Regions
From The Report: The Philippines 2016
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The Philippines has been a pioneer in decentralisation for Asia, having commenced its local governance reforms in 1991 through the formulation and implementation of the Local Government Code (LGC), which served as the operating framework for the local government system. The LGC seeks to increase local government autonomy and accountability by assigning functions and revenue generating powers to local government units. In 2014, the National Capital Region (NCR) contributed more than one-third to the country’s GDP, at 36.3%, while both Calabarzon and Central Luzon followed in contribution, with shares of 17.2% and 9.3%, respectively. Central Visayas took fourth place, with a share of 6.5%. As the NCR’s congestion intensifies and both the labour pool and real estate market approach saturation, investors are increasingly looking to reverse the flow of migration into the metropolis and move into the provinces to capitalise on untapped labour pools and lower costs. This chapter contains interviews with Albert S Garcia, Governor, Province of Cebu; Hilario Davide III, Governor, Province of Bataan; and Jose Ma R Zubiri Jr, Governor, Province of Bukidnon.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Achieving equilibrium: Fiscal and administrative decentralisation keeps relations between the regions steady
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Economic growth and business activity has been historically centred in the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila, a narrow strip sprawling between Laguna Lake on the east and Manila Bay on the west that accounts for nearly 37% of GDP and 13% of the country’s population. As a result, the metropolis, consisting of 16 independent cities and one municipality, has positioned itself as a national hub for transportation, commerce, culture and education. The NCR includes the capital City of Manila,…

Interview

Across the bay: OBG talks to Albert S Garcia, Governor, Province of Bataan
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Interview: Albert S Garcia What role can local government play in human capital development and inclusive growth? ALBERT S GARCIA: Human capital is a priority, and local governments must engage with stakeholders in educational institutions to discuss provincial economic growth and define the necessary skills to develop the future work force. In Bataan there is an effort to diversify economic growth side by side with manufacturing. There is great potential in the business-process outsourcing industry,…

Interview

Opening the door: OBG talks to Hilario Davide III, Governor, Province of Cebu
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Interview:Hilario Davide III In what ways can local governments work to strengthen the value proposition of their provinces as investment destinations? HILARIO DAVIDEIII:A level and stable playing field and a healthy business environment with strategic support for infrastructure are important for attracting investments. Prospective investors wanting to locate in any province look at possible areas based on certain criteria – good governance being one in particular – before…

Analysis

Surpassing expectations: Calabarzon is a key industrial growth region, contributing significantly to national GDP
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Increased saturation, the reduced availability of land and worsening traffic in Metro Manila has progressively led to the migration of the metropolis’ manufacturing into the south. The primary beneficiary and destination for these investments has been Calabarzon, or Region IV-A, comprising the highly urbanised provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. Calabarzon has positioned itself as the industrial belt for the country, hosting the highest concentration of manufacturing activity…

Interview

The challenges ahead: OBG talks to Jose Ma R Zubiri Jr, Governor, Province of Bukidnon
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Interview:Jose Ma R Zubiri Jr How well positioned is Bukidnon for unlocking the full potential of agriculture as a driver for inclusive economic development? JOSE MA R ZUBIRI JR: Bukidnon lies at the geographic heart of Mindanao, bordering seven provinces and providing one of the most competitive agricultural lands across the archipelago. The largest products for the province are rice and corn – both in the top four in terms of national production. This is followed by sugar cane, pineapple,…

Analysis

Second capital: Visayas province boasts connectivity and growth advantages
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Investor attention in the Visayas has been traditionally focused on the Central Visayas region, particularly the island province of Cebu and Cebu City, the latter also known as the Queen City of the South. Both the city and the region have mirrored Metro Manila closely in stature, infrastructure development, progressiveness and economic growth. Located in the heart of the Philippines, Cebu has long been considered a natural entry point to the central areas of the country. It was on the island of…

Analysis

Peace dividends: Rich in marine resources and aquaculture, Mindanao is also developing its economic free zone offerings
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Due to almost half a century of armed conflict between the national government and separatist Muslim groups, peace and order have remained a key roadblock for Mindanao’s development. Being the second-largest and southern-most major island in the Philippine archipelago, Mindanao has always offered great promise as the agricultural basket of the country. Ever since its founding in 1969, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has been the principal Islamic separatist group engaging in armed hostilities…