25:
25
(1) Continue the assessment and formulation of measures or regulations in the Philippines for foreign direct and portfolio investments as well as other foreign exchange flows. This will further removal of restrictions in inward and outward capital flows while ensuring consistency with member countries’ national agenda and readiness of the economy and allowing adequate safeguards against potential macroeconomic instability and systemic risk that may arise from the liberalization process; and (2) Participate in the mutual assessment process, identification and formulation of measures or rules to promote freer flow of foreign direct investments, portfolio investments and other foreign exchange flows, including the strengthening of monitoring and oversight systems to improve the management of large and volatile capital flows under the ASEAN Finance Process. c) Support the regional capital market development through the following: (1) Participate in the region-wide capacity building initiatives26 to collectively enhance liquidity and efficiency in Asian capital markets. (2) Further develop long-term capital market infrastructure
Cf: eStandards Forum: Business Indicator Report (August, 2010). In its Country Commercial Guide, the US Department of Commerce describes the Philippines as “open to portfolio investment”. 26 Participation in regional negotiations should be supported by regular consultations with domestic stakeholders such as the National Government, the private sector and non-government organizations.
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comparable and attuned with those in other Asian countries. (3) Enhance capital market access, linkages and liquidity by participating in proposed regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Exchange linkages and Bond Market linkages. (4) Promote credit ratings comparability between domestic and international credit rating agencies. d) Harmonize payment settlement system.
and
This specifically includes participation in the harmonization of the payment and settlement systems in the region to facilitate efficient, secure and reliable cross border transactions. e) Strengthen regional monitoring and surveillance initiatives. This generally aims to support the strengthening of regional monitoring and surveillance initiatives within existing regional arrangements through the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint27 to boost resilience against external shocks. C. Strengthen the governance framework of the financial system in line with best practices and standards.
Since the global financial crisis, there has been a growing consensus on the importance of international standards and codes, particularly on elements of good governance for financial regulators.
Specific reforms are to: 1. Pursue sustained capacity building for financial regulators. This shall be done together with the passage of amendments to strengthen the legislative mandates of the BSP, SEC, IC and CDA charters. 2. Harmonize regulatory and supervisory oversight through cooperative arrangements among domestic and international financial regulators. 3. Promote mechanisms and processes such as stronger cooperative arrangements among domestic and international regulators of the financial system to address the growth of financial conglomerates.28 4. Develop the risk-based capital adequacy (RBCA) framework for providers of financial services and products under SEC and IC regulation and supervision. Risk-sensitive approaches for determining minimum capital requirements for nonbank financial institutions will afford stronger protection to clients, and induce providers to better manage risk. 5. Promote market discipline and price discovery through effective corporate governance framework for all supervised and regulated financial institutions. a) Expand the scope of duties and responsibilities of the Board of Directors and officers of supervised and regulated financial institutions of BSP, SEC, IC and CDA to make them fully accountable to shareholders and the public for their decisionmaking processes.
27
Cf: www.aseansec.org In its 2010 FSAP Report, the IMF cites financial conglomerates as an important feature of the Philippine economy. About 60 percent of bank assets and 75 percent of effective market capitalization of listed companies belong to conglomerates. Cf: International Monetary Fund (April, 2010). Philippines: Financial System Stability Assessment Update. IMF Country Report 10/90. Washington, D.C.: International Monetary Fund 28
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Table 6.5. Legislative and Regulatory Priorities for the Financial System
Phase 2 (2011-2014)
Phase 1 (2011-2012) • • • • • • • •
Cooperative Code CISA CIMS PERA REIT MSME Agri-Agra FRIA
• • • • •
Phase 3 (2011-2016)
BSP Charter Securities Regulation Code IC Charter CDA Charter Corporation Code
b) Reinforce the proper rules governing the selection and appointment of officers, trustees and members of the Board of all supervised and regulated financial institutions of BSP, SEC, IC and CDA to effectively deal with interlocking directorships and connected party lending at the onset of increasing crossownership and growth of financial conglomerates in the Philippines. For government pension funds,29 adopt a merit system including a clear and depoliticized appointment process for the boards of directors of these funds; c) Continuously align local accounting and reporting standards30 with international standards and best practices; and d) Extend the use of corporate governance scorecard to all supervised and regulated financial institutions in the Philippines to promote a deeper culture of fairness, accountability and transparency in financial transactions and reporting.
• • • • • •
Financial Stability Framework Financial Sector Neutrality Tax Payment System Act CISL Chattel Mortgage Law Central Registry for Movable Assets
An enabling regulatory and legal environment for financial sector development must give priority to financial stability, supervisory oversight, inclusive finance and capital market development. These reform priorities, however, require legislative support, which can be achieved only through close coordination with both houses of Congress and through active participation in the legislative process. Reform priorities shall be phased in every two years based on the following considerations: Phase 1 - Legislative and regulatory reforms with existing legal and regulatory framework but saddled with some implementations issues between 2011 and 2012. Phase 2 - Legislative and regulatory reforms in the process of implementation or enacted between 2011 and 2014; and Phase 3 - Legislative and regulatory reforms in the early developmental stage between 2011 and 2016.
D. Establish a strong legal framework for financial sector development.
29
Refers to the GSIS and SSS The Philippines aligned its accounting and reporting practices with international accounting standards and international financial reporting standards with the adoption of Philippine accounting standards and Philippine financial reporting standards in 2005. 30
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1. Establish a framework for financial stability to limit the costs of financial distress to the economy in times of crisis by adopting a macro-micro approach to supervision. Reforms shall be pursued to: a) Include an explicit financial stability objective in the charters of financial sector supervisors. This will set a coordinated objective and shared responsibility among supervisors and regulators of the financial sector to keep the domestic financial system in good shape. b) Adopt a macro and micro prudential approach to supervision. The existing microprudential approach needs to be supplemented with macroprudential policies to ensure the resilience of the financial system. A consolidated and risk-based approach to supervision should be implemented to effectively supervise financial institutions and the financial system as a whole. c) Improve existing macro and micro surveillance tools and technology. There is a need to upgrade examination approaches, revise or update rating systems of financial institutions, and implement necessary infrastructure for data and information warehousing. Technology must be harnessed to improve micro- and macrosurveillance of financial sector developments and other financial stability issues. Some innovations that can be immediately explored are the active use of online surveys in-between examinations
31
for macro and micro economic and financial variables, and the pursuit of new information-sharing agreements with knowledge-based participants such as the non-bank sector such as cooperative, CSO,31 NGO, informal, services and other corporate sectors, including inputs from national consultations. d) Continue to align the existing regulatory and supervisory framework with international standards and practices. In the banking sector, elements of Basel II that have not been fully implemented, including features of the recently released Basel III reform package, should be adopted to promote convergence with the global regulatory framework for a more resilient banking system. e) Provide institutional support for financial stability. Exchange of information and coordination among domestic and overseas regulators should be strengthened. Projects formulated by Financial Sector Forum members should be reinforced. These measures will ensure harmonized regulation throughout the system. The establishment of a more permanent and dedicated institutional support for financial stability shall be explored. f ) Strengthen financial safety nets, such as the establishment of a crisis management framework for the financial system. A crisis management framework that is anchored on crisis prevention and crisis resolution is essential. This should provide liquidity and restore normality in the most expedient and transparent manner during a crisis.
Refers to civic-oriented organizations.
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2. Strengthen the supervisory oversight of financial regulators to enable them to keep pace with the increasing sophistication of the global financial services industry. Specific reforms shall be pursued to:
a) Strengthen BSP’s role as a supervisor of the financial system primarily through the amendment the BSP Charter (RA 7653). b) Reinforce the SEC’s role as capital market regulator primarily through the amendment of the Securities Regulation Code (RA 8799); c) Strengthen the IC as an independent and effective regulator of the insurance industry. An amendment of the Insurance Code (PD 1460, as amended); and d) Strengthen the organization and regulatory or supervisory functions of the CDA to cover cooperatives engaged in savings and credit operations. This will be accomplished by amending the CDA’s Charter (RA 6939, as amended). 3. Provide a legal framework for the acceptance of movable assets as collateral. Specific reforms shall be pursued to: a) Review and amend the more than century-old Chattel Mortgage Law in the Philippines.32 b) Establish a central registry of moveable assets offered as collateral, which are currently recorded in separate registries for real estate mortgages, chattel mortgages and quedans.
c) Review the rules on other collateral items such as quedan. 4. Provide an adequate legal framework to encourage greater investor participation, address financial taxation and effective oversight of the national payments systems. Specific reform strategies are primarily geared at expanding non-bank initiatives through the passage of some important capital market development bills such as: a) A Collective Investment Schemes Law (CISL) to broaden investor participation in the securities market, including participation by Overseas Filipinos; b) A Financial Sector Tax Neutrality Act (FinTax) to minimize distortion costs in financial transactions; and c) A Payment System Act (PSA) for the effective oversight of the country’s national payment and settlement system. 5. Create an environment for the efficient operations of cooperatives in the Philippines following the enactment of the Cooperative Code (RA 9520) on February 17, 2009. The cooperative sector together with non-bank microfinance institutions33 has been involved in grassroots development and financial inclusion in the Philippines for the past decade. There is a lack of an effective legal framework and supervisory oversight. However, has led to the fragmentation of developmental efforts and a poor database on the actual performance and contribution of the sector.
The country’s Chattel Mortgage Law or Act No. 1508 was enacted on July, 1906. The law defines chattel mortgage asa conditional sale of personal property as security for the payment of a debt, or the performance of some other obligation, the condition being that the sale shall be void upon the seller paying to the purchaser a sum of money or doing some other act named. If the condition is perfomed according to its terms, the mortgage and sale immediately become void and the mortgagee is thereby divested of his title. 32
Microfinance NGOs and microfinance-oriented banks offer loans, savings facilities, housing, community development projects e.g., insurance products in partnership with license insurance companies to less privileged Filipinos particularly in depressed and remote areas in the countryside. 33
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6. Empower the IC to effectively supervise and regulate pre-need companies, including, among others, reviewing the management of pre-need companies for better protection of plan holders and beneficiaries following the enactment of the “Pre-Need Code” (RA 9829). 7. Address funding and other operational requirements for the establishment of the Central Credit Information Corporation to improve the ability of financial institutions to access credit history data for debtors, thereby bringing down the money and time cost of loan underwriting following the signing into law of the Credit Information System Act (RA 9510) on October 31, 2008. Alongside this, there is a need to develop a system to monitor, control and manage collaterals submitted by banks and other financial institutions as security for their loans. One example of such system is the Collateral Information and Management System (CIMS) to be implemented within the BSP, which should allow authorized users to obtain information electronically on the status of collateral documents, particularly the collateral positions of borrower banks and endborrowers. 8. Introduce alternative savings and investment products through the following specific reforms: a) Encourage voluntary personal savings and investments through the establishment of a multi-pillar retirement income structure as embodied in the provisions of Personal Equity and Retirement Account Act of 2008 or PERA Law (RA 9505) enacted on August 22, 2008.
b) Address the needs of the resurgent real estate industry by providing funds for infrastructure projects, widening access to investment in real estate projects, broadening the participation of the public, including OFs, in the ownership of real estate, and protecting the investing public from abuses of real estate investment trusts pursuant to provisions of the Real Estate Investment Trust or REIT Act of 2009 (RA 9856). 9. Establish a policy framework in support of the government’s social agenda of reducing poverty through mandated credit to certain sectors of the economy such as MSMEs and the agriculture sector. Specific reform strategies shall be pursued to: a) Strengthen and encourage the growth and development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in all productive sectors of the economy, particularly rural and agro-based enterprises, through the effective implementation of the Magna Carta for MSMEs (RA 6977, as amended). b) Enhance the access of the rural agricultural sector to financial services and programs that increase market efficiency and promote modernization in the rural agricultural sector through the implementation of the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009 (RA 10000), passed into law on February 23, 2010.
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10. Expand investor and creditor protection mechanisms cognizant of recent demands of modern banking and finance standards through the following specific reform measures: a) Introduce improvements in company registration and monitoring rules or procedures, including the institution of stiffer penalties for corporate malfeasance through the amendment of the Corporation Code of the Philippines (BP 68); and b) Ensure an effective and efficient rehabilitation of liquidation of debtors as embodied in the Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act (FRIA) of 2010 or Republic Act No. 10142 which was lapsed34 into law on July 19, 2010. 11. Empowerment of Filipino consumers through strong consumer protection mechanisms and financial literacy or education programs. a) Promote greater financial literacy of the population, including those in the countryside and OFW-rich areas abroad by encouraging the participation of non-government and private sector organizations in the delivery of financial education programs; and b) Strengthen consumer protection by improving the implementation of existing consumer protection laws and regulations on transparency, disclosure, consumer assistance and redress or grievance mechanisms.
34
202
Op.cit.
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Attachment 1 Selected Financial Stability Indicators in ASEAN-5
Country
Consolidated Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR)
Non-performing Loan (NPL) Ratio of Commercial Banks
8.91/
3.21/
Indonesia Malaysia Philippines Singapore Thailand
14.4 16.03/ 16.71/ 16.52/ Source: Asian Regional Integration Center, IMF and Central Bank websites 1/ May 2010; 2/December 2009; 3/As of March 2010; 4/June 2010
1.91/ 3.34/ 4.4 2.32/
Attachment 2
Average Income, Expenditure, Saving and Saving Rate of Families, at Current Prices by Region: 2003 and 2006
Region
Income
2003 (in billions) Expenditure Saving
2006 (in billions) Expenditure Saving
Saving Rate
Income
Philippines NCR
148
124
24
16.2
173
147
26
Saving Rate 15.0
266
218
48
18.1
311
258
53
17.0
CAR
152
126
26
17.1
192
151
42
21.9
I
124
102
22
17.7
142
124
19
13.4
II
126
99
27
21.4
143
118
25
17.5
III IV-A IV-B V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII ARMM
160 184 103 109 111 121 103 93 109 117 113 90 83
138 158 84 94 98 102 84 75 91 100 85 78 67
22 26 19 15 14 19 19 18 18 18 28 12 16
13.8 14.1 18.4 13.8 12.6 15.7 18.4 19.4 16.5 15.4 24.8 13.3 19.3
198 210 109 125 130 144 126 125 142 135 114 118 89
170 186 93 110 116 124 104 99 117 115 96 100 75
27 23 16 15 14 21 22 27 25 19 18 18 14
13.6 11.0 14.7 12.0 10.8 14.6 17.5 21.6 17.6 14.1 15.8 15.3 15.7
Source: National Statistics Office
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Attachment 2 cont’d. Regions with the Highest or Lowest Saving Rates, by FIES year
FIES Year
Highest Saving Rate
1991 1994 1997 2000 2003 2006
25.7 24.8 22.9 21.2 21.5 21.9
Lowest Saving Rate
Region CAR Eastern Visayas Western Mindanao* Eastern Visayas* Cagayan Valley CAR
10.6 9.7 9.4 13.4 12.3 10.8
Region Western Visayas Western Visayas Western Visayas Bicol** Western Visayas Western Visayas
Notes: *The saving rates of CAR in 1997 and 2000 were close to the highest rate. **The saving rate of Western Visayas is hardly differed from the lowest rate. Source: For 1991-2003, Bersales and Mapa (2006); for 2006, FIES data.
Average Income, Expenditure, Saving and Saving Rate of Families at Current Prices by Income Decile: 2006 and 2009
2006 (in billion pesos)
Philippines First Decile Second Decile Third Decile Fourth Decile Fifth Decile Sixth Decile Seventh Decile Eighth Decile Ninth Decile Tenth Decile Bottom 30% Upper 70%
2009 (in billion pesos)
Income 173 32 51 65 81 100 124 156 205 292 622
Expenditure 147 35 52 66 79 95 116 143 181 244 460
Saving 26 -3 -2 (*) 2 5 8 13 24 47 162
Saving Rate 14.8 -8.9 -3.4 -0.9 2.1 4.6 6.1 8.5 11.5 16.1 26.1
Income 206 41 64 81 100 122 150 189 244 342 728
Expenditure 176 43 66 81 97 116 139 171 216 288 535
Saving 31 -3 -2 (*) 3 6 11 18 28 53 193
Saving Rate 14.9 -6.7 -3.4 0.0 2.7 4.4 7.2 9.2 11.5 15.7 26.5
49 226
51 188
-2 38
-0.0 0.2
62 268
64 224
-2 44
-0.0 0.2
Source: National Statistics Office, 2009 FIES Preliminary Results Attachment 3
Philippine Banking System, Deposit Mix
2010
PESO DEPOSITS End-June 2009 2010
2009
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS End-June 2010 2009 2010 2009
3,609.2 1,015.6
3,263.3 999.9
100.0% 28.1%
100.0% 30.6%
1,144.8 672.9
1,055.5 649.2
100.0% 58.8%
100.0% 61.5%
2,593.5
2,263.3
71.9%
69.4%
472.0
406.2
41.2%
38.5%
Deposit Liabilities Total Time Deposits Demand, NOW & Savings Deposits
Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
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07
Good Governance and the Rule of Law Good Governance and the Rule of Law
205
Good Governance and the Rule of Law Good governance sets the normative standards of development. It fosters participation, ensures transparency, demands accountability, promotes efficiency, and upholds the rule of law in economic, political and administrative institutions and processes. It is a hallmark of political maturity but also a requisite for growth and poverty reduction, for there are irreducible minimum levels of governance needed for large-scale investment to occur and for social programs to be supported. A cornerstone of good governance is adherence to the rule of law, that is, the impersonal and impartial application of stable and predictable laws, statutes, rules, and regulations, without regard for social status or political considerations. This chapter assesses the quality of governance in the country and identifies key governance challenges that constrain development. It then lays down corresponding strategies to achieve good governance anchored on the rule of law, and provide an enabling environment for national development.
Efforts until now have at best created “islands of good governance” in certain sectors, some national agencies, and some local government units. But these have failed to translate into improvements in the country’s overall state of governance, nor have any significant social impact.
Assessment and Challenges
credibility of the nation’s institutions. But they are not enough.
The country’s recent history has been plagued by questions of legitimacy, accountability, and allegations of grand corruption. The 1986 EDSA revolution established a framework of constitutional democracy and civil rights, but deep social and political divisions have persisted alongside problems of inefficiency and corruption in government. The failure to address governance issues has given rise in recent years to marked political instability, bordering on threats to constitutional government, and a deepening cynicism and mistrust of formal political institutions. Political instability and widespread corruption have also had serious repercussions on the investment climate. The successful and credible transfer of power in 2010 through the prescribed constitutional processes and a renewed public concern for government accountability and transparency are important first steps in restoring the
Efforts until now have at best created “islands of good governance”1 in certain sectors, some national agencies, and LGUs. But these have failed to translate into improvements in the country’s overall state of governance, nor have any significant social impact.These “islands”are easily swamped by high tides of impunity and venality. The overall miserable state of governance in the country was attested by different measures. The country’s percentile rank in the six dimensions of governance in the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) until 2009 remained mostly within the lower half. The worst performance was in political stability, as the conduct and results of previous national elections were sharply contested amid allegations of corruption. The result was an alienation of the people from their
1
A phrase used by a former World Bank country director in an article of September 5, 2007.
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Figure 7.1. Philippines: Worldwide Governance Indicators
Source: World Bank (http://info.worldbank.org/governance/wgi/sc_chart.asp) government and an open invitation to several extra-constitutional attempts to seize power. The country also failed to hurdle major indicators under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), which relies on the WGI for measuring policy improvements in three dimensions of governance.2 This picture is repeated in the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), where the country was ranked 87th in 2009-2010 and 85th in 20102011.3 Even though the country’s competitiveness slightly improved from last year, the country continues to lag behind most Southeast Asian neighbors. The Global Competitiveness Index Report for 2010-2011 listed corruption and
inefficient government bureaucracy as the top two most problematic factors for doing business in the Philippines. The country’s corruption problem is again highlighted in the 2010 Corruption Perception Index where the Philippines ranked below 75 percent of all the countries surveyed (134th out of 178 countries)4 and last among the ASEAN-6.The country’s standing from all these measures signals the need for more substantial actions to strengthen governance in the country. This only shows that good governance cannot be achieved partially or piecemeal, but must be attained decisively and systematically. Political instability, corruption, and weak rule of law have had severe negative effects on investment,5 which partly
2
The MCC is a bilateral grant program of the US. Eligibility criteria include 17 different governance measures, among which, however, the “control of corruption” is the only “hard” or strictly binding condition. When the Philippines transited from the low-income to lower-middle-income category in 2010, it fell below the threshold of the corruption indicator appropriate for the new peer group, with a 26th percentile ranking. 3 The Global Competitiveness Report 2010-2011 (World Economic Forum) 4 The Corruption Perception Index is a composite Report prepared by Transparency International which measures the perceived level of public sector corruption in 178 countries and territories based on 13 expert and business surveys. 5 Philippines: Critical Development Constraints (ADB)
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Cumbersome government procedures slow down the delivery of public service and increase transaction costs. The same arduous government processes also provide the venues for corruption, given the natural tendency to avoid the bureaucratic red tape.
explains the country’s low rate of capital formation. Public investment is stymied when corruption in revenue-collection efforts deprives the government of needed funds. Overpricing and funds-diversion in spending distort priorities and wastes public resources. But even private investment is affected; first, by the uncertainty of administrations whose legitimacy is questioned, and second, by the prospect and reality of biased rules and extortive practices, which raise the costs of doing business and discourage new business entrants and contract-bidders from providing real competition. In the end, the resulting poor growth and fiscal inability to support social programs severely impair povertyreduction programs. Corruption and lack of transparency are major constraints to the achievement of the MDGs.6 To say that corruption and poor governance abet and worsen poverty is no exaggeration. Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.
Figure 7.2. CES Occupancy
The delivery of public services must be prompt and adequate to citizens’ needs. Cumbersome government procedures slow down the delivery of public service and increase transaction costs. The same arduous government processes also provide the venues for corruption, given the natural tendency to avoid the bureaucratic red tape. The Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007 already requires national departments, agencies, and LGUs to set up their respective service standards known as Citizen’s Charters (CCs), to simplify procedures, and to facilitate transactions. As of August 30, 2010, 74 percent of agencies (4,253 of 5,716) nationwide had complied with the drafting and promulgation of CCs. As a means to develop citizens’ awareness of their rights vis-à-vis government and encouraging citizens’ criticisms when aggrieved, this is one step towards cutting red tape and reducing corruption. However, This is unlikely to be sufficient. Impersonal online services can reduce the face-to-face transactions that typically provide the occasion for extortion and corruption, and some agencies have provided such services. These include the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). The government has also selected 120 LGUs to become “Sparkplugs for Governance and Economic Development” by, among others, streamlining their business permit and licensing system to reduce opportunities for bribery and other forms of corruption.7 These reforms need to be harmonized and well-
Source: CESB
6 7
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Philippine Progress Report on the Millennium Development Goals 2010 Philippines’ Policy Improvement Process Plan of Action 2010
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established, however, for significant results to be achieved. Moreover, in the “Ease of Doing Business” index, the Philippines remained in the bottom fifth of the economies surveyed (rank 148 out of 183 economies surveyed).8 Various initiatives have also been undertaken to provide a more competitive compensation system in the government to improve the economic wellbeing of civil servants and raise their morale, with a view to better service provision. The pay of government personnel covered by the Compensation and Position Classification under RA 6758, as amended, was adjusted in 2007 and 2008 through an additional 10 percent increase in basic monthly salaries. To rationalize the Government Compensation and Position Classification System, a Joint Resolution of Congress was passed in 2009 increasing the salaries of government workers by an average of 50 percent over four years. Increases in compensation were implemented to continually uplift the living standards and welfare of government employees. The new pay package aims to attract more qualified and upright people to work for government, address the compensation gap between the public and private sectors, and encourage qualified incumbents to stay longer in public service. It puts a premium on positions with more complex and difficult tasks and greater responsibilities. It also eliminates the overlapping of salaries between consecutive salary grades. Meanwhile, this effort is always threatened and undermined by legislation seeking to provide higher pay for specific agencies.
The integrity of the civil service has been perennially undermined by appointments based on political accommodation rather than on merit and fitness, a phenomenon that is partly an offshoot of the president’s vast powers of appointment and discretion. This is true across the board but particularly in third-level positions and in the appointment of teachers, police, and treasurers. The eligibility requirement is only weakly enforced in the career executive service, in which 47 percent of the occupied positions are held by noneligible individuals. Local governments confront rising public expectations regarding the delivery of services. Despite almost two decades of implementation of the 1991 Local Government Code (LGC), however, local governments still face various challenges in the exercise of their devolved service delivery functions. Foremost among these is the raising of sufficient funds for local development. A majority of the local governments still lack the ability or the will to raise adequate local revenues. LGUs have become unduly dependent on Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) transfers from the national government and have failed to manage their financial resources effectively and sustainably. These persistent issues are a significant hurdle in the realization of the goals of local autonomy and devolution through good local governance and effective service delivery. Owing to loopholes in the LGC, as well as the lack of capacities of local governments in assuming devolved functions, national government agencies (NGAs) continue to deliver certain services despite the transfer of these services to the local governments. The confused and overlapping performance of functions compromises the lines of accountability for local services.
Doing Business 2011 (IFC and WB); The “Ease of Doing Business” index measures business regulation relevant to the life of a domestic small to medium-sized firm: starting a business; dealing with construction permits; employing workers; registering property; getting credit; protecting investors; paying taxes; trading across borders; enforcing contracts; and closing a business. The Philippine ranking is based on the experience of firms dealing with Manila City Government on three dimensions – starting a business, dealing with construction permits, and registering property. The 2011 edition refers to the period June 2009 to May 2010. 8
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The size and scope of the bureaucracy has expanded through time and has led to overlaps and redundancies in functions and operations of departments/ agencies. The executive branch pursued a rationalization program in 2004, but this remains uncompleted. As of December 31, 2010, 177 (82%) of the 216 departments/ agencies, other executive offices (OEOs) and GOCCs have submitted their Rationalization Plans (RPs) to the DBM, of which 85 have been approved. The abolition of 15,485 regular, contractual, or casual positions has resulted in savings in Personal Services (PS) amounting to PhP2.39 billion annually, while on the other hand incentives and terminal-leave benefits paid to those retiring or separated from government service amounted to PhP1.396 billion. As long as staffing in some agencies is excessive and redundant, and the quality of existing personnel is poor, there will be political resistance and public cynicism about across-the-board attempts to improve the pay and morale of the civil service. On the other hand, RPs need to consider the real needs of front-line agencies especially in promoting the rule of law. While a “scrap and build” policy is sensible for addressing the internal structure, it cannot address the emerging personnel resource gaps to respond to increasing population and demand for higher-quality service delivery.
Integrity The law assigns the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) a pivotal role in ensuring integrity and deterring corruption in the public sector. The threat of prosecution and conviction of public wrong-doers is a potent sanction against corruption. This will not be regarded as a credible threat without a reliable and effective OMB that demonstrates credible leadership and publicly measurable success in a sustained anticorruption effort. The OMB has far spearheaded the National Anticorruption Plan of Action (NACPA), the collective response of different sectors to the problem of corruption, integrating and strengthening the anticorruption initiatives and commitments of the OMB itself,other constitutional bodies, the three branches of government, LGUs, civil society, the business sector, non-government professional groups, and the foreign donor community. Its five programme components consist of: (a) public policy advocacy; (b) convergence development and management; (c) performance measurement and management; (d) knowledge management and capacitybuilding; and (e) resource mobilization. The NACPA is implemented through the Multi-Sectoral Anticorruption Council (MSACC), a multisectoral mechanism chaired by the OMB.9
Table 7.1. Status of Submission and Evaluation of Rationalization Plans: as of 31 December 2010
Departments/Agencies OEOs GOCCs Total
No. of Organizations
No. of RPs Approved
No. of RPs Returned for Revision
No. of RPs Being Evaluated
No. of RPs Not Yet Submitted
134 25 57 216
47 17 21 85
7 3 0 10
71 4 17 92
9 1 19 29
Source: DBM 9
These include, among others, the Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Government, Inc., the Northern Luzon Coalition for Good Governance, the Evelio B. Javier Foundation, Inc., Moral Recovery Officers Foundation, Inc., the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines.
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Priority NACPA programmes and projects include enhancing the framework of legislation and local policies against corruption, the adoption and customization of the APEC Code of Conduct for Business, an integrity development review of LGUs, capacity-building on UNCAC-compliant investigative techniques, anticorruption planning workshops for professional groups, including accountants and engineers, and the establishment of the Centre for Asian Integrity, an anticorruption learning center. Such important efforts notwithstanding, the bureaucracy’s vulnerability to corruption appears only to have increased. The Commission on Audit (COA) in 2009 noted a “rising incidence of irregular, illegal, wasteful and anomalous disbursements of huge amounts of public funds and disposal of public property that it reinstituted the selective preaudit on government transactions”.10 Public clamor has also been loud and insistent for a speedy resolution and closure in a growing number of highly-visible cases of grand corruption involving highlevel politicians and bureaucrats. This public sentiment has had political and electoral repercussions and cannot be ignored. The deterioration is also evident in cross-country comparisons. Of six governance dimensions in the WGI, the country’s score in “control of corruption” has consistently been the second lowest, next only to political instability. In Transparency International’s “Corruption Perception
Index”, the Philippines ranked 134 out of 178 countries in 2010. Investors have pointed to corruption as the most problematic factor for doing business.11 In the 2008 Global Integrity Report, the Philippines received a moderate overall ranking, gaining a score of 71 points in its Integrity Indicator Scorecard, only four points better than its 2007 standing. Its lowest scores were in “Elections” (59), “Civil Society, Public Information and Media” (68), and “Government Accountability” (70).12
Investors have pointed to corruption as the most problematic factor for doing business in the Philippines.
A massive rethinking and renewal of effort by all agencies involved in the fight against corruption is clearly needed if any real progress is to be made in this aspect.
Rule of Law Justice is no less important a public good than basic education and primary health care.The framework of the rule of law serves as the foundation for a democratic society. Its effect on economic performance, social development and integrity infrastructure of the country is pervasive. Otherwise stated, the rule of law is a cornerstone to the improvement of public health, the safeguarding of citizens’ participation, of security and of the fight against poverty13 (World Justice Project). According to the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2010, however, the Philippines ranked last or close to the bottom among seven indexed Asian countries. The country ranked last in such factors such as “order and security”, “fundamental rights”, and “effective criminal justice”; it was second to the last in the “absence of corruption”, “clear, publicized and stable laws”, “regulatory enforcement”, and “access to civil justice”.14
10
COA Circular No. 2009-002 Global Competitiveness Report 2010-2011 (World Economic Forum) 12 The Global Integrity Report is a tool for understanding governance and anti-corruption mechanisms at the national level. It is generated by local researchers and journalists. The scorecard contains various points that extensively measure the effectiveness of local policies and implementations. 13 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2010 14 Even the Philippines’ best score in “open government”, which is fifth of seven, was unremarkable and below expectations of one of the oldest democracies in the region. 11
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The weak rule of law and an unresponsive justice system hinder economic development. Delays in resolving corruption cases, the high cost of litigation, and the long and arduous legal process have resulted in the diminution of public trust and confidence in government and the justice system. Another factor affecting investors’ confidence pertains to disputes arising from unmet contractual obligations and the proper enforcement of property rights, including those of foreigners.15 Major reasons for the lack of responsiveness of the justice system include its fragmentation, the presence of archaic laws and rules, and low funding support.
The government also partners with CSOs in promoting transparency, accountability and public participation in the preparation, authorization, execution and monitoring of the national budget. These efforts must be sustained and, in some cases, deepened.
The first order of business must be to address resource constraints. High vacancy rates persist in law enforcement, prosecution, public defense despite efforts to increase compensation. Low salaries coupled with unrealistic qualification standards result in funded but unfilled positions. There is frequently no recourse but to hire casual and contractual employees who cannot be held accountable and do not benefit from the continuous training programs which are required and essential. Huge case backlogs and high case loads are direct consequences. Moreover facilities for justice-sector agencies and the courts are dispersed, inadequately staffed and supplied, and beset at times by cumbersome rules. Reforms in organization and logistics chains are needed to strengthen the support to regional or local offices, agencies, and courts, where the first line of defence is drawn.
15
In an attempt to reduce the load of the courts, the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Act (RA 9285) was passed in 2004. However, there is a need to continuously encourage and actively promote the use of ADR for it to live up to its promise as “an important means to achieve speedy and efficient resolution of disputes”.16
Citizens’ Participation Citizens’ participation has been one of the strengths of Philippine governance. Partnerships between government and CSOs facilitate the promotion of good governance. The OMB collaborates with the Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Governance and Government Watch for anticorruption efforts in government procurement and project monitoring; and with the Society of Jesus for the conduct of integrity seminars. The government also partners with CSOs in promoting transparency, accountability and public participation in the preparation, authorization, execution and monitoring of the national budget. These efforts must be sustained and, in some cases, deepened. It is also noted that while citizens’ participation in local development councils and special bodies is mandated, CSOs claim that most of these are either inoperative or nominal.17 While the country is famous for the large number of CSOs that could, in principle, play a leading role in anticorruption efforts, such organizations themselves are heterogeneous and face various hindrances that affect and challenge their development effectiveness. “Internal challenges include capacitybuilding, shortage of funds for CSOs’
The country, for instance, has been in the US “watch list” of countries that inadequately protect intellectual property rights, a fact that has potential implications for the continued favorable treatment of Philippine exports to the US under the Generalized System of Preferences (Arangkada Philippines 2010: A Business Perspective, Joint Foreign Chamber of the Philippines, published by The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, December 2010). 16 Section 2, RA 9285 17 Citizens’ Roadmap for Poverty Reduction and Achieving the MDGs, 2010 (CODE-NGO, FDC and UNDP)
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continuous operation and sustainability of programs, ensuring priority and reach of sectors most in need. There is also a need for lifestyle check as well as drawing lessons on the best practices where other CSOs can learn from. External challenges include: (a) conflicts of policies and laws with actual practice; (b) weak human rights protection and culture of impunity; (c) intervention of some local government units in CSO affairs; and (d) the threatening presence of military that deters people’s participation to their own programs and CSO initiatives.”18
the absence of political parties that exact accountability from individual politicians based on principled party platforms; (c) the weakness and subservience of the bureaucracy relative to the political class; (d) the unprecedented power and discretion of the executive branch that encourages both patronage politics and grand corruption; and (e) the corruption of elections through patronage and money politics. As the President stated in his Social Contract, it would appear that the country “has no vision of governance beyond political survival and self-enrichment”, which is why the country is in “need of transformational change”.
Although citizens have a legal right of access to communication, there is no established legal route for citizens to petition to obtain government records. The actual practice of many citizens testifies to the highly uneven willingness or preparedness of government offices to provide information as well as the poor quality of the information provided, if at all. This is also seen from the country’s low score for the 2008 Global Integrity Report under the category of Civil Society, Public Information and Media category, which even dropped one point from the 2007 score of 69. The proposed Freedom of Information Act is an important step towards addressing this problem.
But while constitutional changes to institute crucial political and economic reforms may be in order, it is inadvisable to do so in an atmosphere of public mistrust and suspicion that such changes will be self-serving to the incumbents. As the government performs creditably, the matter of constitutional reform may be taken up. Even short of constitutional change, however, important reforms should be put in place by statute. A first priority must be to restore and maintain the record of peaceful, efficient, and credible popular elections, which already happened in 2010. Legislation to encourage the formation of stable political parties and organizations may also be considered, including campaign-finance reforms and stricter minimum formal numerical and reportorial requirements for political accreditation. Reforms in the disbursement of discretionary funds of both Congress and the executive can help weaken the culture of patronage. A reform of the internal revenue allotment (IRA) scheme which is currently a very passive and automatic mechanism, to elicit greater local revenue effort among local governments will also help reduce fiscal mendicancy among local leaders, and make them more accountable to their own constituents instead.
Political Processes and Systems Various scholars and other impartial observers19 have long observed that the problems of lack of accountability and corruption in governance are ultimately traceable to the country’s historically evolved political processes and traditions. These include: (a) the dominance of elite interests – both local and national – in politics and political contests; (b)
The problems of lack of accountability and corruption in governance are ultimately traceable to the country’s historically evolved political processes and traditions.
18
Report of the Philippine Open Forum on CSO Development Effectiveness, August 2010 For a recent example of such an assessment, see “Philippines Country Report” (2009) Gütersloh: Bertelsmann Stiftung. See also B. Anderson (1988) “Cacique Democracy in the Philippines”, New Left Review 3-31; P. Hutchcroft (1995) Booty capitalism. Ateneo de Manila Press; and E. de Dios (2007) “Local Politics, Local Economy”, in A. Balisacan and H. Hill. The Dynamics of Regional Development. Edward Elgar. 19
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Gender Roles in Governance Structures The fact that women remain politically marginalized is both an indicator of their failure to advance as well as a reason for it (UNDP 2000). For the ability to claim entitlements and exercise rights is itself based on gender roles and relations of unequal power. Women’s “gendered interests” (for example health needs, the raising of children, and the prevention of domestic violence) cannot be interpreted generically as the community or nation’s “common good” but as issues arising from the specific inequality of power between men and women (Sever 2005).20 These needs and deprivations cannot be addressed therefore without redressing gender inequality itself. The Philippines has made some progress in reducing gender inequality, particularly with the passage of RA 7192 or the Women in Nation Building Act of 1992, which set forth the indispensable role of women in all aspects of national development and asserted the fundamental equality of women and men. With the enactment of the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) in August 2009, the gender and development (GAD) budget became a key institutional mechanism to mainstream gender and promote women’s human rights, and eliminate gender discrimination. The same law requires monitoring and evaluation of GAD programs through annual audit by COA. Major progress has been slow, however, as seen in more recent international gender assessments. The Gender Development Index in the 2009 Human Development Report of the UNDP and the Country Gender Assessment of the ADB in 2008 showed similar findings that the Philippines’ workforce continues to be dominated by males, despite increasing numbers of women having higher educational attainment. 20
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Women continue to be burdened by the debilitating impact of poverty and the lingering economic crisis and outmigration among women remains high, with many in service and domestic occupations. The challenge remains for government to ensure that statutory mandates relating to gender and development concerns are observed and implemented efficiently and effectively by all concerned sectors. This assessment of governance and the rule of law easily yields a wideranging and disparate set of issues and concerns. How these challenges are to be met and addressed requires a governance framework and a plan of action for the rule of law.
Strategic Framework In response to these challenges, this Plan aims to promote effective and honest governance to create an enabling environment for citizens and the private sector to reach their full potential. Effective and honest governance will be promoted and practised through the following four strategies: 1. Ensure high-quality, efficient, transparent, accountable, financially and physically accessible and nondiscriminatory delivery of public service; 2. Curb both bureaucratic political corruption;
and
3. Strengthen the rule of law; and 4. Enhance citizens’ access to information and participation in governance. The delivery of public goods and services essential to citizens’
The Gender, Poverty, Governance Nexus: Key issues and current debates, Charlie Sever, BRIDGE, September 2005
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development will be enhanced in terms of physical and economic accessibility, availability, acceptability, quality and safety, and without discrimination. This will be done by: (a) integrating services according to the needs of the citizens; (b) professionalizing the bureaucracy as duty-bearers; (c) enhancing the transparency of government transactions; (d) making government focus on its core functions; (e) standardizing the quality of public service delivery; (f ) devising a common measurement tool and methodology to solicit citizens’ feedback; and (g) improving the financial management system in government.
obligations shall be pursued to enhance the business and investment climate.
Corruption will be curbed to ensure that resources are effectively and efficiently used for priority public goods and services. To achieve this, the government will: (a) intensify efforts to detect and prevent corruption; (b) resolve pending corruption cases with dispatch; (c) adopt a comprehensive anticorruption program; (d) enhance the legal and policy framework for corruption prevention; (e) strengthen integrity mechanisms and control structures; (f ) enhance partnership structures and mechanisms and international linkages; and (g) conduct anticorruption advocacy campaigns.
There will be an accessible and transparent mechanism for redress and accountability, including fair, prompt and immediate investigation of violation of right to equal access to public service and equal access to justice.
The rule of law shall be reinforced to ensure the impartial protection of rights and enforcement of obligations. Policies will be instituted to curb or discourage influence-peddling. Disputes must be impartially resolved based on facts and existing laws, free from influence or pressure. The strict and impartial enforcement of laws, rules and public policies will safeguard the rights of the citizens and will ensure that public interest will be upheld at all times. A swift and efficient system of resolving cases involving issues of property rights and contractual
Citizens’ access to information and participation in governance will be enhanced by creating space for free, active, voluntary and genuine participation in policy making, decision making and development planning. Towards this end, efforts will be focused on: (a) pursuing the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill; (b) ensuring open and transparent search process in the selection of appointees in independent bodies; (c) promoting and implementing multisectoral NACPA programmes and projects; and (d) ensuring budget transparency.
Ensure High-Quality, Effective, Efficient, Transparent, Accountable, Economically and Physically Accessible and Nondiscriminatory Delivery of Public Service 1. Improve Public Services Access and Delivery through Connected Government
Citizens and their needs shall be the focus of government, particularly the delivery of public services and the public’s other transactions with government (e.g., applications for birth certificates, passports, police clearances, and taxfiling). Agencies need to overcome bureaucratic turfing and fragmentation to deliver public services more efficiently, quickly, and flexibly. Efforts must go beyond the past desultory and sporadic efforts at “one-stop shops” for certain transactions and must give way to a systematic Good Governance and the Rule of Law
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horizontal integration of related services based on a studied assessments of the flow of citizens’ needs. Government services should cluster around the business life-cycle (from start up to closing of business) and the lifecycle of citizens (from birth to death), and establish corresponding single-window service channels. Government processes should be reviewed, coordinated, and simplified in order to reduce processing time and to make it easier for citizens to transact with government. To achieve this, government should use information and communications technology (ICT) to the fullest, to facilitate electronic access to public services. Virtual single-windows can be provided via the Internet by interconnecting online public services of government. Such virtual coordination must be underpinned, however, by real coordination, information-sharing, and cross-checking among various agencies of government as citizens complete their transactions. This should lead to the elimination of redundant and repetitive information requirements in government forms, among others. 2. Professionalize the Bureaucracy to become Duty-Bearers Competence, professionalism, and integrity in the civil service can be raised if appointments are depoliticized, and a purposive, program-based and integrated professional development for career executives and personnel is implemented. This is in line with the vision of public service values, and thrust of the Philippine government, as captured in the phrase “Gawing lingkod-bayani ang bawat kawani.” a) Formulate a Strategic and Integrated HRD Program for the Philippine bureaucracy from entry to exit from government service (based on Competency Needs Assessment).The
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government should devise a more comprehensive, programmatic and integrated HRD program to raise the level of professionalism, competence, commitment to service, and integrity of government personnel. This medium-term strategy should include an Induction Program at entry level, Workplace Basics for the rank and file, Functional Competency Development for specialists, Supervisory Development for supervisors, Executive Development and Strategic Management for career executives, Governance and Public Leadership for senior officials. To ensure progression and full coverage, a ladderized HRD program should be established with certification and links to promotion. A percentage of the government budget should ideally be set aside for the purpose. This HRD program may be implemented through the Civil Service Academy. Human-rights education shall also be integrated in the HRD program at all levels. b) Pursue the passage of the Career Executive System (CES) bill. The CES bill seeks to strengthen professionalism in the executive and managerial levels and in highly specialized and technical positions in the government. It identifies career and noncareer positions and provides transparent performance-based promotions and appointments, balancing the exercise of presidential appointing power with the preservation of meritocracy in the civil service. Its aim is a unified bureaucracy in which the first, second and third levels are under the Civil Service Commission as the central personnel agency.
c) Align individual performance with organizational performance. Organizational and individual performance goals must be aligned. Employees should appreciate the significance of their contribution to their organization’s performance before they find satisfaction in what they do. Thus, the linkage and governmentwide implementation of the Organizational Performance Indicators Framework (OPIF) and the Performance Management System (PMS) need to be pursued. This seeks to align the programs, projects and activities of the departments or agencies with the desired objectives or goals of the government, and the individual performance goals with the organization’s strategic vision and goals. This will also ensure organizational effectiveness by cascading institutional accountabilities to the various levels of the organization’s hierarchy, and have a performance management linked to rewards and incentives, among others. The PMS of the government institutions shall be reviewed and reformulated to establish clear performance objectives and standards and to promote a culture where the performance and contribution of the employees are recognized and rewarded accurately and fairly. The Balanced Scorecard is one PMS platform or approach that has been proven to create an effective alignment. d) Pursue the effective implementation of the Magna Carta of Women, particularly the targeting of 50 percent of women in third level positions. All concerned agencies of government should ensure that there shall be an incremental increase in the recruitment and training of women in the police
force, forensics and medico-legal, legal services, and social work services. 3. Enhance the Transparency of Government-to-Business and Government-to-Citizen Transactions
a) Enforce full compliance with the provisions of the Anti-Red Tape Act including the formulation, adoption and effective implementation of Citizen’s Charters in all government agencies and LGUs. In line with the AntiRed Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007 (RA 9485), all government entities with frontline services shall have developed their Citizen’s Charter which serve as a service charter or pledge that describes the step-by-step procedure for availing of a particular service, and the guaranteed performance level that the public may expect for that service. Information such as procedures to avail of the service, responsible person/office, processing time, documentary requirements, applicable fees or charges, and procedures for filing complaints are reflected in the CC. Despite the September 2009 deadline set by ARTA, more than a thousand entities, particularly local governments, still have to comply with the law. ARTA mandates the review and reengineering of frontline services to cut red tape and enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the delivery of public services. It requires the formulation and publication of CCs and the establishment of Public Assistance Desks to receive feedback and handle complaints from the transacting public. In order to remain responsive to the need of citizens, agencies must continually improve their systems and standards through the publication and implementation of Citizens’ Charters, Citizens Feedback Surveys, and Transactions Reengineering. b) Create a single website/portal for government information. To facilitate access to government information and services, a common website/portal Good Governance and the Rule of Law
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should be established where citizens can obtain vital information and services from different government agencies. This portal should also serve as a channel for citizens to report incidents or provide feedback on the performance of government agencies, including complaints against erring officials and employees. LGUs must develop and expand the e-governance services available on their websites, from providing general information to discharging routine transactions, and encourage transparency by making information on budgets and procurement available. A common basic template should be followed by all LGUs so that a minimum set of common information and services is provided on their portals. The government will set up a communication plan. Through faster communications technology, bureaucracies must be able to adopt and evolve into listening and communicating organizations. Press officers and official spokespersons will be adequately equipped to counter negative or malicious information and to constructively engage media partners. A simple yet comprehensive communication plan is a cornerstone of getting the message of governance across. c) Pursue the passage of a Freedom of Information Act. A law on freedom of information is a cornerstone of transparent and accountable governance. Its intent is to provide the citizenry, especially media, with access to information pertaining to all transactions and communications that are of legitimate public interest. Its existence should encourage probity and prudence in all national and local government negotiations relating to loans, treaties, service contracts, and similar transactions. It also seeks to protect the civil rights
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of law-abiding citizens and organizations against potential abuses of government’s police and intelligence-gathering powers (already partly affirmed through the writ of amparo). A future law must stipulate how these aims are to be achieved maximally while recognizing the state’s legitimate right to reserve information affecting national security. 4. Focus Government Efforts on its Vital Functions and Eliminate Redundancies, and Overlaps in Functions and Operations
a) Complete the implementation of the Rationalization Program (RP). The completion of the implementation of the RP, as mandated under EO 366, s. 2004, will be pursued to: focus efforts on government’s vital/core functions and priority programs and projects, and channel resources to these core public services; and improve service delivery by cutting red tape through systems and organizational improvements, and elimination of redundancies and overlaps in functions and operations. In transforming the Executive Branch, government offices need to complete a strategic review of their respective operations and organization and implement their RP upon approval of the DBM. b) Institute zero-based budgeting (ZBB) in program evaluation. To attain the administration’s commitment to lift the nation from poverty, instituting ZBB approach to program evaluation is vital. The ZBB approach involves the review of ongoing major programs and projects by different offices in order to: (a) establish the continued relevance of program objectives given the current developments; (b) assess whether or not the program objectives
are being achieved; (c) ascertain alternative or more effective and efficient ways of achieving the objectives; and (d) guide decisionmakers on whether or not the resources for the programs should continue at its present level, or be increased, reduced or discontinued. Under this initiative, government shall terminate or cut back on programs that have been inefficient or ineffective in delivering outcomes, or withhold funding for others pending reforms in implementation and procurement. More importantly, it allows the expansion of the implementation of the well-performing programs that address critical gaps. c) Review the extent of devolution of services to LGUs. The extent of power devolution as well as the transfer of assets and resources to local governments from national government agencies in consonance with the Local Government Code shall be reviewed. The review must yield appropriate policy recommendations to eliminate confusing or unnecessary overlaps in the service-delivery functions across levels of government. 5. Enhance and Standardize the Quality of Public Service Delivery to become Consistent with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Quality Management System (QMS) a) Adopt the ISO 9001:2008 QMS in the delivery of priority government services. Government processes, systems, and operations shall be made consistent with the ISO QMS through the continual institutionalization of the Government Quality Management Program (GQMP) in all departments and agencies of government, spearheaded by the
GQMP. In the pursuit of this program, the ISO 9001:2008 QMS shall be adopted in the delivery of priority government services. b) Refine the Government Quality Management Systems Standards (GQMSS) to become consistent with ISO 9001:2008 QMS for the use of the different departments and agencies of the Executive Branch. The GQMSS consistent with ISO 9001:2008 QMS shall likewise be refined for the use of different Executive Branch departments and agencies. QMS processes shall be installed in certain critical government-tobusiness, government-to-citizens, LGU-to-business, LGU-to-citizen, and government-to-government transactions. c) Activate Quality Class category of the PQA for the Public Sector. The PQA for the Public Sector (mandated per RA 9013) provides a framework for public service excellence. Global benchmarks on public service excellence like Canada, Singapore, and even Malaysia, succeeded in building a culture of service excellence through the wide-scale adoption of business excellence models such as the PQA. The PQA Quality Class will encourage self-assessment vis-avis the PQA performance excellence framework and promote improvement of processes to achieve excellence in public service delivery. This will boost the country’s competitiveness. 6. Citizen-Centered Government The bottom line for government is the welfare and satisfaction of its citizens. Government shall devise a common measuring tool and methodology to solicit feedback from the citizens and determine their requirements. A National Citizen Satisfaction Index (NCIS) should be developed that will serve as common measuring tool of efficiency, effectiveness, accessibility, integrity, transparency and
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accountability of government agencies in the delivery of public services. 7. Improve the Financial Management System in Government a) Develop a Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS). A vital reform initiative is the strengthening of the public financial management (PFM) system. PFM is a system of rules, procedures and practices for government to manage its public finances. PFM includes not only sound budgeting but also management of public debt, assets, and revenues, fiscal relations between levels of government or between government and public enterprises, and a system of public reporting on the public sector’s financial operations. A major undertaking will be the development and installation of a GIFMIS, an application that shall automate routine financial operations and reporting of the national government, particularly financial planning and budgeting, treasury, and accounting functions. The GIFMIS will link budget preparation and execution to accounting, cash management, reporting, and auditing. Once installed, it will enable the government to implement improved systems for public financial management. b) Empower LGUs and promote public accountability. Policy reforms to advance local autonomy and decentralization shall be pursued. Service delivery functions have been vested in LGUs on the premise that they would respond better to diverse and changing local conditions, and thus more effectively meet the needs of their constituents. Emerging issues and needs of LGUs related to their devolved service delivery functions shall be continuously identified. Proposed legislation shall likewise be reviewed and appropriate
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recommendations will be provided to ensure that LGU needs are met and there is no reversal of decentralization. Efforts to enhance the capacities of LGUs shall be intensified to improve their ability to deliver public services. The capacity needs of LGUs shall be identified and appropriate interventions provided. Knowledge management activities, including the sharing of good practices in local governance, shall be undertaken to enhance information-sharing among localities and help improve LGU performance. c) Enhance LGU accountability mechanisms. Improved accountability of local officials induces responsible leadership and ensures that efficient and responsive services are delivered. In promoting local government accountability, the following strategies shall be undertaken: • Implementation of systems to determine performance of LGUs in terms of their state of local governance and compliance with policies; • Public disclosure performance; and
of
LGU
• Institution of performancebased LGU incentives or awards.
Curb Corruption Decisively A comprehensive and integrated Anticorruption Framework and Program will be an essential part of the administration’s commitment to fight corruption. This framework shall be the anchor of the strategic objectives identified in this section and provide focus and direction in achieving the vision that the administration has
committed for its people. It will contain key result packages with the corresponding set of anticorruption projects and implementation mechanisms to ensure success. As a starting point, a comprehensive and integrated anticorruption program will be established for the prosecution of corrupt officials, beginning with case build-up all the way up to conviction, including ancillary remedies (i.e., freezing of assets) and recovery of property. Corrupt officials shall be prosecuted and dismissed, with the highest priority accorded to high-profile cases. 1. Intensify Corruption Prevention a) Honestly reassess the progress, priorities, and capacities of the main anticorruption agencies. All government agencies involved in anticorruption efforts, beginning with the Office of the Ombudsman, need to reexamine whether their track records match public expectations and the scale of the problem of corruption. Shortfalls and inadequacies in personnel and strategies must be urgently addressed if any further progress is to be made. The results of such reassessments should be made public in the interest of transparency; b) Strictly enforce and observe anticorruption laws and policies. These include the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act; the Anti-Red Tape Act; National Guidelines on Internal Control System (NGICS); the Procurement law (RA 9184); mandatory provisions of UNCAC; the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713); and the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA).
The legal and policy framework for corruption prevention will be enhanced through compliance with the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and other international standards. Anticorruption advocacy campaigns will be conducted through the rollout of an integrated integrity and anticorruption promotion program. This will also include monitoring in the implementation of anticorruption programs, projects and activities; c) Strengthen information-exchange among all government agencies to prevent corruption and private-public sector collusion. Data possessed by revenue agencies, line agencies involved in contracting (e.g., DPWH, DOTC), local governments (residences and business permits), and the AMLAC, can be potentially assembled and mined to build anticorruption cases based on lifestyle-checks and possibly fraudulent tax returns. The availability of such information serves as a powerful deterrent against corruption involving collusion between private persons and public officials; d) Support private sector initiatives to police its own ranks and discourage corrupt relations with government agencies in revenue collection and procurement. The Compliance and Integrity Programs for Business (CIPB) are an initiative of the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines to ensure the pledge of their members not to bribe public officials, to report corruption, and to embed standard corporate practice. The private sector has also committed to intensify its efforts to improve corporate governance through training of directors and requiring compliance with higher standards of corporate governance;
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e) Implement fundamental reforms in public procurement and in budget releases to close off opportunities for corruption and to promote transparency, competition, and cost-effectiveness through the following measures: • Roll out an enhanced Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) in order to minimize discretion and intervention in procurement. The new PhilGEPS features shall include: (a) a virtual store; (b) an expanded supplier registry; (c) an electronic payment facility; (d) a facility for electronic bid submissions to the virtual store; and (e) annual procurement plans; • Expand the use of the PhilGEPS E-Bidding system to improve the efficiency and transparency of government agencies’ procurement activities, government contracts, and other procurement related electronic transactions, thereby reducing spending on print media advertisements; • Review the guidelines for blacklisting unscrupulous contractors and suppliers. The Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) shall streamline procedures and strengthen policies to facilitate the collection and presentation of evidence of bid-rigging, overpricing, and underprovision against corrupt contractors and suppliers for blacklisting; • Create an independent body to review appeals filed by bidders. An independent body, composed of procurement and legal experts shall be formed by the GPPB to review and resolve protests and appeals filed by participating bidders; • Prevent the diversion of unspent funds from vacated positions by releasing PS allotments only for filled positions, with special attention to
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large service-organizations such as the military and the police; • Prevent the conversion of MOOE and CO outlays by standardizing and disclosing MOOE and CO requirements including those of military camps and other facilities; • Conduct technical visits to validate the budgetary status of programs, projects and activities; f ) Invite the participation and scrutiny of CSOs and individual citizens with respect to government performance through institutional means and through the provision of information. This will cover the following measures: • Expand the pool of CSOs that serve as observers in the bids and awards committees (BACs) of various agencies to ensure civil society representation; • Invite the regular participation of citizen groups in the budget-preparation process for the evaluation of existing government programs and for them to provide inputs to ZBB; and • Make available to the public the accountability reports of all agencies, including the DND and the AFP, on the DBM website. g) Empower citizens to directly and confidentially report either exemplary performance or corrupt practices of employees through dedicated portals, such as the DOF’s Pera ng Bayan website (http:// perangbayan.com), which also entertains information regarding tax evaders and smugglers.
2. Speedy Resolution of Corruption Cases, with Special Cases of Grand Corruption
Laws and rules provide reglementary periods to be observed in the filing and prosecution of corruption cases. The strict observance of these rules will highly contribute to the speedy resolution of corruption cases and serve as a deterrent and a proof of the government’s sincerity in its commitment to fight corruption. a) Review policies and procedures on speedy disposition of cases. Courts are required to submit their decisions within 90-calendar days from the time the case was submitted for resolution. This period excludes litigation proper where delays are common. Thus, it is suggested that a review of existing laws and rules be done to address the problem; b) Strictly implement the reglementary period provided for by laws and rules for the immediate resolution of administrative and corruption cases. After the policies and procedures on the speedy disposition of cases has been reviewed and improved, strict compliance with the periods set forth by laws and rules must be ensured; c) Pursue corruption cases resolutely based on principle and to set a public example. Especially in wellknown cases of grand corruption, the government shall use all instrumentalities to ensure that solid evidence is gathered, prepared, and preserved so that cases are not compromised but rather pursued in accordance with the full force of the law. As a result, this may serve as serious deterrents to future grafters;
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d) Amend the COA Charter to provide for the recovery of illegally-disbursed public funds. The COA Charter21 amendments must solve the problem of issuance of writ of execution of decisions rendered final and executory by the Supreme Court in cases on notice of disallowances for illegal or irregular disbursements or notice of charge for under collection or underassessment of revenues applying to natural or juridical persons. Under the Constitution, COA decisions are directly appealable to the Supreme Court. However, the COA Charter, Rules of Procedures and other issuances do not contain any provision on how to execute these decisions and collect COA disallowances and charges from private persons or entities. Alternatively, Supreme Court rules of procedures in execution of judgments on COA appealed cases may be reviewed; e) Nationwide implementation of the case tracking monitoring system. All justice sector agencies should be interconnected through the National Justice Information System; f ) Pursue the enactment of a Whistleblower Protection Law. A credible means to protect key informants is urgent, particularly when the impartiality of judicial and law enforcement agents is in question; and g) Pursue the enactment of a law on campaign finance reform regulating campaign contributions. There should be a law limiting campaign contributions. Unregulated campaign funds often results in the corrupting influence of campaign contributors to an elected candidate. Our election laws impose limits on the amount and type of campaign
P.D. No. 1445, “Government Auditing Code of the Philippines.”
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expenditures, and candidates are required to report all contributions but there is nothing that regulates the excess contribution. 3. Adopt a Comprehensive Anticorruption Program The tedious process of getting a final resolution is a major obstacle to people filing complaints against corruption. A single window for filing and monitoring corruption cases, lodged in a credible agency, will encourage people to file complaints against erring officials and employees, and eventually help curtail corruption. This will also promote the seamless coordination of investigation, prosecution and other bodies in the expeditious resolution of corruption cases. a) Review rules of procedure on administrative/civil/criminal actions on corruption-related cases. Due to the relatively low conviction rate in corruption cases, existing procedures should be reviewed and evaluated to determine the need for further refinements in the procedures applicable to corruption-related cases and make them more effective; and b) Review policies and procedures on case monitoring and records management. Existing policies and procedures for monitoring of cases and records management should be reviewed and, if necessary, revised to adapt to the present condition. Monitoring of cases from filing up to the execution of decisions/judgments is important to verify if justice has been fully served. 4. Enhance the Legal and Policy Framework for Corruption Prevention Comply with the UNCAC on corruption prevention and other international standards. 5. Strengthen Integrity Mechanisms and Control Structures a) Expand the Integrity Development Review;
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b) Institute a public reporting mechanism on adherence to anticorruption policies. This will be achieved by creating an independent joint NG and NGO Committee with appropriate human capital and financial support; and c) Execute memoranda of agreement for partnerships in transparency and accountability in LGUs. Parties to these memoranda should include LGUs themselves, national government agencies and CSOs. 6. Enhance Partnership Structures and Mechanisms and International Linkages
a) Expand CSO and private sector participation in the Multi-Sectoral Anticorruption Council (MSACC); b) Strengthen interagency coordination; and c) Comply with international and regional commitments (e.g., UNCAC, ADB-OECD Anticorruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific, APEC Anticorruption Plan of Action). 7. Conduct anticorruption advocacy campaigns a) Roll-out an integrated promotion program for integrity and against anticorruption; b) Enhance values formation and moral recovery for all government officials and employees in close collaboration with CSOs; and c) Wage a massive educational campaign on the law, rules, and regulations relating to good governance.
Strengthen the Rule of Law The strict implementation of the rule of law indicates the government’s seriousness in carrying out its responsibilities and obligations in a democratic environment, while extracting from the citizens the needed cooperation through compliance with existing laws and public policies. 1. Strengthen the Oversight Bodies a) Expand OMB powers. The powers of the OMB shall be expanded to include examination of bank accounts, and the establishment of witness protection and benefits program under the office. The compensation and benefits for OMB employees themselves should likewise be enhanced, specifically, their exemption from the salary standardization law, ranking, retirement benefits (survivorship), and special allowances for lawyers; and b) Pursue the passage of a charter for the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Enable CHR to perform its comprehensive monitoring function independently,which will contribute to the strengthening of the rule of law, government accountability and transparency. Examining performance of the executive, legislative and judicial, and other government functions against international norms and standards will lead to reforms and changes in policies, programs, and actions consistent with international human rights instruments. 2. Effective and Speedy Resolution of Cases in Courts and QuasiJudicial Bodies
a) Improve investigative abilities of law enforcement agencies. The investigative capacity of law enforcement units, especially the NBI, needs to be raised
dramatically. A greater availability of science-based evidence from law enforcers can only enhance the quality of final judicial outcomes. This will be attained through the establishment of world-class forensic laboratories in major regional centers and cities; b) Rules for preliminary investigation reviewed and codified. The rules on preliminary investigation shall be restudied and codified to consider the expeditious resolution of cases; c) Establish policy and guidelines in the determination of probable cause. The policy and guidelines on the elements and parameters of probable cause should be issued based on laws and jurisprudence to avoid the frivolous filing of cases and to reduce the currently high rate of dismissed cases. In this way, courts can focus on resolving high-impact cases while avoiding delays; d) Strictly implement the reglementary period provided for by the rules for the resolution of cases. Timelines in the disposition of cases should be defined, strictly monitored and complied with. Delayed resolution of cases does not only wastes limited government resources but also harms the interest of all parties involved in the dispute; e) Establish a case-monitoring system covering the entire justice system. A justice system infrastructure should be established to be able to comprehensively monitor the progress of cases from one agency to another. The system will interconnect existing case-monitoring systems for efficient and effective case management – such as the Warrant of Arrest Information System (WAIS) of the PNP; the CDIS of the NBI; the electronic Prosecution Case Management of the DOJ; the Judiciary Case Management System Good Governance and the Rule of Law
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( JCMS) of the Supreme Court; and the Inmate Information System of the Bureau of Corrections, the Board of Pardons and Parole, and the Parole and Probation Administration. An effective monitoring system enforces accountability among service providers and thus encourage them to resolve their cases within the timelines provided by existing rules; and f ) Complete APJR projects on docket decongestion and judicial systems and procedures. The Supreme Court must complete its APJR project on docket decongestion and judicial systems and procedures, e.g., the Expansion of Court-Annexed Mediation; Expansion of e-JOW ( Justice on Wheels Project); diminish caseload for each Court of Appeals’ (CA) Justice (Zero Backlog Project); nationwide implementation of the Enhanced Case Flow Management (eCFM) System which monitors the status of the cases to see whether they are proceeding as scheduled; full computerization of courts from Bangued, Abra to Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat; Pending integration of eCFM with Court Administration Management Information System (CAMIS); full coordination of all three CMIS stations of the CA; capacity building to enable electronic filing; Enhancement and expansion of the Case Management Information System (CMIS) project. 3. Reduce the Cost of Litigation a) Study the reduction of filing fees for cases; and b) Adopt a standard format of transcript of stenographic notes (TSNs) to reduce the cost of litigation. This reduces the discretion of stenographers in the length of the transcripts. 4. Avoid Law Suits Involving Government Contracts a) Government contracts should be consistent with international instruments, existing
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laws, and public interest. The issuance of legal opinions by the Legal Staff and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel of the DOJ should be free from political interference and should be reviewed in accordance with domestic laws and public policies; and b) Review and ensure that FTAs are consistent with national laws and public interest. These FTAs will be disseminated through a massive information campaign. 5. Enhance the Integrity and Competence of Justices, Judges, Court Personnel and all other Officers of the Judiciary and Quasi-Judicial Bodies To reaffirm the people’s faith in the judiciary, there is a need to enhance the integrity and competence of justices, judges, court personnel and all other officers of the judiciary and quasijudicial bodies by: a) Weeding out the undesirables, both from the Bench and the Bar. To maintain public confidence in the competence and integrity of members of the judiciary, the government will intensify its efforts to weed out misfit and undesirable officials and personnel who fail to uphold the dignity and integrity of the legal profession; b) Continuing the Court Cleansing Initiative. The continuance of the court cleansing initiative will further strengthen the integrity of the judiciary and hopefully achieve an ethical judiciary that is above suspicion as envisioned by the Supreme Court; c) Strengthening the Integrity of the Judiciary and the Integrity Development Review. Besides adjudicating cases and promulgating rules, the Supreme
Court also has the power of administrative supervision over all courts and their personnel, including the power to take disciplinary action against them when warranted. (CONST., Art. VIII, sec. 6). In 2009, it disciplined 66 Regional Trial Court judges; 27 Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Municipal Trial Court, and Municipal Circuit Trial Court judges; and 181 first and secondlevel court personnel. Nor has the Supreme Court spared the rod in its own ranks. In 2009 it administratively disciplined 19 SC employees and dropped three others from the roll for being absent without leave. In an unprecedented and unanimous per curiam decision, the Supreme Court also imposed a PhP500,000 fine on a retired SC justice for grave misconduct for leaking a confidential internal document of the Court (AM No. 09-2-19-SC, In Re: Undated Letter of Mr. Louis C. Biraogo, February 24, 2009). The SC has also disciplined 129 members of the Bar for various administrative offenses. In response to the pervasive drug menace, it has approved mandatory drug testing for all Judiciary employees as recommended by its Committee on Security (AM No. 09-3013SC, Mandatory Drug Testing of All Supreme Court Employees, March 24, 2009. Information lifted from the 2009 Supreme Court Annual Report); and d) Strictly implement agency-specific Codes of Conduct for law enforcers, prosecutors and judges. The specific administrative rules of conduct and behavior for various government agencies will be strictly enforced to
maintain a competent workforce in government service. 6. Increase Resources for Justice Sector Agencies and Quasi-Judicial Bodies a) Renew efforts to address the human capital shortage. A proactive and enhanced recruitment program shall be developed to attract brilliant young lawyers to justice sector agencies; b) Implement continued capacity-building and updating of skills of law enforcers, prosecutors, public defenders and judges, and corrections officers. The government will complement the continued influx of knowledge and information with a sturdy policy of skills-enhancement and capacity-building of the members of our law enforcement units and the justice sector; and c) Modernize and upgrade facilities for law enforcers such as the PNP and the NBI crime laboratories, forensic investigation facilities and equipment. Improve capacities of prosecutors and law enforcers particularly NBI agents in the investigation and prosecution of special cases involving economic or white-collar crimes such as money laundering, tax evasion, smuggling, human trafficking, violations of intellectual property rights and antitrust laws, illegal drugs and even cases involving extralegal killings and other human rights violations as well as violation of environmental laws. 7. Improve Access to Justice of All Sectors of Society particularly the Vulnerable Groups
Citizens should be made aware of their fundamental rights and be taught on how to access the services of government institutions involved in justice delivery when their rights are violated or when the enforcement of these rights are sought. This is the essence of democracy and good governance – when people are empowered to exercise their rights and attain the progressive fulfilment of their needs.
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a) Make full use of the services of government lawyers by deputizing them. Lawyers employed in various government agencies and instrumentalities will be imbued with the necessary authority to defend public interests in congruence with the functions of the OSG; b) Provide tax credits for lawyers representing IPs and other vulnerable groups. Tax incentives will be provided for lawyers representing society’s vulnerable groups to encourage them to render adequate legal assistance and at the same time, promote equal access in the justice system; c) Strengthen the Katarungang Pambarangay Law to resolve cases at the local level. The strengthening of the Katarungang Pambarangay Law will result in the speedy resolution of cases at the local level without going through the rigors of court processes. This will substantially improve the delivery of justice and facilitate the declogging of court dockets; and d) Conduct training among judges, court personnel, prosecutors, public defenders and other pillars of the justice system in handling gender-sensitive cases, especially those involving violence against women and children (VAWC). 8. Promote the Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) The government shall encourage and actively promote the use of ADR. Resorting to ADR could help decongest both court and prosecution dockets of cases which may be subject of ADR and allow the courts and the prosecution to dedicate their resources in resolving equally important cases brought before them. It will also spare both the parties and the government from litigation costs and the tedious judicial and administrative processes thus helping the parties achieve speedy and impartial justice.
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a) Disseminate information on ADR. ADR will also develop potential active citizen’s participation since most ADR institutions are privateled. They promote the culture of peaceful negotiation and resolution of disputes by discouraging the adversarial manner of resolving conflicts such as court litigation; b) Strengthen and support institutions involving ADR. Efforts should be stepped up to communicate and disseminate information about ADR as well as strengthen and support institutions involved; c) Strengthen DOJ-OADR. The Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR), an agency recently created under the DOJ, shall be strengthened to be able to monitor and assess existing ADR mechanisms in the country and ensure that ADR programs conform with international standards and best practices. With an effective and efficient ADR mechanism in place, the country can join countries like Singapore as an arbitration hub in the region; and d) Establishment of prosecutionlevel mediation. Resolving cases subject to ADR can help declog prosecution and court dockets as cases will be resolved before information is filed in court. 9. Institutionalize Existing Justice Sector Coordinating Mechanisms Justice sector coordinating mechanisms such as the Judiciary, Executive and Legislative Advisory & Consultative Council ( JELACC) and the Justice Sector Coordinating Council ( JSCC) shall be institutionalized.
The JELACC serves as a forum for the discussion of issues relating to resource needs, recognizing the fact that there is a need to dialogue on crosscutting issues relating to justice sector performance. On the other hand, the JSCC, which is composed of the Supreme Court, DOJ, DILG, PNP, BJMP and the DBM, is another forum for dialogue and preparation of joint justice sector reform programs and initiatives.
Enhance Citizens’ Access to Information and Participation in Governance 1. Pursue the Passage of the Freedom of Information Bill The Freedom of Information Bill is intended to give the citizenry access to information by allowing full disclosure of all transactions which are of public interest. It aims to institute transparency in the national and local government’s undertakings relative to loans, treaties, contacts and other similar transactions. 2. Issue an Executive-Wide Policy on Public Access to Information Pending the Passing of the Right to Information Act 3. Ensure Open and Transparent Search Process in the Selection of Appointees in Constitutional Commissions, Regulatory Bodies and other Independent Bodies (e.g., CSC, CHR, JBC etc.) A credible multisectoral committee should be engaged in the nomination and appointment of members of constitutional commissions, regulatory bodies, independent commissions and other oversight bodies. The criteria for the selection, the candidates and their qualifications and those endorsing them, should be made public. The feedback of the public should also be considered.
4. Promote and Implement the NACPA In order to push forward the national anticorruption agenda and contribute towards the attainment of sustainable and inclusive growth, the OMB and its partners from the MSACC, should continue to pursue its priority programmes and projects under the NACPA. These include the enhancement of the anticorruption legislative framework and local policies, adoption and customization of the APEC Code of Conduct for Business, integrity development review of LGUs, capacitybuilding on the UNCAC, anticorruption workshops for professional groups, including engineers and accounts, for assistance in case build-up and prosecution. 5. Intensify People’s Engagement in Local Governance Increasing participation of CSOs in local development processes reinforces responsiveness and accountability among local officials. Local governments will therefore be encouraged to create opportunities for citizens to continuously engage with them in an inclusionary and participatory manner. Representation of CSOs in the Local Special Bodies in accordance with the Local Government Code will be strictly enforced. Likewise, the forging of LGU-CSO/Private Sector partnership will be promoted. By collaborating with CSOs and the private sector in the implementation of local government’s development projects, not only are financial resources shared, but also knowledge and experiences, which increases the chances for local development. 6. Ensure Budget Transparency a) Mandatory publication in agency or department websites of major information on budgets, finance, and performance indicators. A strategic program to restore public trust and to enhance disbursement of funds and their utilization is the establishment of transparency and accountability requirements in the budget. Specific budget provisions shall require DBM and other agencies to publish in their websites detailed information on the Good Governance and the Rule of Law
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allocation, disbursement and status of programs and projects, including the following: • • • • • • • •
approved budgets; performance measures and targets; major programs/projects implemented/to be pursued; annual procurement plan; contracts awarded and the name of contractors/suppliers/consultants; targeted and actual beneficiaries; status of implementation and fund utilization; and program/project evaluation and/ or assessment reports;
b) Posting of fund releases on the DBM website. Information technology will be leveraged to achieve transparency and accountability. This facilitates the process of fund release and strengthens security while promoting transparency and accountability. Fund releases (e.g., congressional allocations chargeable against priority development assistance fund, financial assistance to LGUs, school building program, and internal revenue allotment) and other pertinent budgetary releases shall be posted on the DBM website; and c) Constructively engaging CSOs in the budget process.The involvement of CSOs in the budget process is being pursued to institutionalize greater transparency and accountability in government and enhance participatory governance. The government and concerned CSOs shall have a constructive engagement to advocate good governance in the government budgeting process. This partnership aims to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation in the preparation, authorization, execution and monitoring of the national budget. This effort allows the public full access to government budget information, thereby increasing their capacity to understand the budget process and analyze its policy implications.
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A communication and advocacy plan will be developed to ensure that all stakeholders understand the budget process and pertinent budgetary information. Training will also be conducted to facilitate a fuller understanding of budget documents among legislators and legislative staff. Finally, a healthy relationship between government and media shall be maintained to ensure continuous public discussion regarding government’s programs and projects. 7. Full Disclosure of Local Budget and Finances, and Bids and Public Offerings
The declared policy of promoting good local governance calls for the posting of budgets, expenditures, contracts and loans, and procurement plans of LGUs in conspicuous places within public buildings in the locality, on the web, and in print media with local or general circulation, specifically including the following: • • • • • • • • • • • •
annual budgets; quarterly statements of cash flows; statements of receipts and expenditures; trust fund (PDAF) utilization; Special Education Fund utilization; utilization of the 20 percent Development Fund component of the IRA; Gender and Development Fund Utilization; statement of debt service; annual procurement plan and procurement list; items to bid; bid results on civil works and goods and services; and abstract of bids as calculated.
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Social Development Social Development
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Social Development Social development has improved the access of Filipinos to quality basic social service delivery in education, training and culture; health and nutrition; population and development; housing; social protection; and asset reform. The country is on track in pursuing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on poverty, gender and equality, child health, disease control and sanitation. However, the country lags in achieving universal primary education, improving maternal health, and combating HIV/AIDS. Moreover, large discrepancies across regions need to be addressed by the social development sector in the next six years. The social development sector shall focus on ensuring an enabling policy environment for inclusive growth, poverty reduction, convergence of service delivery, maximized synergies and active multistakeholder participation. Priority strategies include: (a) attaining the MDGs; (b) providing direct conditional cash transfers (CCT) to the poor; (c) achieving universal coverage in health and basic education; (d) adopting the community-driven development (CDD) approach; (e) converging social protection programs for priority beneficiaries and target areas; (f) accelerating asset reform; (g) mainstreaming climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in social development; (h) mainstreaming gender and development; (i) strengthening civil society-basic sector participation and publicprivate partnership; (j) adopting volunteerism; and (k) developing and enhancing competence of the bureaucracy and institutions. The Plan translates the President’s Social Contract with the Filipinos in ensuring inclusive growth and equitable access to quality basic social services, especially by the poor and vulnerable.
Assessment and Challenges Assessment The social development sector has generally shown improved access to quality service delivery in health, nutrition and population; education, training and culture; housing; social protection; and asset reform efforts and initiatives. The Philippines is on track in meeting the MDGs on food poverty, gender equality in education, child mortality, malaria, tuberculosis, and access to sanitary toilet facilities (Annex 8.1). However, the country lags in achieving universal primary education, improving maternal
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health, and combating HIV/AIDS. Moreover, large discrepancies across regions need to be addressed in the next six years. The poverty incidence of families slightly decreased from 21.1 percent in 2006 to 20.9 percent in 2009, or from 26.4 percent of the population in 2006 to 26.5 percent in 2009. However, this improvement is limited, considering the slow growth of incomes, increase in household formation, natural disasters and inflationary pressures mainly from rising fuel and food prices. In 2009, more than a quarter of the 23.1 million poor Filipinos lived in four regions (Annex 8.2). While only one-third of poor Filipinos came from Mindanao,
Poverty Incidence (in %)
Figure 8.1. Poverty Incidence in Southeast Asia
Source: ADB, 2009 more than half of the provinces in the bottom cluster are located in the island group (Annex 8.3). This situation can be attributed to the armed conflict and unsettled peace and order situation. Using the US$1.25-a-day poverty threshold (at 2005 prices), the Philippines, with a headcount poverty index of 22.6 percent (adjusted for 2005 purchasing power parity), ranked better than Cambodia (40.2%), Lao PDR (35.7%) and Vietnam (22.8%), but trailed behind Indonesia (21.4%), Malaysia (0.5%) and Thailand (0.4%) (Figure 8.1). Income inequality remains high. The Gini concentration ratios1 showed only slight and slow improvements, from 0.4605 in 2003 to 0.4580 in 2006 and 0.4484 in 2009. The regions with the most unequally distributed
income are Regions 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13 (CARAGA), as these regions have Gini ratios higher than 0.45 (Annex 8.4). Trends in the Human Development Index (HDI)2 showed slight improvements. The HDI for the Philippines rose from 0.744 in 2005 to 0.751 in 2007, placing the country in the medium-HDI category (i.e., HDI values between 0.50 and 0.80). The Philippines ranked 105th among 182 countries. However, the country’s Gender Development Index (GDI) decreased from 0.768 in 2005 to 0.748 in 2007. Likewise, the Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM) fell from 0.590 in 2005 to 0.560 in 2007 (United Nations Development Programme, 2007, 2009). Income gap3, poverty gap4, and severity of poverty5 varied in a narrow range from 2006 to 2009. In 2009, Region 9 recorded the highest income gap at 30.8 percent,
1
The Gini concentration ratio measures the inequality in income distribution, where zero means perfect equality and a value of 1 implies perfect inequality. 2 The HDI measures quality of life or wellbeing in terms of health, education and income. 3 Income gap refers to the average income shortfall expressed as a proportion to the poverty line of families with income below the poverty threshold. 4 Poverty gap is the total income shortfall of families with income below the poverty threshold, divided by the number of families. 5 Severity of poverty measure is the total of the squared income shortfall of families with income below the poverty threshold, divided by the total number of families.
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Percentage Share
Figure 8.2. Share of Social Services in Total National Government Expenditures
Year
Source: DBM
While the Philippines is on target for most of its MDGs, it lags behind in terms of reducing the maternal mortality ratio.
with National Capital Region (NCR) the lowest at 16.9 percent. The NCR also had the lowest gap at 0.4 percent, with CARAGA the highest at 12.1 percent (Annex 8.5). It has been estimated that the national government and the LGUs must boost their budget for basic education and health by PhP348.9 billion (or 0.45% of GDP) and PhP45.0 billion (or 0.04% of GDP), respectively, if the MDG targets are to be met by 2015 (Manasan, 2009). This implies a huge financial requirement that should be allocated by the government, if it is to invest in the two most important human capital forming subsectors. The slow rate of progress in the social sector may be partly attributed to the compression of expenditure at the national level in previous years, in response to balancing the budget due to declining revenue efforts. The combined share of social services in total national government expenditures exhibited a well defined downtrend from 1998 to 2005 (Figure 8.2).
6
Health, Nutrition and Population The country’s health status is best summarized in the progress towards the MDGs. While the Philippines is on target for most of its MDGs, it lags behind in terms of reducing the maternal mortality ratio (MMR). The decline in neonatal mortality has also been very slow, as neonatal deaths comprise the majority of infant deaths. The MMR and infant mortality rate (IMR) were still at 95 to 163 per 100,000 live births in 20106, and 25 per 1,000 live births in 2008 (National Statistics Office, 2008), as against the MDG targets of 52 and 19, respectively. For communicable diseases, the target for the tuberculosis (TB) case detection rate has been met, while a total of 22 provinces were declared malaria-free in 2008. The prevalence of HIV and AIDS remains below one percent of total population, although the number of HIV cases has been increasing annually. As in previous years, most of the ten leading causes of morbidity in 2008 were communicable diseases; in contrast, the leading causes of mortality in the country have mainly been noncommunicable diseases. There is a wide variance in the outcomes and
NSCB Resolution No. 11, Series of 2010 - Adopting the Interim Estimation Methodology Used in Generating National-Level Estimates of Maternal Mortality Ratios for 1990 and 2000-2010.
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
program performance of priority public health programs, due to demand side problems related to health care access especially by the poor, such as geographical barriers, financial constraints, and limited information on family health risks. While it is urgent to address the slow progress in meeting MDGs, the health sector also needs to focus on the prevention and treatment of chronic and degenerative diseases and traumatic injuries, which are now the fourth leading cause of mortality. Many such deaths are untimely and financially catastrophic, affecting mostly the working-age population and causing large intergenerational effects. In health care financing, the 2007 Philippine National Health Accounts (PNHA) revealed that 54 percent of the total health expenditure comprised out-of-pocket expenses, and only 9 percent from social health insurance. Total health expenditure was only PhP234.3 billion, or 3.2 percent of the GDP, which is below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) benchmark of 5 percent of GDP for developing countries. High out-of-pocket expenses and low prepayment schemes reflect an unevenness, if not an inequity, in health care financing. The results of the Benefit Delivery Review by the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) highlighted the need for PHIC to increase its enrolment coverage, improve the availment of its benefits and increase the support value for its claims, for the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) to provide Filipinos with financial risk protection. Moreover, benefit delivery for the sponsored
program is lowest among member groups. To date, the nationwide benefit delivery ratio (BDR)7 is only 8 percent (Annex 8.6). Public hospitals and primary health facilities cannot provide adequate services and quality care. Recent data show that only 977 out of 1,073 of DOH-licensed private hospitals (91%) and 631 out of 711 of DOH-licensed government hospitals (88%) are accredited by PHIC. These ratios are expected to decline once PhilHealth raises accreditation standards to globally competitive levels. The deterioration and poor quality of many government health facilities, which is particularly disadvantageous to the poor, is due to: (a) backlogs in upgrading of existing facilities, including those required to make public hospitals safe from disasters; and (b) the inability of the total capacity of public health facilities to meet demands from an increasing population base.
54 percent of the total health expenditure comprised outof-pocket expenses, and only 9 percent from social health insurance.
While the Philippines produces a globallycompetitive medical and allied health workforce, many parts of the country, especially far-flung and depressed areas, remain underserved. Human resources in the health sector are concentrated in urban areas, with fast staff turnover and oversupply of personnel. On nutrition, underweight, stunting, wasting and thinness continue to be serious problems. The proportion of underweight children under-five decreased from 27.3 percent in 1990 to 20.6 percent in 2008, or an average annual percentage point reduction of 0.352. However, this is only 67.2 percent of the desired rate of decline to achieve the MDG of 13.7 percent. In addition, stunting8 among under-fives (32.2%) and wasting9 (7.5%) are at high levels. Thinness is also prevalent among school-age children (8.1%). About 26.3 percent of pregnant women are nutritionally at-risk, with low weight-for-height levels.
7
BDR refers to the cumulative likelihood that any Filipino is (a) eligible to claim; (b) aware of entitlements and is able to access and avail of health services from accredited providers; and (c) is fully reimbursed by PHIC as far as total health care expenditures are concerned. 8 Stunting is an indication of prolonged deprivation of food and frequent bouts of infections. 9 Wasting is an indication of lack of food or infection in the immediate past.
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Overweight and obesity is prevalent among adults, at 26.6 percent based on the National Nutrition Survey of 2008 (Annex 8.7).The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children less than five years old has increased three-fold between 1990 (1.1%) and 2008 (3.5%). Among children aged 6-10 years old, overweight and obesity increased from 0.1 percent to 1.1 percent in 2008 (based on International Reference Standards). Micronutrient deficiencies continue to be a public health concern, especially among young children and pregnant women. About 15.2 percent of children 6 months to 5 years old were vitamin A-deficient (Food and Nutrition Research Institute, 2008). Iron deficiency anemia among various groups remains very high (based on WHO classification), specifically among infants 6-11 months old (55.7%); children 12-23 months old (41.0%); and pregnant women (42.5%). Iodine deficiency is another public health problem among pregnant and lactating women, with the average of 105 ug/L median urinary iodine excretion not reaching the WHOrecommended level of 150 ug/L.
The country’s current population growth rate of 2.04 percent remains high and means an additional 1.8 million Filipinos every year.
Hunger is another serious concern. While the percentage of Filipino households with inadequate caloric intake decreased from 69.4 percent in 1990 to 66.9 percent in 2008, quarterly surveys on hunger by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) since 1998 showed that the hunger situation has been volatile within a year, characterized by spikes and dips. However, the subsistence incidence10 of families decreased from 8.7 percent in 2006 to 7.9 percent in 2009, or from 11.7 percent of the population in 2006 to 10.8 percent in 2009. The current population growth rate (PGR) of 2.04 percent remains high and means 1.8 million Filipinos are added 10
every year. At this rate, the population will double in 34 years. This has also contributed to the high dependency ratio of 69 percent as of 2000, with a youth dependency ratio at 62.6 percent and an elderly dependency ratio of 6.5 percent. This means that every 100 persons in the working age group (15-64 years) have to support about 63 young dependents and about six elderly dependents. Dependency reduces growth in savings and funds for investment in productive capacity. In turn, underinvestment reduces overall economic growth and prospects for poverty reduction.11 The actual fertility rate of 3.3 children is one child higher than the desired fertility rate of 2.4. The biggest difference between actual and wanted fertility is most evident among women with lower education achievement and incomes. Based on the 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), the country’s contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) was only 51 percent. It is a source of concern that the level of unmet need has increased from 17 percent in 2003 to 22 percent in 2008. Although the DOH has continued to implement reforms, more effective mechanisms are needed to further enhance the health system. Areas needing improvements include health financing in local health facilities and medical centers, and preventive measures to reduce noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and trauma. Moreover, the health information system, including research, should be strengthened, in order to ensure that policies and programs are based on evidence and limited resources are used effectively and efficiently.
Subsistence incidence refers to the proportion of families (or population) with per capita income less than the per capita food threshold to the total number of families (population). (NSCB) 11 See “The Population-Poverty Nexus” by Balisacan, Mapa & Tubianosa, 2004.
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Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Education, Training and Culture Based on the 2008 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), about 58 million out of the estimated 67 million Filipinos aged 10 to 64 years old (86.4%). This is a slight increase from 84.1 percent in 2003. Basic literacy, on the other hand was estimated at 95.6 percent. Literacy is much higher among those in the highest income stratum and who have completed high school or higher education. Some Filipinos who have little or no formal schooling, however, may have also gained functional literacy through alternative learning sources, such as the media. Despite past efforts to increase access to formal basic education, the country continues to confront the challenge of ensuring greater participation of all school-aged children, especially in the elementary level. In school year (SY) 2009-2010, the Net Enrolment Rates (NER) at the elementary and secondary levels were 85.0 percent and 62.4 percent, respectively, which is far below the MDG and Education For All (EFA) targets. The cohort survival rate reached 74.4 percent for elementary and 78.5 percent for secondary in 2009, with completion rates recorded at 72.2 percent for elementary and 73.7 percent for secondary education
a substantial improvement from a mean percentage score (MPS) of 58.7 in 2004 to 68.0 in 2009. In contrast, the NAT MPS in high school declined slightly from 46.8 to 45.6 during the same period. A total of 76,710 new classrooms were constructed from 2004 to 2010, exceeding the yearly minimum target of 6,000. However, classroom gaps still persist due to the increasing student population and damages caused by natural disasters. Classroom shortage in 2011 is estimated at 113,000. Moreover, there were wide disparities in classroom-student ratios across regions, with a 1:78 ratio in elementary in NCR and 1:82 in high school in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in SY 2009-2010. The national average of teacher-student ratios in SY 2009-2010 stood at 1:36 for elementary and 1:38 for secondary levels, but wide disparities again existed across schools.
Based on the 2008 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey, about 58 million out of the estimated 67 million Filipinos aged 10 to 64 years old (86.4%). This is a slight increase from 84.1 percent in 2003. Basic literacy, on the other hand was estimated at 95.6 percent.
The number of barangays without access to elementary school was reduced significantly from 1,617 in 2001 to only 227 in 2008. Access also improved dure to more high school students benefitting from the Education Service Contracting scheme and the Education Voucher System. Of the 250,000 target beneficiaries for the period of 2004 to 2009, a total of 153,694 grantees (62%) benefited from these programs.
The elementary completion rate level was still far from the EFA target of 81.0 percent in 2015, but the secondary completion rate almost reached the 2015 EFA target of 75.27 percent. The drop-out rate, on the other hand, was still a high of 6.3 percent for the elementary level and 8.0 percent for high school, despite free provision of education at those levels. This was due to poverty, poor health, peace and order problems in some areas, and the prevalence of child labor.
In line with the institutionalization of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Law, 99 percent of provinces and all cities already implemented ECCD in varying degrees. However, the actual gross enrolment rate in public and private preschools for 4-5 years old reached only 24.69 percent in 2008, up from 19.23 percent in 2004. The Department of Education (DepEd), for its part, provided preschool education to around 1.4 million children. Over the same period, the percentage of Grade 1 pupils with ECCD experience improved from 55.98 percent to 64.62 percent.
The National Achievement Test (NAT) results for the elementary level showed
There was a steady increase in the number of learners served by both the DepEd and Social Development
237
Table 8.1. Formal Basic Education Performance Indicators, by Sex: 2004-2009
Indicators ELEMENTARY Net Intake Rate in Grade 1 Male Female Gross Enrolment Rate Male Female Net Enrolment Ratio Male Female Cohort Survival Rate Male Female Completion Rate Male Female Dropout Rate (School Leaver) Male Female Achievement Rate (Grade 6 NAT MPS ) Male Female SECONDARY Gross Enrolment Rate Male Female Net Enrolment Ratio Male Female Cohort Survival Rate Male Female Completion Rate Male Female Dropout Rate (School Leaver) Male Female Achievement Rate (Year II NAT MPS)* Male Female Source: DepEd; *Administered to 4th year students in 2004
238
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
41.3 37.5 45.3 104.2 104.9 103.5 87.1 86.17 88.08 71.3 66.1 77.2 69.1 63.6 75.2 7 8.4 5.4 58.73 57.10 60.29
36.6 33 40.5 101.1 101.9 100.3 84.4 83.56 85.35 70 65.5 75.0 68.1 63.3 73.5 7.3 8.6 6 54.66 52.89 56.58
39.7 36.2 43.5 99.9 100.7 99.0 83.2 82.39 84.08 73.4 68.8 78.6 71.7 67.3 76.7 6.4 7.6 5 59.94 58.59 61.81
45.6 43.4 48.0 102 102.9 101.1 84.8 84.01 85.72 75.3 70.9 80.1 73.1 68.4 78.3 6 7.2 4.7 64.81 63.73 65.87
48.4 46.4 50.5 102.1 103.3 100.8 85.1 84.86 85.71 75.4 71.5 79.7 73.3 69.1 77.9 6 7.1 4.9 66.33 64.38 66.72
56.3 54.6 58.0 100.8 102.1 99.5 85 85.0 85.0 74.4 69.9 79.4 72.2 67.4 77.5 6.3 7.5 4.9 68.00 66.65 69.36
83.9 80.2 87.8 60 55.0 65.0 78.1 73.3 82.8 72.4 66.9 77.8 8 9.9 6.1 46.80 45.83 47.61
80.5 77.0 84.1 58.5 53.7 63.5 67.3 61.5 73.0 61.7 55.1 68.1 12.5 15 10.1 46.97 45.44 48.31
79.5 76.4 82.6 58.6 53.9 63.4 77.3 72.7 81.8 72.1 67.2 77.0 6.6 7.5 5.9 46.64 44.81 48.29
81.4 78.7 84.2 61.9 57.4 66.6 79.9 75.21 84.5 78.7 71.6 86.0 7.5 9.3 5.6 49.26 47.84 50.45
82.9 80.6 85.3 60.7 56.4 65.2 79.7 75.5 83.9 75.2 70.4 79.9 7.5 9.1 5.8 47.4 44.89 48.32
82.2 80.2 84.1 62.4 57.9 67.0 78.5 74.2 82.8 73.7 69.1 78.3 8.0 9.7 6.2 45.55 43.95 46.98
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
various alternative learning system (ALS) providers. From 2005 to 2009, 631,914 and 418,108 enrollees were recorded under the DepEd-delivered and DepEd-procured ALS programs, respectively. However, only 74 percent of these enrollees completed the DepEd-delivered and 72 percent the DepEd-procured ALS programs. Despite its vast potential, the ALS has yet to maximize the full potential of nonschool-based learning schemes in universalizing functional literacy. In culture and the arts, the National Heritage Act (RA 10066) was enacted in 2009 to protect, preserve, conserve and promote the nation’s cultural heritage, its property and histories, and the ethnicity of local communities; establish and strengthen cultural institutions; protect cultural workers and ensure their professional development and wellbeing. Moreover, more than 2,000 projects nationwide were approved to be funded by the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts (NEFCA) from 2007 to 2010. In sports, the Short-Term Philippine Sports Development Plan: 2008-2010 was formulated to carry out systemic institutional reforms that rationalized resource allocation. While the Plan was approved through Resolution No. 2, Series of 2008 by the NEDA-Social Development Committee, most of the envisioned institutional reforms have not been implemented due to changes in leadership. Enrolment in middle-level human resource development via technical and vocational education and training (TVET) increased by 27.38 percent, from 1.68 million in 2004 to 2.14 million in 2007. However, it declined to 2 million in 2008 and 1.98 million in 2009, as a result of efforts to improve quality assurance. On the other hand, 12
enrolment in higher education rose moderately from 2.40 million in 2004 to 2.62 million in 2009. The number of graduates across all disciplines likewise increased from 409,628 to around 469,654 in the same period, or by 14.65 percent. Based on the 2008 Impact Evaluation Study (IES) commissioned by TESDA, the absorption rate12 of TVET graduates (as a percentage of the labor force) was 55.1 percent, which is less than the 2005 figure of 64.6 percent. The decline can be attributed, among others, to the effects of the global financial crisis that slowed down economic activities and resulted in job losses, skills mismatch between the requirements of the available jobs and the skills possessed by workers, and geographical mismatch between locations of job opening and job seekers. Increased access to higher education and middle-level skills development was made possible through the provision of various scholarships and student financial assistance programs by CHED and TESDA, such as the Private Education Student Financial Assistance Program (PESFA), ADBassisted Technical Education and Skills Development Program (TESDP),President Gloria Scholarship (PGS) Program and Ladderized Education Program (LEP). The PGS, a scholarship program intended to provide interventions to meet the need for critical skills and drive TVET provision to highly in-demand jobs, reached more than one million scholars from 2006 to 2009. The program was provided an increased budget of PhP5.6 billion in 2009, in view of the government’s commitment to job generation through skills enhancement and investment in human capital. However, the PGS had its own share of operational problems and drawbacks, ranging from increased dropout rate and low employment of graduates. There is a need to introduce reforms in the targeting and selection of beneficiaries, fund disbursement, accountability and program management.
Absorption rate refers to the ratio of employed and the total number of TVET graduates.
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Table 8.2. Enrolment in Tertiary Level of Education, by Sex: Academic Years 2004-2009
Year TESDA
2005
Male Female Total Enrolees Graduates
Academic Year CHED
Male Female Total Enrolees Graduates
673,353 1,010,029 1,683,382 1,154,333
2006
2007
694,745 1,042,120 1,736,865 1,340,620
856,965 1,315,449 2,142,414 1,702,307
2008 805,567 1,208,353 2,013,920 1,812,528
2009 893,091 1,091,555 1,982,435 1,903,793
2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 1,100,199 1,302,116 2,402,315 409,628
1,130,360 1,352,914 2,483,274 421,444
1,194,701 1,409,748 2,604,449 444,427
1,211,108 1,443,186 2,654,294 444,815
1,199,247 1,426,138 2,625,385 469,654
Sources: TESDA, CHED
Faced with the challenge of competitiveness and the diversifying industry needs, the government continuously instituted programs and provided the critical resources for skills upgrading and intensification in both highand middle-level professions.
240
Another major accomplishment in the subsector is the institutionalization of the ladderized system between TVET and higher education through EO 358 in 2005. The LEP covered 1,330 ladderized education programs in eight priority disciplines (information technology, hotel and restaurant management and tourism, engineering, health, education, maritime, agriculture, and criminology). Complementing this is the DOST-SEI, which administered demand-oriented science and technology (S&T) scholarships through their Merit Scholarship and financial assistance programs. The latter supports the education of poor, talented and deserving students in the priority degree courses of basic and applied sciences, engineering and science teaching. In 2009, about 4,257 scholarship qualifiers nationwide were announced, thus increasing the number to a total of 11,428 scholars. To ensure a competent workforce responsive to the quality standards of industries, the TVET subsector through TESDA implemented quality assurance measures through a mandatory assessment of TVET graduates in programs covered by the promulgated training regulations. The number of trainees who underwent competency assessment and certification peaked to 836,131 in 2009. Of these, a total of 690,836 workers were certified across all occupations, representing a certification rate of 82.62 percent.
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
According to the 2007 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (APIS), the proportion of dropouts was worst at the tertiary level, or among the 16-24 age group, particularly in degree programs, at 65.8 percent. This was mainly due to the high cost of education that had to be fully shouldered by the households. Access to tertiary education for students from poor families was possible through publicly-funded scholarships and other student financial assistance programs. The challenge for the tertiary education is not just broadening but rationalizing the access of the economically and socially-disadvantaged and potentiallyrestive population. The CHED recently rationalized and streamlined the guidelines of its student financial assistance programs (StuFAPs). However,these guidelines only subsumed CHED-administered StuFAPs, and do not substantially address major government-wide scholarship issues. Particularly, the efficacy, usefulness and viability of student loan programs have not improved remarkably through the years. Significantly, the need to produce enough competent and skilled workforce that will match domestic needs has become much more compelling. Faced with the challenge of competitiveness and the diversifying industry needs, the government continuously instituted
programs and provided the critical resources for skills upgrading and intensification in both high- and middle-level professions. Post-basic education funding has pointed to the need for students to be channeled to fields that have clear local demand, such as emerging and critical S&T fields.
skills mismatches, owing to low quality and relevance of education and training programs, alongside lower absorptive capacity of the economy.
Housing and Urban Development
The education and training sector remains confronted with the following issues and challenges: (a) limited participation of the industry sector in developing competency standards and curricula; (b) societal bias against TVET and insufficient social marketing, particularly among basic education students and their parents; (c) the need to upgrade the quality of higher education programs, including S&T courses, and make them internationally comparable; and (d) continuing job-
With an enormous total housing need of 3.7 million as of 2010, a total of 812,463 housing and shelter security units (i.e., house and/or lot) were provided from 2004 to 2010. Indirect housing assistance (i.e., provision of retail and developmental guaranties, issuance of licenses to sell and assistance in comprehensive land use planning) delivered both modest and better-than-expected outputs. Against a target of 275,649 retail and developmental guaranties, the HGC guaranteed a total of 168,347 housing loans for an accomplishment rate of 61
Table 8.3. Direct Housing Accomplishments
2004
2005
2006
Year 2007 2008
NHA
20,180 11,760 1,395 2,036 2,871 0 2,118
39,786 16,960 4,136 1,192 1,033 0 16,465
37,601 15,390 1,338 2,061 927 105 17,780
41,528 28,655 3,707 4,036 721 60 4,349
47,112 36,830 6,231 1,361 41 0 2,649
29,413 22,044 2,187 1,463 456 0 3,263
23,276 18,740 2,068 1,142 572 0 754
238,896 150,379 21,062 13,291 6,621 165 47,378
SHFC
14,129
14,199
13,783
11,819
9,169
10,022
7,109
80,230
44,614
39,138
33,427
48,020
62,846
75,328
118,785
422,158
39,562
37,175
33,066
47,367
62,507
74,973
56,696
351,346
LBP
78
37
65
103
186
281
243
993
SSS
187
91
47
37
62
74
50
548
DBP
66
0
0
220
16
0
11,300
11,602
GSIS
4,721
1,835
249
293
75
0
50,496
57,669
44,248
11,784
15,082
51,668
6,504
5,286
100
134,672
123,171
104,907
99,893
153,035
125,631
120,049
149,270
875,956
Program
(in households assisted) Agency Direct Housing Provision 1. NHA Housing Production Resettlement Slum Upgrading Sites and Services Core Housing Medium-Rise Housing Other Housing Assistance 2. Community Mortgage Program (CMP) 3. Retail and Developmental Financing End-User Financing
HDMF
2009
2010
Total
GFIs End-User Financing
4. Provision of Secure Tenure Proclamations Total Direct Housing Provision
HUDCC
Source: HUDCC Social Development
241
percent. The HLURB issued a total of 1,294,985 licenses-to-sell exceeding its target of 1,028,853 licenses for an accomplishment rate of 126 percent which indicates a robust housing construction and completion of housing units. Moreover, the HLURB provided assistance to 419 LGUs in updating and formulating their Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) against a target of 432. (Table 8.4). The government provided housing tenure assistance through the following Table 8.4. Indirect Housing Accomplishments
Program
(in households assisted)
Agency
2004
Indirect Housing Provision 1. Home Guaranty Corporation Retail Guaranty HGC 5,493 Developmental Guaranty 157 Securization 2. Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board License To Sell HLURB 172,883 CLUP Assistance (LGUs) 123
reform measures: (a) loan interestrate reductions that brought down the lowest socialized housing package to 3 percent per annum; (b) extension of payment terms for all housing loans from 25 up to 30 years; (c) reduction of loan requirements from 15 to eight; and (d) reduction of loan processing time from three months to seven working days for developer accounts with buyback guarantee, and 30 days for retail and developer accounts without buyback guarantee.
2005
2006
Year 2007 2008
2009
2010
Total
12,536 32
16,282 5,217
15,680 925
12,089 311
15,709 17
77,609 6,470 24,678
155,218 13,129
167,229 104
187,001 106
172,967 102
220,756 104
200,124 103
174,025 110
1,294,985 752
Source: HUDCC Table 8.5. Total Housing Need: 2011-2016
Region Philippines NCR CAR I – Ilocos II – Cagayan Valley III – Central Luzon IV-A – CALABARZON IV-B – MIMAROPA V – Bicol VI – Western Visayas VII – Central Visayas VIII – Eastern Visayas IX – Zamboanga Peninsula X – Northern Mindanao XI – Davao XII – SOCCSKARGEN XIII – CARAGA ARMM
2011
2012
1,380,537
1,173,456
418,328 10,035 48,323 29,582 112,675 158,723 27,696 66,307 90,111 78,934 44,759 30,199 54,446 67,911 47,291 38,025 57,191
355,579 8,530 41,075 25,145 95,774 134,915 23,542 56,361 76,594 67,094 38,045 25,669 46,279 57,724 40,197 32,321 48,612
Year 2013
2015
2016
997,438
847,822
720,649
612,552
5,732,454
302,242 7,250 34,913 21,373 81,408 114,677 20,010 47,907 65,105 57,030 32,338 21,819 39,337 49,066 34,168 27,473 41,320
256,906 6,163 29,676 18,167 69,197 97,476 17,009 40,721 55,339 48,475 27,488 18,546 33,437 41,706 29,043 23,352 35,122
218,370 5,238 25,225 15,442 58,817 82,854 14,457 34,613 47,039 41,204 23,364 15,764 28,421 35,450 24,686 19,849 29,854
185,614 4,453 21,441 13,126 49,994 70,426 12,289 29,421 39,983 35,023 19,860 13,399 24,158 30,132 20,983 16,872 25,376
1,737,039 41,669 200,653 122,834 467,865 659,071 115,003 275,329 374,171 327,761 185,854 125,396 226,078 281,989 196,368 157,893 237,476
Source: HUDCC
242
Total
2014
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Table 8.6. Proportion of Households in Informal Settlements
2000 All Households Philippines Urban Metro Manila
3.60 3.48 5.30
2006 3.80 5.65 9.60
Growth (in %) 5.55 62.35 81.13
Sources: FIES, NSO The housing sector, however, confronts the following key challenges:
Strained Basic Shelter, and Urban Services and Fiscal Constraints
Meeting the Enormous Housing Need and Demand
The phenomenon of urban slums and informal settlements have been characterized by unsanitary conditions, congestion and limited access to basic urban services, like health centers, schools, waste disposal and safe water supply. While the housing sector is expected to contribute in attaining the MDG target on improving the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers worldwide by 2020, the formulation of the National Slum Upgrading Strategy and the setting of national targets for urban renewal and slum upgrading efforts should allow a more systematic and detailed assessment of the Philippines’ contribution to the global goal in the coming years.
Total housing need, which includes housing backlog and housing for new households, is estimated to reach about 5.8 million units by 2016 (Table 8.5). The National Urban Development and Housing Framework (NUDHF) 2009-2016 indicates that Regions 3, 4B and NCR account for about half of the total housing need. Rapid Growth of Informal Households and Settlements Informal settlements have grown by leaps and bounds. In Metro Manila, households in informal settlements increased by more than 81 percent between 2000 and 2006. With rural-urban migration expected to continue, and six out of ten Filipinos living in urban areas, addressing the housing problem must be embedded within a larger urban development framework for environmental sustainability. While the MDGs on access to safe drinking water and sanitary toilets have already been achieved, land use and green technology for housing construction have can be tackled only within an action plan for climate change adaptation including disaster risk management.
The annual public expenditure for housing in the Philippines, which is approximately less than 1 percent of the total government expenditures, accounts for less than 0.1 percent of GDP, which is one of the lowest in Asia (Habito, 2009). The limited budget, unclear compliance of the provision of the Urban Development and Housing Act (i.e., allocation of at least 20 percent of total project cost in every housing development for socialized housing finance), and reliance to the social insurance system to finance housing needs effectively limit the access of the poor to housing assistance. Government shelter strategies are focused on increasing housing production either by direct provision of housing units/loans or by giving incentives to developers who cater mainly to the formal sector and the middle/highSocial Development
243
income households. These approaches do not address the fundamental issues of land supply constraints and financing, weak institutional mechanisms in housing construction and the financial environment, and unclear focus on poverty reduction (Ballesteros, 2010). The HGC must be strengthened through equity infusion from the government to establish a stronger guaranty system that will encourage the funding of socialized and low-cost housing projects by the private sector and housing developers. Funds for housing can be secured and sustained, only if there is a viable system of guarantees for both the government and private financial institutions that cater to the funding requirements of housing production and end-user financing. The HGC can guaranty loans granted by financial institutions and developers for housing up to 20 times its net worth.
Social Protection
The slow rate of poverty reduction drew greater attention to the need to protect the poor and vulnerable.
The number of poor Filipinos increased from 22.2 million in 2006 to 23.1 million in 2009. Filipinos unable to meet their daily dietary requirements slightly decreased from 9.9 million in 2006 to 9.4 million in 2009. The poverty incidence and the number of the poor from all sectors increased between 2003 and 2006 (Annex 8.8). Fisherfolk, farmers and children were the three poorest population subcategories in 2006, with poverty incidences of 49.9 percent, 44 percent and 40.8 percent, respectively. Children and women accounted for the largest number of the poor, at 14.4 and 12.8 million respectively in 2006 (Annex 8.8). The slow rate of poverty reduction drew greater attention to the need to protect the poor and vulnerable.
13
Wide disparities across regions were also evident. Among regions, ARMM had the highest poverty incidence in 2006 according to six basic sector categories, namely children, farmers, youth, urban population, and senior citizens. CARAGA had the highest poverty incidence under fisherfolk and migrant and formal sectors (Annex 8.9). Meanwhile, NCR posted the lowest poverty incidence in five sectors, namely children, women, youth, senior citizens and migrant and formal sector workers (NSCB, 2006). In terms of number, the children, women and urban sectors headed the list of poor basic sectors (Annex 8.10). Disparities across regions were also evident. Region 5 had the most number of poor children and women; ARMM had the most number of poor farmers and fisherfolk; Region 6 had the most number of poor youth and migrant and formal workers; NCR had the most number of urban poor; and Region 7 had the most number of poor senior citizens. Meanwhile, CAR had the least number of poor children, women, youth and urban poor. The increase in poverty incidence was accompanied by the rise in the percentage of vulnerable households13 (Albert & Ramos,2010).The percentage of the population belonging to highly vulnerable households rose from 36.21 percent in 2003 to 50.70 percent in 2006. Conversely, the percentage who were not vulnerable declined sharply from 31.44 percent in 2003 to 18.99 percent in 2006. This trend implies that individuals and households, whether poor or nonpoor, face various social risks and vulnerabilities (e.g., loss of income, unemployment, natural disaster, among others), especially during economic downturns and
Households are classified as vulnerable if the probability of their becoming poor is greater than the national poverty incidence. The vulnerable are further categorized into highly vulnerable if the probability of their being poor is greater 50 percent and relatively vulnerable otherwise.
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crises that can push them down to poverty. Owing to the lack or absence of appropriate social protection intervention, households resorted to coping strategies that tend to erode human capital, such as reducing food consumption, withdrawing children from school, reducing health care investments, selling assets and using up savings, among others (Ahmed, et al., 2004) The current social protection system is characterized by a series of fragmented and uncoordinated programs. The multiplicity of programs and government agencies involved often result in poor coordination, redundancy in providing services or overlapping of program beneficiaries. For example, 21 agencies were involved in the implementation of 65 social protection programs and projects (Development Academy of the Philippines, 2009). Social protection programs were found to be inadequately funded, and most are short-lived (Manasan, 2009). The country’s national government spending on social protection was much lower (0.8% of GDP in 2007) than the mean spending of 87 developing and transition countries on safety nets (1.9% of their GDP from 1996-2006) (Weigand & Grosh Survey, 2008). The benefits of existing social protection programs are compromised by weak targeting systems resulting in high leakage to the nonpoor, undercoverage of the poor, low program impact and wastage of scarce resources. For example, the National Food Authority (NFA) rice price subsidy showed a high leakage rate of 71 percent, because it is an untargeted program that benefits all households (Manasan, 20).
Existing social protection programs are inadequate in terms of coverage. While partnership with nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders have succeeded in making social services accessible to the poor, NGOs tend to flock to selected advocacies like children’s causes, leaving behind other sectors, such as the disabled and elderly wanting (ADB, 2009). Moreover, impact assessment of many programs is difficult, due to their lack of built-in monitoring and evaluation components. There is a dearth of up-todate and disaggregated data on vulnerable groups, often making them invisible in statistics. The industrial and occupational adjustments necessitated by industrial restructuring, the globalized system of production, various international agreements, and the damage wrought on incomes and livelihoods by natural calamities highlight the need to protect those in contractual employment, in seasonal work, and at risk from displacement or facing potential income losses. The limited coverage of the social security schemes (i.e., Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System or SSS) means that the larger part of the workforce found in the informal and vulnerable occupations are marginalized. Although there have been attempts by PhilHealth to cover the poor and unemployed, as well as workers in the informal sector (IS) and those working overseas, universal membership has yet to be achieved. Social welfare and safety nets also need to improve programs and services standards, and focus on the poorest among the basic sectors.
The bigger challenge is the expansion of the CCT to make it the core program in the convergence of social protection initiatives to ensure sustainability of beneficiaries’ gains.
To improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the social protection interventions, the government launched the CCT program called the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Further work is needed, however, to consolidate social protection programs and complement these with the CCT. The bigger challenge Social Development
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is the expansion of the CCT to make it the core program in the convergence of social protection initiatives to ensure sustainability of beneficiaries’ gains. Children Children accounted for the largest number of poor persons among the basic sectors, at 13.4 million in 2003 and 14.4 million in 2006. The proportion of poor children living in rural areas was twice as much as those living in urban areas. The Child Development Index (CDI)14 fell from 0.779 in 2003 to 0.729 in 2006 (NSCB). Children in especially difficult circumstances include street children, victims of child abuse and commercial sexual exploitation, child victims of prostitution and pornography, children in conflict with the law, children in situations of armed conflict, children with disabilities, child victims of illegal recruitment and trafficking, and child laborers. Working children are a significant portion of the Filipino workforce. There are about 2.1 million economically active children in the Philippines, aged 5-17 years old, majority of whom were males between 15-17 years old (DOLE-BLES). Across industries, 55.6 percent of the working children were engaged in agriculture, hunting and forestry. A significant portion numbering around 201,000 were employed in private household, a majority of them working as laborers and unskilled workers. Child work affects the performance of children in school resulting in low grades, absenteeism, tardiness, and lack of interest. Women While Filipino women may be considered as relatively advanced vis-a-vis women in other developing countries (e.g., in the areas of education, profession, politics 14
and legislation), they also suffer from domestic violence, economic disadvantages, discrimination at the workplace, exploitation as migrant workers and prostituted women, and displacement brought about by the intermittent wars in conflictaffected areas. In general, women are in disadvantaged position due to differences in gender roles that limit their access to productive resources and basic services. The number of employed women (13.3 million) was lower than that of men (21.3 million) in the 2009 Labor Force Survey. There was an increasing trend of unpaid workers, 55.8 percent of whom were women. In 2008, 54.7 percent of the total number of female OFWs were laborers and unskilled workers, including domestic helpers, cleaners, and manufacturing laborers. Remittances from female OFWs worldwide were relatively lower than from their male counterparts. Around 18 percent of elected posts in 2010 were won by women candidates. However, in the judiciary, only 20 percent of total incumbent judges were women. While women were predominant in the government bureaucracy, these occupied mostly the technical or second-level positions. Regarding violence against women (VAW), the number of cases reported to the police rose 37.4 percent from 2008 to 2009 (Philippine Commission on Women, 2010). While there was a decreasing trend in reported cases from 2001 to 2006, the number rose from 2007 to 2009, with 10,440 VAW cases occurring in 2009. The increase in reported cases may be attributed to more women having been emboldened to report, due to the passage of laws that address sexual and gender-based
The CDI is a composite index measuring average achievement in the three basic dimensions captured in the human development index, adjusted to account inequalities between women and men (UNICEF, 2010).
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violence. Still, it should be noted that the data reflect only what is reported to the PNP, and there could still be other unreported cases.
Table 8.7. Summary of Actual OFW Membership
Institution SSS
Number of OFW 184,000 (2009)
The incidence of physical injuries and/ OWWA 2.2 million (November 2010) or wife battering reported to the PNP has been decreasing since its peak in PHIC 2.1 million (2009) 2001, with 5,668 reported cases. The decrease may be partly attributed to Sources: SSS, OWWA, PHIC the enactment of RA 9262, which penalizes abusive husbands and live-in to the mainstream labor market because partners. Data on the number of women they are disproportionately undereducated, in extremely difficult circumstances untrained, and socially excluded. (WEDC) served by DSWD also show a downward direction, from 7,763 cases Workers in the Informal Sector (IS) 15 in 1999 to 5,549 cases in 2007.However, this may have been due to a decrease The IS comprises a major portion of the in the budget of DWSD for WEDC country’s labor force and is recognized as rather than an improvement in the major contributor to the economy. Over plight of WEDC. the years, however, the informal sector has constantly been confronted with Elderly issues. In 2001, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through, its In 2003 and 2006, the number of elderly program entitled “Support for Policy people in the Philippines was estimated and Programme Development” (SPPD), at about 5.2 million and 6.3 million, identified strategic issues confronting respectively. Some of the risks and the IS. These are the: (a) invisibility vulnerabilities of the elderly included of the IS in government statistics and loss of income as a result of retirement, representation in policy-making bodies; disability and impairment of functions (b) lack of access to health and other affecting their quality of life, lack of social protection interventions; (c) lack or inadequate health care insurance of access to productive resources; and and lack of adequate living conditions (d) the need to be organized. for those who live alone. There was also a rise in the number of elderly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) There is, therefore, a need to persons who were victims of violence review the viability of current and abandonment due to in and out Social security and protection of OFWs social security and welfare fund migration of younger family members. are growing concerns, given the limited schemes coverage of the SSS, PHIC and Overseas Persons with Disability Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Out of 8.6 million overseas There were about one million persons Filipinos (OFs) in 2009, 4 million are with disability (PWDs) or 1.23 percent permanent migrants, 3.9 million are of the total 88 million population in 2007 temporary OFWs and 658,370 are (NSO, 2007). Of these, 50.24 percent irregular migrants. Table 8.7 summarizes were females. It was also estimated that the actual OFW membership to 30 to 40 percent of PWDs were children. institutions that provide social security PWDs remain among the poorest of benefits. the poor. They have insufficient access 15
Informal sector refers to unincorporated household enterprises, consisting of both informal own-account and enterprises of informal employers (NSCB, 2002).
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Source: Overseas Employment Statistics, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration
Deployed Landbased OFWs by Top Occupational Figure 8.3. Deployed Landbased OFWs, by Top Occupational Category, 2009Category: 2009 Household Service Workers Nurse Professional Waiters, Bartenders Charworkers, Cleaners Wiremen Electrical Caregivers and Caretakers Laborers/Helpers General Plumbers and Pipe Fitter Welders and Flame-cutters Housekeeping and related
71 13465 11977 10056 9752 9228 8099 7722 5910 5127
Source: Overseas Employment Statistics, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Source: Overseas Employment Statistics, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration
Natural and man-made disasters are major causes of poverty and vulnerability in the country.
There is, therefore, a need to review the viability of current social security and welfare fund schemes, given the limited capacity and resources of the country’s social security and welfare fund institutions. Another challenge is the exclusion of domestic workers, the top occupational category with respect to deployment of landbased OFWs, in most of the social security laws particularly in top destination countries (see Figure 8.3). Displaced Workers In 2007 and 2008, around 52,000 workers were permanently displaced due to economic shocks (DOLEBLES). About 213,417 workers were retrenched by 1,836 firms as a result of the global financial crisis, with 58.1 percent (124,006) being placed under flexible work arrangements, 18.1 percent (38,556) temporarily laid off, and 23.8 percent (50,855) permanently terminated. While the global financial crisis had a minimal impact on the deployment of OFWs, OWWA and POEA data indicated that 6,957 workers in 327 companies lost their jobs mostly from factories in Taiwan and South Korea. Of this number, nearly two-thirds (4,495) returned to the Philippines (See also Chapter 2).
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Workers with HIV and AIDS From 1984 to January 2011, there were 6,167 reported HIV Ab seropositive cases in the country based on the DOH National HIV and AIDS Registry. The 25-29 age group registered the most number of cases at 25 percent. Statistics also showed that 25 percent, or 1,539 of those listed in the registry are OFWs, of which 267 were full-blown AIDS cases. This is an indication that HIV and AIDS might be a biomedical problem that has both social and labor implications, particularly because they affect the most productive segment of the labor force. Victims of Disasters Natural and man-made disasters are major causes of poverty and vulnerability in the country. An average of 20 typhoons visit the country a year, owing to climate change the effects have become more devastating. The most vulnerable areas of the country are Eastern Visayas, and Southern, Central and Northern Luzon. Victims of disasters, mostly from typhoons and floods, doubled from an average of four million in 1994-1996 to eight million in 20042006, most of them in rural areas (ADB, 2007).
Indigenous Peoples In 2009, there were about 110 ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines consisting of approximately 14 million indigenous people (IP). IPs are among the discriminated, vulnerable, and marginalized groups, a fact not only seen from various smaller studies but also suggested by the correlation between low human development indicators and high concentration of IPs (Stavenhagen, 2002). The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) reported that provinces with most IPs have high poverty incidence. The lack of power and access to decision making and management processes contribute to the impoverishment of IPs, who mostly live in mountains and have limited access to sustainable livelihood and basic services. They are often victims of armed conflict and human rights abuse.
Asset Reform Land Acquisition and Distribution Performance in land tenure improvement (LTI) took an uncertain turn due to the national government’s successive budget reenactments and the lapse of the appropriation cover provided under RA 8532 or the “Act Strengthening Further the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Law of 1988.” The declaration of over one million hectares of the land acquisition and distribution (LAD) balance provided policy shifts in the CARP implementation for the next five years. With the signing of the CARP Extension with Reforms (CARPer) Law in 2009, an additional PhP150 billion has been appropriated for the completion of CARPer’s LAD balance of 1,034,661 hectares net of
retention16 to be distributed in five years starting from July 2009. At least 40 percent of the said amount has been set aside for the delivery of support services to the beneficiaries. The CARPer Law also stipulates that support services, agrarian justice delivery, and operational requirements of CARP implementing agencies (CIAs) shall be continued even after completion of the LAD component of the CARP. From 2004 to 2008, the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) average annual LAD accomplishment rate hit 102 percent against its funded target. In 2009, only 69 percent of the reduced annual LAD target of 85,764 hectares was accomplished. Operational bottlenecks were encountered, including longer processing due to compliance with the new acquisition requirements imposed under CARPer. Such requirements include landowners’ attestation, Barangay Agrarian Reform Committee (BARC) certification, and oath-taking before the City/Municipal Court Judge. The need to intensify the synergy among CIAs in delivering land distribution commitments continues to be an issue. Related to LAD is the delivery of agrarian justice, which involves the adjudication of agrarian cases and representation of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) before quasi-judicial bodies and regular courts. The performance of DAR’s delivery of agrarian justice during the past years has been commendable in terms of solving cases on coverage, land use conversions, land exemptions or exclusions, installation of ARBs to awarded lands, and provision of legal assistance to ARBs despite some challenges, such as lack of personnel, resolution of backlog cases, and budgetary constraints.
16
PARC Executive Committee Resolution No. SP-2010-04, establishing and firming up the CARPER gross land acquisition and distribute balance at 1,281,033 hectares of which 1,034,661 is estimated to be net of retention
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Studies have confirmed that ARBs are more productive and better off than non-ARBs.17 Agrarian reform communities (ARCs), when properly established and supported, improved their economic conditions, social capital, civic entrepreneurship and democratic participation. Furthermore, the study of Habito, et. al. (2010)18 confirmed that consolidation of output does not require consolidation of ownership in order to realize economic gains from processing or marketing. Institutional arrangements through tie-ups with collective organizations of farmer-beneficiaries are viable alternatives. Ancestral Domains and Lands
(ADSDPP) is a long term comprehensive spatial and development plan with identifiesd programs and projects that strengthen self-governance, build lasting peace and genuine development within ancestral domains of particular ICCs or IP groups. It serves as the community development framework that ensures a participatory process of mainstreaming IP issues and concerns. However, the ICCs/IPs still need technical and financial assistance in the formulation of the ADSDPPs and their integration in the CLUPs and local development plans. The NCIP had already assisted 87 ICCs/IPs in the formulation of their ADSDPPs.
The NCIP also formulated and implemented the guidelines on the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). FPIC refers to the consensus of all concerned members of the ICCs/ IPs that is determined in accordance with their respective customary laws and practices free from any external manipulation, interference and coercion and obtained after fully disclosing the intent and scope of the project. To date, the NCIP has issued a total of 296 Certificates of Compliance and 1,368 Certificates without Overlap (CEB/ Certificates of Non-Overlap) related to FPIC. Concerns exist, however, over the duration of the FPIC process, as well as the internal conflicts within the ICCs utilization of royalties, and the nonimplementation by companies operating within ADs of the terms indicated in As of July 2010, 156 out of 286 CADT the memorandum of agreement with applications have been approved by the the ICCs. NCIP, while 130 are still in various stages of the titling process. The NCIP also approved Further, NCIP is mandated to provide 258 CALTs with 8,609 right holders. legal assistance to enforce the right of IPs to resolve conflicts in accordance The Ancestral Domain Sustainable with their customary laws pertaining Development and Protection Plan to property rights, claims, ownership, In 1997, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) was passed, embodying the rights and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and providing the legal framework for the protection and development of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs). Among the rights sought by IPs is the recognition of their ancestral domains (ADs) through the issuance of the certificates of ancestral domain titles (CADTs) and certificate of ancestral land titles (CALTs). CADTs are titles that formally recognize the rights of possession and ownership of ICCs/IPs over their ancestral domains as identified and delineated in accordance with this law, while CALTs refer to titles formally recognizing the rights of indigenous cultural communities (ICCs)/IPs over their ancestral lands.
17
These include the CARP-Impact Assessment Study (Phase I) conducted in 2000, a re-validation of the said study under CARP-Impact Assessment Study (Phase II), the DAR-German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) Study on Post-LAD Scenarios in 2006, the Asset Reform CARD Study by Dr. Cielito Habito in 2008, and the CIRDAP study on Access to Land and Rural Development in the Philippines 18 A Comprehensive Study on the Ap¬propriate Economically Viable Land Size by Type of Crop Category Under Varying Bio-Climatic Zones and Techno¬logical Conditions,” led by Dr. Cielito Habito.
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hereditary succession and settlement of land disputes within ancestral domains/ lands. NCIP handled 8,767 legal assistance to ICCs/IPs before judicial and quasi-judicial bodies since 2004. There are still 265 cases pending before the NCIP regional hearing officers.
There is also a need for a more updated and disaggregated data on IPs that can serve as basis in the formulation of more appropriate, targeted and updated policies and programs for IPs.
Basic services for IPs within their ancestral domains were delivered in accordance with their rights and entitlements. These covered educational assistance; strengthening IP education starting with indigenization of curriculum and learning materials, as well as cultural sensitivity training for teachers; assistance to IP-serving community schools; traditional crafts; livelihood and entrepreneurship; support to cultural festivals/congresses; medical missions and referral system; assistance in emergency situations; and documentation of activities for traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, customary laws and children in armed conflict (CIAC).The delivery of these socioeconomic services was anchored on indigenous knowledge systems and practices (IKSPs) and based on the principles of human rights, cultural sensitivity, gender equality, people empowerment, and sustainable development.
Based on the 2009 data of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), more than 900 coastal municipalities completed their municipal water delineation. Unfortunately, only 30 of these municipalities passed ordinances on municipal water delineation. Thus, the delineation of municipal waters, as stipulated under the Fisheries Code, has still not been implemented in most coastal municipalities 12 years after its enactment. In areas where municipal waters have been delineated, marked improvements in fish catch and small fishers’ income and illegal fishing apprehension have been observed. Furthermore, the delineation process facilitated the resolution of boundary conflicts among contiguous municipalities, which in turn improved resource management.
Most IPs/ICCs, however, still lack adequate access to social protection and basic services within their localities and among their particular tribal groups. They also need the negotiation skills and technical know-how on risk and impact assessments, to ensure equitable access-benefit sharing agreements, and the necessary funds for the management and preservation of their ancestral domains. The representation of IPs in various legislative bodies and other special bodies, as provided under the IPRA, as well as the convening and sustainability of their multilevel consultative bodies, are priority concerns that still need to be fully addressed.
Coastal and Marine Settlement
The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) previously advocated the signing of an Executive Order (EO) establishing a task force on fisherfolk settlement, to address the sector’s need for decent human settlement. This was endorsed by the National Agriculture and Fishery CouncilCommittee on Fisheries and Aquaculture (NAFC-CFA), a private-sector led consultative arm of DA. However, the said EO was not issued. It is widely acknowledged that climate change will accentuate the damage in low lying coastal communities, as strong typhoons become more frequent and dangerous. The Fourth Assessment Report of the Inter-governmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that low lying regions, particularly in tropical and coastal communities, are likely to be adversely affected by the sea-level rise and temperature increase attributed to climate change. The privatization and
Urban asset reform deals with the provision of security of land tenure to the poor and vulnerable including informal settler families in urban areas.
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commercialization of foreshore areas and the indiscriminate designation of freeports and economic zones adds pressure on the coastal community’s productivity and social cohesion, which dislocates small fishing settlements. The government needs data to anticipate adverse consequences and minimize the damage brought about by natural disasters. The absence of mechanisms addressing both the productive and reproductive needs of women fisherfolk is also a concern. The lack of financial resources and manpower also poses a constraint in the development of the fishery industry, despite the industry’s significant contribution to agriculture’s gross value added. Urban Asset Reform Urban asset reform deals with the provision of security of land tenure to the poor and vulnerable including informal settler families in urban areas. These interventions include presidential proclamations of sites for socialized housing, onsite development and services, and resettlement, among others. Presidential proclamations identify and proclaim idle government lands as socialized housing sites for disposition to qualified beneficiaries. Since 2001, the government, through the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), has issued 113 proclamations covering 27,000 hectares, providing security of tenure to about 280,000 informal settler families. In resettlement, the overriding policy is to improve the quality of life of informal settlers while ensuring maximum retention and minimum dislocation. The national government has implemented a number of resettlement programs, namely the North and South Rail Project, the North Luzon Expressway–C5–South Luzon Expressway, and the relocation of typhoonrelated victims. As of November 2010, the government has relocated almost 88,000 families, or 93 percent of total families living along the rail rights-of-way in North Luzon and South Luzon (which are danger
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zones), paving the way for development of new transport systems and to provide safer and better homes.
Challenges Against this backdrop, the Philippines faces the following challenges in the social development sector: • Unsustained Poverty Reduction. While the Philippines was able to reduce poverty from 1991 to 1997, progress from 1997 to 2009 was sluggish and erratic. From 2006 to 2009, poverty incidence among families decreased from 21.1 to 20.9 percent. In the same period, poverty incidence among population rose slightly from 26.4 to 26.5 percent. This outcome is attributed to the slow growth of incomes, increase in household formation, natural disasters and inflationary pressures mainly from rising fuel and food prices. Moreover, wide disparities across regions, provinces and municipalities continue to exist. There is a need to enhance the government’s overall antipoverty framework and strategy to ensure complementation and synergy of antipoverty programs and projects, and to put in place a unified targeting system that would result in greater impact. • Slow Progress towards the Attainment of the MDGs. There are still huge gaps in terms of achieving the MDGs. The Philippines lags in achieving universal primary education, improving maternal health and combating HIV and AIDS. At the national level, the Philippines is on track to meet the targets on food poverty, gender equality in education, reducing child mortality, reversing the incidence of and death rate associated with malaria; detection, treatment success and cure rates of tuberculosis cases; and access to sanitary toilet facilities.
• Inadequate Financing for Social Services. The share of the social development in the government’s expenditure increased slightly from 28.9 percent in 2004 to 31.71 percent in 2009. Through the years, education has received the bulk of the share, although it has not satisfactorily met the requirements of access and quality. Meanwhile, the housing sector had less than one percent of the national budget. Competing claims within the social sector also require more rigorous prioritization and efficient resource utilization for equitable access to social services and assets that will contribute to poverty reduction, job creation and inclusive growth. • High Population Growth Rate. Although the average annual population growth rate of the country from 2000-2007 decreased to 2.04 percent from 2.34 percent in 1990-2000, the population is still expected to double in 34 years. Such a high population growth is likely to worsen existing poverty by absorbing scarce resources that might otherwise be directed to investment and productive activities. The limited government may encounter increasing difficulties in raising the quality of basic services provision, when its resources are already strained to cover a rapidly growing population.
generation of an increasing number of highly productive and quality jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities needs to be sustained. • Adverse Effects of Disasters and Shocks. The confluence of natural and manmade disasters and calamities reverse the pace of development and require the allocation of more resources for relief and rehabilitation efforts. Natural disasters (e.g., typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions) and the onslaught of extreme weather conditions (e.g., El Niño and La Niña) caused by global warming and climate change, coupled with man-made conflicts fueled by insurgency and unpeace, disrupt the socioeconomic progress in conflictstricken areas of the country.
The theme “Gaganda ang buhay kung may bahay at hanapbuhay” emphasizes the need for security of tenure and livelihood opportunities in human settlements.
• Lack of Access to Productive Resources and Employment Opportunities. Poverty is largely caused by the lack of access to productive resources, employment and livelihood opportunities. From a double-digit unemployment rate of 11.9 percent in 2004, the unemployment rate declined to 7.1 percent in October 2010. The underemployment rate has also slightly improved from 19.0 percent in 2009 to 18.5 percent in July 2010. To effectively reduce poverty and inequality, however, Social Development
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Strategic Framework Goals The overriding goal of social development is to improve the quality of life of all Filipinos. In pursuit of the MDGs, the social sector shall seek to reduce poverty and inequality, universalize elementary education and health care, achieve gender equality, ensure environmental sustainability, and foster a global partnership for development.
Social protection sector shall ensure the empowerment and protection of the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals from all types of risks.
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the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers worldwide by 2020. With the formulation of the National Slum Upgrading Strategy, a systematic focusing of programs and coordination of efforts is expected to be realized. The goal of social protection is to empower and protect the poor,vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, families and communities from individual life cycle, economic, environmental and social risks.
Universal Health Care shall be directed towards ensuring the achievement of better health outcomes, fair health financing and responsive health system that provide all Filipinos, especially the disadvantaged groups, with equitable access to quality health care.
Finally, the goal of asset reform is to recognize, protect and empower ICCs/ IPs’ rights and welfare, as well as to improve and guarantee the security of land tenure of ARBs.
The goals of education, training and cultural development are to: (a) make every Filipino functionally literate both through the schools and non-school learning modalities; (b) achieve a higher level of productivity, international competitiveness, industry relevance and social responsiveness in the development of both middle-level skills and the high-level professions; and (c) develop, promote and inculcate a strong sense of nationalism by utilizing the media, arts and sports in strengthening ownership of cultural heritage and tradition.
Health, Nutrition and Population
Housing and urban development envisions to provide families not just with the infrastructure of a house, but the framework of a home; to build not just a neighborhood, but a real harmonious community. The theme “Gaganda ang buhay kung may bahay at hanapbuhay” emphasizes the need for security of tenure and livelihood opportunities in human settlements. The promotion of local shelter development and strengthening of public-private partnerships (PPPs) are expected to help achieve sustainable communities, urban competitiveness, housing affordability, effective governance and poverty reduction. Moreover, the housing sector aims to achieve the MDG of significantly improving
By 2016, the country shall achieve a universal and at least a 93 percent participation or net enrolment rate in the elementary and secondary levels, respectively. A gender parity index (GPI) of 1 shall be targeted in basic education indicators. Likewise, TVET and higher education subsector shall also increase enrolment and graduation rate by 2016.
Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016
Targets This Philippine Development Plan affirms the government’s commitment to attain the MDGs. One of the main thrusts of the Universal Health Care approach is geared towards this end, including program targets on lifestylerelated diseases. Other targets pertain to programs on health insurance, nutrition and reproductive health.
Education, Training and Culture
Table 8.8. Health, Nutrition and Population Targets: 2011-2016
Indicators
Baseline
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
MDG Indicators Prevalence of underweight children under five years of age (in %)
20.6 (2008)
17.6
16.6
15.6
14.6
13.7
12.7
Proportion of households with per capita intake below 100% dietary energy requirement (in %)
66.9 (2008)
54.1
49.9
45.6
41.4
37.1
32.8
Under 5 mortality rate (per 1,000 live births)
34 (2008)
31.6
30.4
29.2
28
26.7
25.5
Infant mortality rate (per 1,000 live births)
25 (2008)
23
22
21
20
19.0
17
95-163 (2010, NSCB)
97
84
70
61
52
50
Maternal mortality ratio (per 100,000 live births) Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (all methods)
51 (2008)
56.2
57.9
59.7
61.4
63
Proportion of births attended by a health professional (in %)
62 (2008)
69
72
75
80
85
90
Proportion of births delivered in health facilities (in %)
44 (2008) Less than 1% (2009) 22 (2009) 0.03 (2009) 486 (2008) 41 (2007) 73 (2008) 79 (2008) 82.3 (FHSIS 2008) 76.8 (FHSIS 2008)
69
72
75
80
85
90
