DENR Region 1

History
The history of the Department goes back as far as 1863 when, by virtue of a Spanish
Royal Decree, an office known as Inspeccion General de Montes was created in the
Philippines. In November 18, 1916 under Act No. 2666, the Department of Agriculture
and Natural Resources (DANR) was created having direct execution control, direction
and supervision of the Bureaus of Agriculture, Forestry, Lands and Weather Bureau. In
1932, a new reorganization act was passed, renaming the DANR to Department of
Agriculture and Commerce (DAC).

There were no major changes in the DANRs structure from 1954 1974. However, the
end of DANR came on May 17, 1974 when PD No. 461 was issued, thus provided for the
Departments split into two (2) namely: the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Under this set up, the DNR took the following Line Bureaus and attached agencies:
Bureau of Forest Development (BFD), Bureau of Mines (BM); Bureau of Lands (BL);
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Committee for Mineral
Exploration and Survey Operations (NACOMESCO), Presidential Committee on Wood
Industries Development (PCWID), Fishery Industry Development Council (FIDC),
Surigao Mineral Reservations Board (SMRB), and the Presidential Action Committee on
Land Problems (PACLAP).

With the shift to a parliamentary form of government in 1978, the DNR became the
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The Natural Resources Development Corporation
(NRDC) was created as corporate arm under Executive Order No. 786 in 1982.

In 1985, the concerns on fish and fishery agriculture was transferred to the Ministry of
Agriculture, leaving the MNR with only three (3) Bureaus with the attached agencies.
The events of February, 1986 brought changes that altered the name of the MNR. Then,
President Corazon C. Aquino issued Executive Order NO. 131 on January 30, 1987
creating the Department of Energy,
Environment and Natural Resources (DEENR). The DEENR, however, was again
reorganized into the present Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
in June, 1897 under Executive Order No. 192. The regional office of the Bureau of
Forest Development (BFD) at Dagupan City, Bureau of Lands (BL) at San Fernando
City, La Union, Bureau of Mines and Geosciences (BMGS) at Baguio City and the
National Pollution Control Commission (NPCC) were integrated which resulted into the
creation of DENR Regional Office 1. It held its office at Diego Silang St., Baguio City
with Engr. Horacio Ramos as the first Regional Executive Director (RED). 4 PENROs
(Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office) and 8 CENROs (Community
Environment and Natural Resources Office) as frontline offices replacing the district
offices.
Executive Order No. 220 was signed creating the Cordillera Administrative Region
(CAR) to implement the constitutional provision Section 1, Article 10 of the 1987
Constitution which called for the creation of an autonomous region of Cordillera. The
DENR CAR eventually organized, and the provinces of Abra, Benguet and Mountain
Province which were put under its administrative jurisdiction.

In April of 1989, DENR Regional Office 1 (R-1) was transferred from Baguio City to San
Fernando City, La Union with the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and
Pangasinan as its areas of jurisdiction. With the enactment of RA 7942, otherwise known
as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and RA 8749, also known as the Clean Air Act,
the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Environmental Management Bureau
(EMB) became DENRs line agencies.
Over the years, the DENR Region I officials garnered numerous Eagles Awards and
other recognitions for its exemplary performance and attainment of targets. The DENR-1
began smooth sailing with the reigns of the following dedicated and passionate Regional
Executive Directors: Sabado T. Batcagan (1989 to 1992) - who later became Assistant
Secretary for Planning and Policy Studies ; Oscar M. Hamada (1992 1994); Clarence

L. Baguilat, CESO IV (1994 1996); Dominador H. Almogela, CESO III (1996

1999); Victor J. Ancheta, CESO IV (1999 2007); Constancio M. Arciaga, CESO IV
(2007 2009); Corazon C. Davis, CESO III (2009 2010) - now the Assistant Secretary
for Administration and Finance; Samuel R. Peafiel, CESO III (from 2010 to 2015);
and Paquito T. Moreno, Jr. (2015 to present).

Located in the northwest of Luzon Island, Region 1 borders to the east the regions of Cordillera
Administrative Region (CAR) and Cagayan Valley, and to the south the region of Central Luzon.
It has a direct access to international sea lanes as it is bound to the west by West Philippine Sea,
and the Central Cordillera Mountain Range on the east.
It is composed of our (4) provinces Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union , and Pangasinan, nine (9) cities
(Laoag and Batac in Ilocos Norte; Vigan and Candon in Ilocos Sur; San Fernando in La Union; and
Urdaneta, Dagupan, San Carlos and Alaminos in Pangasinan); 116 municipalities, 3,245 barangayas , and
12 districts . San Fernando City is the Regional Capital.
Hydrological Features. Region I is drained by 29 river systems, aside from small mountain streams
that sometimes swell up to three times their sizes during the rainy season. These rivers are valuable
means of irrigation source.
The Agno River basin, with an area of 5,952 sq. km., the third largest river in Luzon,wherein its
watershed includes the Pangasinan plain and extends up to the mountainous areas of Mountain Province
and Benguet. Agno River drains into the Lingayen Gulf. The Amburayan River basin is also one of the
biggest covering about 1,386 sq. km. in some parts of Ilocos Sur, La Union and Benguet. Laoag River
basin covers an area of 1,319 sq. km. Region I has an extensive coastline and its seacoasts are intended
with bays and gulf. Its discontinuous coastline has a physical length of 708.165 kilometers , of which
150.18 km. are stretched in Ilocos Norte, 157.63 km. stretched along Ilocos Sur, while 114.70 kms. in La
Union and 285.66 kilometers stretched in Pangasinan. Pangasinan shares the longest coastline with
about 40.34 percent while in La Union the least with only 16.2 percent. The regions total length of
coastlines constitutes only about 2.08 percent of the total length of coastlines in the Philippines.
Mineral Resources. Region I is endowed with various mineral resources both metallic and non-metallic. The
total volume of mineral reserves stood at around 1.37 billion metric tons (MT) in 1992. Non-metallic mineral
reserves comprised about 99 percent of the total mineral reserves .
Copper ore ranked the biggest deposit with about 54.6 percent of the total metallic reserves. This mineral was
abundant in Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan. Iron magnetite sand, which ranked second with about 31 percent,
were found only in Ilocos Sur and La Union.

Forest Resources. Forests are efficient watersheds which could regulate the flow of water supply, prevent
flash floods and control soil erosion and water pollution. These are the sources of wood and other forest
products of great economic value, power and water.
In the region, the current conditions of forests are adversely critical because majority of its resources were
almost depleted.
There were two categories of forest land in Region I: the classified and unclassified forest lands. The classified
forest lands consisted of established forest reserves, established timberlands, national parks, military and civil
reservations and developed fishponds. In 2008, the classified forest land covered about 41.14 percent of the
total public forest land area in the region. Of this coverage, the established forest reserves ranked the biggest
with about 45.96 percent and were found mostly in Ilocos Norte; followed by the established timberlands
(43.91%) which were mostly located in Pangasinan. The unclassified forest lands constituted the remaining 10
percent of the total area of public forest land in the region. About 78.95 percent of this was found in Ilocos Sur
while the remaining areas were located in La Union and Pangasinan.

Region 2
Cagayan Valley Region has a distinct history. Long before the coming of the Spaniards into the Valley,
fishing villages had been in existence on the banks and at the mouth of the rivers and creeks flowing into
the China Sea. The Spaniards found natives inhabiting the narrow coastal plains of Northern Luzon and
flood plains of Cagayan River. These inhabitants were Ibanags who lived on the riverbanks. Ban nag a
native word for river. They were of sturdy Indonesian type with a culture of their own. They maintained
their commercial relationship with China, Malaya, Japan and other neighboring countries, The early
Ibanagas kept their writings on barks of trees and bamboos depicting the heroic deeds of their chiefs.
These tales were used as songs and bards during the victories in wars, on weddings and other important
events and were thereof handed down from generation to generation.It was in 1567 when Don Juan
Salcedo explored Northern Luzon and landed his forces. It was however in 1581 that the Spaniards
headed by Captain Juan Pablo Carreon with his soldiers and their families settled in the Region.
Thereafter, Spanish missionaries gradually penetrated deeper into the valley teaching and converting the
natives. Later, the Americans improved the educational and political system and introduced
improvements in infrastructure.Region 02 is considered the last frontier of the Philippines being one of
the few regions with existing virgin forest. It is bounded by three (3) mountain ranges, Sierra Madre on
the east, Caraballo mountains on the south and Cordillera mountain on the west.Cagayan Valley Region
includes all lands east of the Sierra Madre mountain, west of the foothills of Cordillera mountain, and
south of Caraballo mountain, making the region one big watershed area such that all the headwaters from
the mountain ridges cascade down the tributaries to the Cagayan River, the second longest river in the
country having a drainage area of 27,300 sq. km. and ground water reserve of 47,895 mcm. The
Cagayan River provides the water supply of the region for agriculture, industry, domestic and municipal
needs before it drains into the Babuyan channel. It has three major tributaries; the Elogan River which
drains a major portion of the eastern watersheds, the Magat River which drains the southern portions and

the Chico river which drains most of the north-western areas.The Pacific Ocean skirts the last coast and
rest its waves on the foot of the Sierra Madre on the eastern side. Temperature is distinctly tropical and
the northern portion has a high precipitation due to the exposure of the northeastern air movements. The
region is composed of the distant but esoteric Batanes; the lustrous and fertile valley provinces of
Cagayan, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya and the predominantly mountainous but equally promising Quirino.
Cagayan Valley abounds with the natural resources and exudes the development potentials. It consists
of rich agricultural areas, forestlands and grasslands, inland and marine resources.By virtue of Executive
Order No. 192 dated June 10, 1987, five (5) Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices
(PENROs) and sixteen (16) Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) were
created under the administrative jurisdiction of Region 02. These are: PENROs Batanes, Cagayan,
Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya; and CENROs Aparri, Alcala, Sanchez Mira, Solana and Tuguegarao,
Cagayan; Cabagan, Naguilian, Cauayan, San Isidro, Roxas and Palanan, Isabela; Diffun and Nagtipunan,
Quirino; and Bayombong, Aritao and Dupax, Nueva Vizcaya.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had its beginnings in the old Department
of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). In May 1974, the DANR was split into two departments
through P.D. 461 in recognition that natural resources and agriculture are broad and differing concerns.
As such, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was mandated to ensure the conservation,
optimum, utilization, and programmed exploitation of the country's natural wealth including the aquatic
resources. With the shift to a parliamentary form of government in 1978, the DNR became the Ministry of
Natural Resources (MNR). In 1984, by virtue of Executive Order No. 697, the management of fisheries
sector through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), was transferred from the MNR to
the Minitry of Agriculture.
The events of February 1986 brought social awareness among the Filipino people that altered the
character of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The creation of DENR under Executive Order No.
131 on January 30, 1987 and the issuance of Executive Order 192 on June 10, 1987 better known as the
"Reorganization Act of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources" brought a radical shift in
the Department's structure and functions. Pursuant to the Executive Order, the DENR became the
primary government agency responsible for the conservation, development and optimum use of the
natural resources as well as the protection and development of a sustainable environmental management
system for the benefit and welfare of the Filipino people.
The approval of the Philippine Mining Act or R.A. 7945 and implementation of DAO No. 97-11 brought
changes to the structure of the Regional Office, relieving Mines and Geo-Sciences Sector from the
Region and authorizing this Sector to perform line function.
Changes brought by the passing and approval of the Clean Air Act or R.A. 8749 mandating the Region's
Environment Sector to operate as line Bureau. To date, an interim structure has been organized to cater
to the needs and demands of constituents in the Mainland Provinces and Island Provinces.
Implementation of DAO 99-14 dated May 05, 1999 provided for the redefinition of functions and
realignment of administrative units in the Regional and Field Offices. DAO 99-52 dated December 15,
1999 prescribed a detailed defenition of functions for the realigned regional divisions that finally spelledout the development and reforms initiatives.

DENR Region 2 is presently located at #14 Dalan Na Pagayaya corner Angicacua, Regional Government
Center, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City. It covers five provinces (Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino
and the island province of Batanes), four (4) cities (Tuguegarao in Cagayan and Ilagan, Cauayan and
Santiago in Isabela) and 89 municipalities and 2,311 barangays. Bounded by three mountain ranges, the
Sierra Madre Mountains on the east, Cordillera Mountains on the west, and the Caraballo Mountains on
the south, it is criss-crossed by the historical Cagayan River, the longest river and the largest basin in the
country. The Cagayan River has a total stretch of about 410 kilometers, a drainage area of 2,811,000
hectares and 1,200,000 ha of major ground water resources.
The province of Cagayan, with 28 municipalities and one city is served by one Provincial Environment
and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and four Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices
(CENROs) located in Solana, Alcala, Aparri and Sanchez Mira.
Its nearby province, Isabela, has 35 municipalities and three cities which are served by one PENRO and
five CENROs located in Cabagan, Naguilian, San Isidro, Cauayan, and Palanan.
The province of Nueva Vizcaya, served by one PENRO and two CENROs located in Aritao, and Dupax
Del Norte has 15 municipalities.
Quirino province with six municipalities has one PENRO and two CENROs in Diffun and Nagtipunan. And
the island province of Batanes, with six municipalities is being served by a PENRO only.

Region 3

Regional Profile
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Central Luzon is a combination of towering mountains, extinct and active volcanoes, lush,
verdant farmlands, and natural sea harbors. It is one of the leading growth regions in the
Philippines, strategically located at the heart of Asia. Region III lies between Manila and
Northern Luzon. It is composed of seven provinces, twelve cities and 118 municipalities. Its 7
provinces are Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales. Its 12
cities are Balanga from Bataan, Malolos and San Jose del Monte from Bulacan, Cabanatuan,
Gapan, Muoz, Palayan and San Jose from Nueva Ecija; Angeles and San Fernando from
Pampanga, Tarlac from Tarlac; and Olongapo from Zambales.

It includes all land area north of Manila Bay from the tip of Bataan peninsula on the west, and all
the lands north of the Caraballo mountains on the east. It is the longest contiguous area of
lowlands, and is otherwise known as the Central Plains of Luzon. The region produces one third
of the countrys total rice production, thus is also called the Rice Granary of the Philippines.
Located adjacent to the National Capital Region (NCR), it has benefited from the spillover
from Metro Manila. It is a part of the National Industrial Core Region, together with NCR and
Region IV or the Southern Tagalog Region. The Core Region contributed 70% of manufacturing
value added in 1988. It has emerged as an alternative area for investment to Region IV, but is still
overcoming the effects of the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991.
Only 66 kilometers away from Metro Manila, Central Luzon contains the largest plain in the
country and is the gateway to the Northern Luzon regions. It covers a total land area of 21,470
square kilometers. The City of San Fernando, in Pampanga, is the regional center. Aurora was
transferred from Region IV to Region III through Executive Order No. 103 in 2002.
In terms of population, Region III was the third largest region, containing 10.50 percent of the
76.5 million human beings of the country as recorded in Census 2000. Located at the crossroads
of Asia-Pacific, Central Luzon is one of the dynamic and vibrant regions in the Philippines. It
caters to European and American business organizations desiring to penetrate Asia.

HISTORY
Central Luzon also has its share of colorful history. Malolos, Bulacan was the place where the
first constitution of an independent Philippines was promulgated on January 21, 1899. Tarlac
town became the seat of the Philippine government for one month in March 1899, when Pres.
Aguinaldo left Bulacan to escape approaching US forces.

TRAVEL TIME
The travel time to Malolos by land from Metro Manila is 42 minutes. The travel time to Clark
Special Economic Zone is one hour and 44 minutes by land from Metro Manila. The City of San
Fernando in Pampanga, is one hour and six minutes by land from Metro Manila. Olongapo City
and its adjacent Subic Bay Freeport Zone by land from Metro Manila is two hours and five
minutes.

POPULATION
The population of Central Luzon Region on January 1st 2010 is approximately 9,793,184.
(Extrapolated from a population of 8,204,742 on May 24th 2008 and a population of 9,720,982
on February 28th 2010.) The region has the highest urban population ratio (60.3%) to total
population.
There are three areas of urban population concentration: (a) areas in Bulacan along highways
leading from Metro Manila; (b) San Fernando-Angeles City-Mabalacat corridor area; (c) Subic -

Dinalupihan area. The total urban population in these areas is over 2 million, over half of the
total urban population in Central Luzon.
Human resources in the region are better prepared in terms of a higher participation rate at the
primary and secondary levels of education. The participation rate of Central Luzon is 94.2% and
86.1%, respectively, as compared to the national average of 85.7% and 66.1% in SY 1992- 93.
There are comparatively more non-government organizations, cooperatives and peoples
organizations in the region.

CLIMATE
Dry season in the Region is from November to May. Rains normally occur during the months of
July to October.

LAND USE AND FORESTRY

Region III covers a total land area of 2,147,036 hectares. Of this, 1,204,649 hectares are
alienable & disposable lands (A&D) and 942,387 hectares are forest lands. Forty-one percent
(41%) of the A&D lands are agricultural plains, with rice as the major crop. The region also
produces corn, banana, fruits, and vegetables.
Forest land comprises 43.89% of the regions total land area. Based on the 2011 Philippine
Forestry Statistics, the region has a total forest cover of 589,495 hectares, mostly concentrated in
the provinces of Aurora and Zambales.
As of 2012, a total of 120 Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Agreements have
been issued by the DENR in Region 3 placing under community stewardship 66,822.63 hectares
of forestland, benefitting 120 peoples organizations and 10,454 households.
The CBFM is a government strategy which gives the management of forests back to the
people. It offers long-term security of tenure to partner-communities and promotes an
integrated approach to sustainable forest resource management.
The Region also implements the National Greening Program (NGP), a flagship program of
President Benigno S. Aquino III which aims to plant 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of
denuded areas in the country from 2011-2016.
In 2012 alone, Region 3 was able to rehabilitate 15,751 hectares of open and denuded lands
through massive tree planting involving business and industry groups, socio-civic and peoples
organizations, academe and other government agencies, including media and faith-based
organizations.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Central Luzon is rich in timber and mineral resources (both metallic and non-metallic). Aurora is
known for its timber; Zambales for its refractory chromite, copper and nickel deposits; Tarlac for
Manganese; Bulacan for marble; Pampanga for sand and gravel; and Nueva Ecija for feldspar.
Fertile rice lands, melon patches and fishponds can also be found along rivers and tributaries.
Region III accounts for the third largest aquaculture production in the Philippines. Auroras 332kilometer coastline and Zambales 272 kilometers are teeming with marine resources.

WILDLIFE
The three-layered virgin forest of Subic Bay and Bataan is home to the world's largest bats: the
giant flying fox (Acerodon jubatus) and the golden crown flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus). Over
the years, these two species of giant fruit bats have roamed the 10,000-hectare Subic Watershed
and Forest Reserve, which is among the worlds largest roosting sites for bats.
An ordinary giant flying fox weighs up to 2.5 pounds (1.1 kilograms) which is heavier than the
golden crown flying fox. The golden crown, however, is the largest of all bats with wingspan
measuring up to six feet.
In Zambales, the 17,000-hectare Mt. Tapulao is home to species of murrid rodents, the
Rhyncomys tapulao and Apomys brownorum. These rodents can only be found in Mt. Tapulao.
Seven insectivorous bats were recorded in Mt. Tapulao, three of which are endemic to the
Philippines -- the yellow-faced horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus virgo), large-eared horseshoe bat
(Rhinolophus philippinensis), and the orange-fingered myotis (Myotis rufopictus).

PROTECTED AREAS
Central Luzon has 24 sites included in the initial components of the National Integrated
Protected Areas System (NIPAS), consisting of eight national parks, one bird/fish sanctuary, and
15 watershed forest reserves.
Of these, the following have already been proclaimed as protected areas: Roosevelt National
Park (Bataan), Dinadiawan River (Aurora), Amro River (Aurora), Talaytay River (Aurora),
Simbahan-Talagas River (Aurora), and Masinloc & Oyon Bays Marine Reserve (Zambales).

FACILITIES
Region III is an important trading center and transportation terminal for products. Land travel is
facilitated by a network of well-paved and extensive highways and roads linking all
municipalities within the region. An extensive railway system is planned to be built linking Clark
Air Base in Angeles City, Pampanga and Manila. The two former U.S. bases, the Clark Air Force
Base in Pampanga and Subic Naval Base in Zambales, are now special economic zones. There
are two international airports in the region: Clark International Airport (now Diosdado
Macapagal International Airport) and Subic International Airport. Port facilities facilitate trade

with other areas in the Asia-Pacific region such as Hongkong, China, Taiwan, Singapore,
Malaysia and Thailand.
Central Luzon is well provided with communication facilities. Its provinces have adequate
supply of electricity and potable water. Big markets, recreational facilities, and educational and
financial institutions service the needs of the populace.

URBAN CENTERS
The major trading centers in the region are Olongapo in Zambales, Angeles City and San
Fernando in Pampanga; Cabanatuan and San Jose in Nueva Ecija; Balanga in Bataan province,
Tarlac City, Tarlac and Malolos, Bulacan.

DENR JURISDICTION
Seven Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) and sixteen (16)
Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) are serving the mandate of
the DENR in Region 3. These are: PENROs Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga,
Tarlac, and Zambales; and CENROs Casiguran, Baler, Dingalan, Dinalupihan, Bagac, Tabang,
San Rafael, Cabanatuan, Talavera, Munoz, Arayat, Tarlac City, Camiling, Olongapo, Botolan,
and Masinloc.

Region 4a

Physical and Socio-Economic Profile

LOCATION AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF REGION IV-A

Number
Province

Provincial Capital

Congressional
Districts

Cities

Municipalities

Barangays

Cavite
Trece Martirez City
7
6
17
829
The
region
is
Laguna
Sta. Cruz
4
5
25
674
located
in
southwestern part of Luzon,
Batangas
Batangas City
4
3
31
1,078
just south and east of
Rizal
Antipolo City
1
1
13
188
Metro Manila, on the
Quezon
Lucena City
4
2
39
1,242
east by the Philippine
Total
21
17
125
4,011
Sea and Bicol Region,
on the south by Verde
Island Passage, and on the west by Luzon Sea. It is practically accessible via all types of land
transportation.

CALABARZON consists of five (5) provinces, 21 congressional districts, 17 cities, 125 municipalities, and
4,011 barangays. The thirteen (13) cities of the region are: Bacoor City (Cavite); Cavite City (Cavite); Imus
City (Cavite); Trece Martirez City (Cavite); Tagaytay City (Cavite); Dasmarias City (Cavite); City of Bian
(Laguna); Cabuyao City (Laguna); Calamba City (Laguna); San Pablo City (Laguna); Sta. Rosa City
(Laguna); Batangas City (Batangas); Lipa City (Batangas); Tanauan City (Batangas); Antipolo City (Rizal);
Lucena City (Quezon); and Tayabas City (Quezon). Quezon province has the most number of
municipalities and barangays while Rizal province has the least.

TOPOGRAPHY AND SLOPE

CALABARZON has varied land forms, consisting of flat coastal areas, upland interior areas of slightly
moderate rolling or undulating plains and hills, and mountains. Almost sixty percent of the regions land
area has a slope ranging from 0-18. Slope distribution by province is presented below.
DISTRIBUTION OF SLOPE RANGE BY PROVINCE (IN HECTARE)
Level to
Gently
nearly
sloping to
level
undulating
Province
(0-3%)

Region

(3-8%)

Strongly
Moderately
Steep hills Very steep
sloping to
sloping to
and
hills and
moderately
rolling
mountains mountains
steep
(8-18%)

(18-30%)

(30-50%)

Total

(>50%)

248,356

189,330

531,583

47,658

215,538

390,396

1,622,861

Batangas

25,253

54,624

118,490

12,810

17,750

87,654

316,581

Cavite

26,603

30,438

40,330

7,644

6,154

17,586

128,755

Laguna

47,194

24,460

50,487

10,558

18,658

24,616

175,973

Quezon

141,976

73,360

289,044

16,314

139,026

210,940

870,660

7,330

6,448

33,232

332

33,950

49,600

130,892

15%

12%

33%

3%

13%

24%

100%

Rizal
% to Total
Land Area

Source: NEDA-CALABARZON, Regional Physical Framework Plan

Batangas lands are mostly elevated; rolling hills, small low flat lands with scattered mountainous areas.
Cavite province is characterized by rolling hinterlands punctuated by hills, with shoreland fronting Manila
Bay at sea level, and rugged portion at the boundary of Batangas where Dos Picos mountains are
located.

Situated at the southern end of the province of Rizal, Laguna is considered as an inland province, as
most of its northwestern portion is along Laguna de Bay. It is characterized with rugged terrain, from level
to steep slope. The province of Quezon, on the other hand has a rugged terrain with few plains, valleys
and swamps. The undulating lowlands along the coast are well drained. The province is very narrow, with
average width of about 30 kilometers.
Rizal provinces topography is a combination of valleys and mountains, with flat low-lying areas on the
western portion, rugged ridges and rolling hills which form part of the Sierra Madre ranges in the eastern
portion.

DEMOGRAPHY AND ECONOMIC PROFILE

POPULATION AND POPULATION GROWTH RATE IN
CALABARZON FROM YEAR 2000-2007
Land Area

Population

Population
Growth Rate

1,622,861

11,757,755

3.25

Cavite

128,755

2,856,765

4.59

Laguna

175,973

2,473,530

3.22

Batangas

316,581

2,245,869

2.29

Rizal

130,892

2,298,691

2.03

Quezon

870,660

1,882,900

4.19

Province
Region

Source: NSO CY 2007 Census of Population

Based on 2007 Census of Population, CALABARZON now has 11.7 million residents, the largest in the
country. It is the second most densely populated region with 709 people per square kilometer. Among the
five provinces, Cavite has the biggest population, followed by Rizal province. In terms of population
growth rate, the region has 3.25% from the period of 2000-2007. The province of Batangas has an
average population growth rate of 2.29%, Cavite with 4.59%, Laguna with 3.22%, Quezon has an
average of 2.03%, and Rizal with 4.19%. As projected by the National Statistical Coordination Board
(NSCB), it is expected that by year 2025, the population within Region IV-A will increase up to 16 million.
Per 2009 Gross Regional Domestic Product, CALABARZONs economy suffered a reversal of 1.6% in
Year 2009 from a 1.9% growth in Year 2008 as the Industry and Agriculture, Fishery, and Forestry (AFF)
sectors laid-out negative growth rates while services decelerated. The largest share of the regions
economy in 2009 was from the Service sector with 42.9%, even higher than its share of 41.5% the
previous year. The share of the Industry sector, on the other hand, was 38.3% , lower than its previous
share of 39.7 percent. The AFFs share of 18.8% was a slight increase of its 18.7% share the previous
year.

CLIMATE

Intense variability in climate is currently being experienced all over the country. As a general
information, Region IV-A has all the four (4) types of climate: Type I-with two pronounced seasons, dry
from November to April and wet during the rest of the year; Type II-no dry season with a very pronounced
rainfall from November to April and wet during the rest of the year; Type III-seasons are not very
pronounced, relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year; and Type IV-rainfall
is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. The province of Cavite has two (2) distinct
seasons: wet from May to November and dry from December to April. Laguna is relatively dry from
November to April and wet during the rest of the year, specifically in the small portion near the southern
boundary. The eastern and southern portions of Laguna province have no distinct season but with evenly
distributed rainfall throughout the year.
The province of Batangas also has two (2) distinct seasons: dry from November to April and wet during
the rest of the year. On the other hand, the province of Rizal is relatively dry from December to May and
wet during the rest of the year.
Quezon province has three (3) climatic types: no dry season with very pronounced rainfall from November
to January and wet during the rest of the year; not very pronounced season and relatively dry from
November to April and wet during the rest of the year; and more or less evenly distributed rainfall
throughout the year.

State of Region's ENR

ENVIRONMENT
On Air Quality
It is the DENRs mandate to ensure good condition of air relative to the requirement of all biotic
species. There are three (3) classifications of sources of air pollution: a) stationary source-any
building or immobile structure, facility or installation which emits or may emit any air pollutant; b)
mobile source-any vehicle/machine propelled by or through oxidation or reduction reactions
including combustion of carbon-based or other fuel, constructed and operated principally for the
conveyance of persons or the transportation of property or goods that emit air pollutants as a
reaction product; and c) area source-relatively large areas of specific activities that generate
significant amounts of air pollutants (DENR-EMB, 2009).
Air pollution seems not to be a problem in the Region, except on few areas with industries, heavy
vehicular traffic, and some open dumpsites.

Under the Linis-Hangin Program, vehicles are being

tested for emission. A number of establishments/industrial firms with Air Pollution Source
Equipments (APSE) are being inspected yearly. Also, more than 30 Private Emission Testing
Centers (PETCs) are being monitored in close coordination with the Land Transportation Office
(LTO).
Based on the 2009 National Air Quality Status Report of the EMB, from the period of 2004 to 2007,
the Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) level, particularly in Cavite was within the standard for
ambient air quality, which is below 230 ug/Ncm and even experienced a decreasing trend: 84
ug/Ncm (2004); 62 ug/Ncm (2005); 59 ug/Ncm (2006); and 46 ug/Ncm (2007). In CY 2010, there
exist two (2) sampling stations for ambient air quality monitoring. These are located in Batangas
City, Batangas and Lucena City in Quezon. The sampling station in Cavite back then was damaged.
The recorded TSP level in Batangas and Quezon were within the standard for ambient air quality.
For Batangas, TSP is at its peak on January 2010 while Quezon is on July 2010.

NATURAL RESOURCES
Water Resources
Water is an essential element of life. Every ecosystem depends on water for survival. There are
critical links in improving water resources management, access to water supply and sanitation,
poverty reduction, hunger mitigation, improved health and education, gender equality and
environmental sustainability (NWRB, 2006).
Rivers, Lakes
CALABARZON is endowed with abundant water resources. It has nine (9) lakes, of which
seven (7) are found in San Pablo City, Laguna: the Bunot; Calibato; Mohicap; Palakpakin;
Pandin; Sampalok; and Yambu. Almost 12% of the total Lake area of these seven lakes is
utilized for aquaculture. The two (2) other lakes are Laguna and Taal Lakes. Laguna Lake is
the countrys largest lake with a total area of 3,813.2 sq km and is also one of the largest lakes
in Southeast Asia.
Pursuant to DENR Administrative Order No. 1990-34 and in accordance with the Manual of
Procedure for Water Classification, several rivers within the Region were already evaluated
and classified. Table-1 provides for the lists of evaluated and classified water bodies with
corresponding descriptions of classification.
Several environmental reports revealed that the main source of water pollution in the Region is
domestic wastes. To ensure that major water bodies are in safe and satisfactory condition

according to their best usage, seven (7) lakes were assessed by the Laguna Lake
Development Authority (LLDA) from the period of 1996 to 2005 (see Table-2).
In support to the reduction of pollution within Taal Lake, dismantling of illegal structures along
the said Lake has started since CY 2009. The Pansipit River has been cleared of all existing
illegally established aquaculture structures. In CY 2010, continuous inventory of existing
aquacultures has been conducted. It was noted that there were 7,093 floating structures
(bamboo, steel, PVC) within municipalities of San Nicolas, Talisay, Laurel, and Agoncillo in
Batangas.
Also, during CY 2010, four (4) major rivers have undergone assessment under the Sagip-Ilog
Program of the EMB: the Imus River; Caas River; Ylang-Ylang River; and Pansipit River.
These rivers were classified under the Class C category of water bodies. Per assessment,
Imus and Ylang-Ylang Rivers were no longer suitable for fishery purposes and need
immediate rehabilitation.
On the other hand, Caas and Pansipit Rivers passed the criteria for Class C in terms of BOD,
DO, and pH concentrations. Under the Beach Watch Program, it is unfortunate that all
beaches monitored in CY 2010 within the province of Cavite failed the standard fecal coliform
requirement.
Bays
There are also Bays in the region; the Manila Bay covering the province Cavite; the Balayan
and adjacent Bay in Batangas; Laguna de Bay covering the province of Laguna and portions
of Rizal; and the Tayabas Bay in Quezon. Based on December 2010 Monthly Water Quality
Report of LLDA, there were improvements in the status of water quality within Central West,
East, Central, and Northern West portions of Laguna de Bay and within Bay, Tanay, and
Morong Rivers. On the other hand, worse cases were noted within Marikina, Mangangate,
Tunasan, San Pedro, Cabuyao, San Cristobal, San Juan Rivers, and Sapang Baho Rivers.
Watersheds
To date, there are fourteen (14) Proclaimed Watershed Forest Reserve (see Table 3)and
twenty-four (24) critical watersheds supporting the National Irrigation System (NIS).
Figure 1 provides the groundwater availability within

CALABARZON. Portions that receive water from some of the Kanan and Infanta Watershed
tributaries, specifically covering the municipality of Infanta, Quezon are characterized with
extensive and highly productive aquifers while portions that receive water from watershed
areas covered by Proclamation 1636 and from some of Umiray, Kanan, Upper Marikina River
Basin, Pamitinan, Hinulugang Taktak, Masungi Rock, and other major watershed tributaries
covering municipalities of Rodriguez, Antipolo, San Mateo, Baras, Tanay, Pililia, and Jala-jala
in Rizal and Talim Island, Mauban and Atimonan in Quezon, Cuenca, Lipa, and Nasugbu in
Batangas, Bay, Los Baos, and Victoria in Laguna municipalities have no significant
groundwater productivity.

Land
Land is considered as the principal instrument in fostering social justice, development, provision of
decent dwellings, and health conditions (UN, 1976).
CALABARZON has a total land area of 1,622,861 hectares or 5.4% of the countrys total land area.
Per available data, 64.82% is certified Alienable and Disposable, 33.88% is classified forest land,
and 1.30% is unclassified forestland (Table 4). As of CY 2010, more than 100,000 hectares have
been distributed to qualified individuals for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes under
the Land Distribution Program of the DENR.
Land resource quality in the Region has been decreasing due to erosion, deforestation, and land
conversion. Moreover, the changing weather patterns during the past years have brought prolonged
droughts and excessive rains. These certainly affect productivity of the land, including quality of
surface water. Lower yields in crops and poor survival of plantations are to be expected.

The Bureau of Soils and Water Management came up with Land Degradation Assessment and
identified soil erosion hotspot covering a total of 238,153.84 hectares within the Region. Per
Landslide Susceptibility Map produced by the Decision and Support Services Office (DSSO) of
DENR Region IV-A in January of CY 2011, large portion of Rizal is highly susceptible to landslide,
while bigger portions of lands within Cavite and Batangas have low susceptibility (see Figure 2).
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture -Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (DA-BAS) CY 2010
database provides a total of 438,673 hectares of land or 27% of the total land area of the Region
are planted to coconut. Out of this, 74% is within the province of Quezon. The establishment of
coconut plantations increased by 28% since 2005. With increasing trend, this could in turn limit the
so-called ecological productivity of the land.
The DENR Region IV-A is currently conducting an Inventory of CARP Scope (ICS) in order to comeup with the latest status of land within the Region. This information will be very useful in the
identification of potential sites for developmental and land management and distribution programs
of the Department.

Forests
Forests are vital for the well-being of all living organisms. They serve as habitat for biodiversity and
source of livelihood for human beings. It is not possible to mention in just few words the importance
of forests in order to justify the need for their proper management.

Forestlands cover a total of 570, 913 hectares or 35% of the total land area of the Region. The CY
2009 Philippine Forestry Statistics provides that the total forest cover of the Region is 289,673
hectares, of which 56% is Open Forest, 40% Closed/Broad-leaved, and 4% Mangrove Forest (Table
5).
Since 2001, a total of 5,769.67 hectares were already reforested under the Community-Based
Forest Management, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management, Protected Area Management,
and Coastal and Marine Resources Management Programs of the Department . Meanwhile, a total
of 37,743.91 hectares or 7% of the total forestlands are under the management of various Peoples
Organizations and Associations per issued tenurial instruments such as Community-based Forest
Management Agreement (CBFMA), Socialized Industrial Forest Management Agreement (SIFMA),
Industrial Forest Management Agreement (IFMA), Private Forest Development Agreement (PFDA),
Forestland Grazing Management Agreement (FLGMA), Tree Farm Lease Agreement (TFLA), and
Industrial Tree Plantation License Agreement (ITPLA).

Biodiversity
"Biological diversity" means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter
alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they
are part: this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems (UN-CBD,
1992). It plays an important role in ecosystem functions and in the many services that ecosystems
provide such as water and nutrient cycling, soil formation and retention, resistance against
invasive/alien species, plant food production and pollination, climate, including pests and pollution
control. It enriches ones lives in ways that are not easy to quantify. Biodiversity loss is a significant
issue not just for scientists but also for planners and policy-makers.
CALABARZON is a home to diverse flora and fauna. Some endemic species that can be found in
the region include the following: Philippine Teak (Tectona philippinensis); Malabayabas (Tristanopsis
decorticata), Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys), Maliputo (Caranx ignobilis), Tawilis (Sardinella
tawilis), and Mouse-like mammal. Among the dominant forest tree species are Kamagong
(Diospyros blancoi), White Lauan (Shorea contorta), Red Lauan (Shorea negrosensis), Guijo
(Shorea guijo), and Pili (Canarium ovatum). A study conducted by the Professional Environmental
Management Company (PEMC) in 1995 revealed that there are 123 species of wildlife within the
Region; (76) birds; (21) reptiles; (16) mammals ; and (10) amphibians.
In 2004, a total of 35 animal species were classified as threatened. As part of ecosystem
management and habitat restoration, nine (9) protected areas covering a total of 104,997.85
hectares were already proclaimed as Protected Landscapes. These PAs are being
developed/reforested and monitored in terms of the number of biodiversity species and occupants .
As targeted in CY 2010, Mts. Palay-Palay/Mataas na Gulod Protected Landscape exhibited a
decrease in number of some wildlings of flora species. In Quezon Protected Landscape, report
revealed that there was a significant increase in the number of wildlife species as compared to CY
2009. More than 50% of some species emerged per observation on established Transect Routes.

The Region is fortunate to cover portions of

the Verde Island Passage Marine Biodiversity Conservation Corridor, one of the richest fishing
grounds and top tourist destinations in the country (see Figure 3). Per survey in 2006, several
cetacean species were identified thriving in the area with the Rissos dolphin (Grampus griseus)
having the highest number of sightings. The following species were also identified: spinner dolphin
(Stenella longirostris) spotted dolphin (S. attenuata), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and
Frasers dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei). Skeletal remains of a stranded dwarf sperm whale (Kogia
sima) were also found which may indicate the presence of the species in the area (Conservation
International). In its effort to properly manage and conserve this biodiversity hotspot, the DENR
Region IV-A crafted and finalized a Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor Management Plan, for
adoption by the concerned local government units (LGUs). Moreover, the conduct of surveillance
and inventory of illegal structures revealed that there were informal settlers (Badjaos from
Mindanao), dumpsites, and proliferation of residential and commercial establishments in the area.
The Region also has varied and diverse coastal resources that provide food and employment for a
majority of its populace. Table 6 provides the latest inventory of coral reefs in selected sanctuaries
and fish reserves within CALABARZON. The presence of coral reefs is vital to the survival of fish
and other marine creatures. Per DA-BAS database there is a relatively increasing trend in the
aquaculture production from 2005 to 2010.

Minerals
The Region has a variety of mineral resources, both metallic and non-metallic. Among the metallic
minerals are gold, copper, chromite, iron, manganese, and nickel while non-metallic includes
andesite, basalt, clay, gravel, sand, marble, limestone, feldspar, and rock aggregates.
As provided by the MGB-Region IV-A in 2008, Batangas province has the highest potential for
copper ore, gold, lead, and clay. Moreover, Batangas is the only province with barite and gypsum.
On the other hand, Rizal province reportedly has the highest potential in terms of iron, limestone,
shale/silica, and concrete aggregate/sand gravel,
The probability of occurrences of mineral deposits with economic potentials within Cavite is
considered unlikely. The only mineral deposits of commercial value in the area are volcanic rocks
such as basalt and andesite. Quezon province is the second highest in terms of availability of
copper ore, gold, and limestone.

As of July 2011, more than 30,000 hectares are being excavated for sand and gravel, and explored
for gold, copper, silica, zinc, basalt, andesite, limestone, etc. content within Batangas, Rizal,
Quezon, and Laguna provinces.

Region 4B
REGIONAL PROFILE

MIMAROPA Region (Region IV-B) is comprised of five (5) island provinces of Southern Luzon, namely:
Mindoro (Occidental and Oriental), Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan. Carved out of the former
Southern Tagalog Region, MIMAROPA was created through Executive Order No. 103 promulgated on 17
May 2002.
The Region has a total land area of 2,745,601 hectares, broken down into 992,317 hectares of Alienable
and Disposable (Agricultural) Lands and 1,753,284 hectares of Classified Forestlands. The total forest
area regardless of land classification for the entire Region is 1,195,144 hectares (CY 2003 Forestry
Statistics).
MIMAROPA is probably the most biologically significant region in the country in terms of richness in both
terrestirial and marine species diversity. Located in the Region are nineteen (18) National Integrated
Protected Areas System (NIPAS) sites occupying a total land area of 1,614,578.63 hectares. It is home
to a number of wildlife species found only in the islands including the Tamaraw, Calamian deer, Palawan
flying fox, Mindoro imperial pigeon, Mindoro bleeding heart, Palawan hornbill, Mindoro hornbill, Black
hooded coucal, Scarlet collared flowerpecker, Palawan peacock pheasant, among others.
MIMAROPA boasts of a long coastline totaling 6,428 kilometers which is 17.7% of the countrys total
coastline of 36,289 km. It is made up of twelve (12) main islands, namely: Marinduque, Mindoro &
Lubang, Romblon, Tablas & Sibuyan, Palawan, Dumaran, Coron, Culion, Balabac & Linapacan, It is one
of two (2) Regions sharing no land border with another Region, the other one being Region VIII (Eastern
Visayas). The entire MIMAROPA area is also part of the Coral Triangle Initiative (Philippines, Indonesia
and Malaysia)
MIMAROPA is also rich in mineral resources. Important metallic minerals that can be found include
copper, gold, silver, iron, lead, zinc, molybdenum, pyrite, manganese, nickel, chromite, cobalt, mercury
and chromium. Non-metallics are: coal, asbestos, guano and phosphates, red and white clay, marble,
barite, jade and silica.
The Regional Office of DENR-MIMAROPA is presently situated at the L&S Bldg, 1515 Roxas Boulevard,
Malate, Manila. DENR-MIMAROPA has five (5) Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices
(PENROs) located in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro; Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro; Boac, Marinduque;
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Odiongan, Romblon. Its Community Environment and Natural
Resources Offices (CENROs) are found in Mamburao, Sablayan and San Jose (Occidental Mindoro);
Calapan City, Socorro and Roxas (Oriental Mindoro); Boac (Marinduque); Puerto Princesa City, Roxas,
Taytay, Coron, Narra, Quezon and Brookes Point (Palawan); and Odiongan (Romblon).

Region 5

BICOL REGIONAL PROFILE

Region 5 (Bicol Region) is best known for being the home of the world's largest fish the butanding (whale shark) and the majestic Mayon Volcano. It also has the other beautiful
natural features like mountains, waterfalls with lush vegetation, and beaches that have grown
famous for water sports activities.
The region is located in the southermost tip of Luzon Island. It is bounded by Lamon Bay to the
north, Pacific Ocean to the east, and Sibuyan Sea and Ragay Gulf to the west. The northernmost
province, Camarines Norte, is bordered to the northby the province of Quezon, thereby
connecting the region to the rest of Luzon.
The Bicol Region is composed of six (6) provinces: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur,
Sorsogon, and the island-provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate. It has one (1) independent
component city - Naga City, and six (6) component cities: Iriga, Legazpi, Tabaco, Ligao,
Masbate City, and Sorsogon City.
POPULATION
Per 2010 census, Region 5 has a total population of 5,109,798. The region's population density in
2010 was 299 persons per square kilometer.
LAND USE AND FORESTRY
The Bicol Region has a total land area of 1,763,250 hectares, of which 541,189 hectares are
established as forestland and 1,238,091 hectares are alienable & disposable lands. Per 2011
Philippine Forestry Statistics, it has a total forest cover of 156,476 hectares.
As of 2011, a total of 83 Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Agreements were
signed by the DENR in the region involving 47,926 hectares of forestland, and benefitting
12,328 households and 83 people's organizations. The CBFM is agovernment strategy which
"gives the management of forests back to the people." It offers long-term security of tenure to
partner-communities and promotes an integrated approach to sustainable forest resource
management.
The region also participated in the National Greening Program, a flagship program of President
Benigno S. Aquino III which aims to reforest the entire Philippines within 2011-2016. In 2011
alone, Region 5 was able to rehabilitate 6,080 hectares of open and denuded lands by conducting
massive tree planting activities involving its citizens, thereby expecting to increase the region's
forest cover.

Bicol Region has a large amount of rich flat land, and agriculture is the largest component of the
economy, followed by commercial fishing. Coconuts, abaca, banana, coffee and jackfruit are the
top five permanent crops in the region. Rice and corn are among the chief seasonal crops. Mining
is also one of the contributors to the region's economy.
GEOLOGY
Bicol Region is volvanic in origin and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Volcanism is evident by
the number of hot springs, crater lakes, and volcanoes that dot the region starting from Mount
Labo in Camarines Norte to the Gate Mountains in Matnog, Sorsogon. Mayon Volcano is the
most prominent of the volcanoes in the region, famous for its perfect conical shape and for being
the most active in the country. Other volcanoes include Bulusan Volcano, Mount Isarog, Mount
Iriga, Mount Malinao, Mount Masaraga, and the Pocdol Mountains.
MINERAL

RESOURCES

The region is endowed with rich mineral resources, which include gold, copper, guano, rock
phosphate, marble, silver, lead and manganese.
WILDLIFE
The Bicol Region is home to both the world's largest and smallest fishes.
Donsol, a fishing town in Sorsogon province, serves as a sanctuary to a group of 40 whale sharks
(Rhincodon typus), which are considered as the largest fish in the world. Locally known as
"butanding", whale sharks visit the waters of Donsol from November to May. They travel across
the oceans but nowhere else have they been sighted in a larger group the in the waters of
Sorsogon. They measure between 18 to 40 feet in length and weight about 20 tons.
Despite the enormous size and the popular misconceptions about all sharks being "man-eaters",
this species does not pose any significant danger to humans. In fact, they are quite gentle and can
be playful with divers. Divers and snorkellers can swim with this giant fish without any risk
apart from unintentionally being hit by the shark's large tail fin.
The world's smallest commercial fish, sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis), can be found only in
Lakes Bato and Buhi in Camarines Sur province. Sinarapan is a goby which grows to an average
length of 1.25 centimeters, just slightly longer than the dwarf goby. Today, unabated fishing in
teh two lakes threatens the population of sinarapan.
Another species endemic to the region is the Isarog shrew-mouse, which inhabits in Mt. Isarog,
Camarines Sur.

PROTECTED

AREAS

The following sites in the region have been declared by law as protected areas and components
of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS): the Malabungot Protected
Landscape and Seascape (Garchitorena, Camarines Sur), Chico Island Wildlife Sanctuary
(Cawayan, Masbate), Naro Island Wildlife Sanctuary (Cawayan, Masbate), Lagonoy Natural
Biotic Area (Lagonoy, Camarines Sur), Abasig-Matogdon-Mananap Natural Biotic Area
( Camarines Norte), Bongsalay Natural Park (Batuan, Masbate), Mayon Volcano Natural Park
(Albay), Bicol Natural Park (Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur), Bulusan Volcano Natural
Park (Sorsogon), and Mt. Isarog Natural Park (Camarines Sur).
DENR

JURISDICTION

Six (6) Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) and eleven (11)
Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) are serving the mandate of
the DENR in Region 5. These are: PENROs Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon,
Masbate, and Catanduanes; and CENROs Daet, Naga City, Iriga City, Goa, Sipocot, Legazpi
City, Guinobatan, Sorsogon City, Mobo, San Jacinto, and Virac.

Region 6

Regional Profile

1. Historical Background of the Region

Western Visayas covers the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros
Occidental. Except for Aklan and Guimaras, the four (4) provinces were created by virtue of
Republic Act No. 2711 on March 10, 1917. The province of Aklan was created on April 25,
1956 under Republic Act No. 1414 and Guimaras as a sub-province of Iloilo since 1966 became
a province after the referendum on May 11, 1992.
Aklan is associated with a Datu Bendahara Kalantiaw who is believed to be the countrys first
lawgiver. The name of the province is also linked with the famous Ati-Atihan Festival held in
the provincial capital of Kalibo. This festival
commemorates a peace pact held in the
13th century between the aborigines and the early Malay immigrants.
Antique was considered as the Home of the Sacadas because it was a major source of migrant
labor for the sugar cane fields of Negros Occidental. Its name was derived from the word
Hamtic after hantic-hantic meaning large ants that are abundant in the place.
The province of Capiz derived its name from the Visayan word Kapid meaning twins, which
were born in the area.
Guimaras was formerly called Himal-us from the word "paghimud-us", meaning a struggle for
survival. In the early part of the Spanish regime, the name Himal-us was changed to Guimaras.
Iloilo was formerly called Irong-irong under Datu Paiburong in the confederation of Madiaas,
first known organization of the barangays.
The province of Negros Occidental used to be called Buglas but the Spaniards changed it to
Negros due to the predominant presence of Negritoes.
2. Administrative Jurisdiction

The Western Visayas Region is located in Central Philippines and composed of six (6) provinces
namely: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras and Negros Occidental. It is subdivided into
18 congressional districts. The provinces of Aklan, Antique and Guimaras each has one district;
Capiz is composed of two districts; Iloilo Province has five districts; Negros Occidental has six
districts; and the highly urbanized cities of Iloilo and Bacolod are distinct congressional districts.
Region 6 has sixteen (16) cities, one hundred seventeen (117) municipalities and four thousand
fifty (4,050) barangays. The Province of Negros Occidental has the highest number of cities at
13 including its capital, Bacolod City. The province of Iloilo has two (2) cities including its
capital, Iloilo City. The lone city of the Province of Capiz is its capital, Roxas City.
3. Physical Characteristics
a. Land Area
The region has a total land area of 2,022,311 hectares or approximately 35.7 percent of the total
land area of the Visayas and 6.7 percent of the Philippines. The Province of Negros Occidental
is the biggest in terms of land area with 792,607 hectares which is almost 40% of the total area
of the region. Iloilo comes second with 471,940 hectares or 23%: Capiz with 263,317 hectares
or 13%: Antique with 252,201 hectares or 12%: Aklan with 181,789 hectares or 9% and
Guimaras with 60,457 hectares or 3%.

Land Area Graph of Western Visayas

b. Land Classification

Region 6 has a total land area of 2,022,311 hectares. It is classified into Forestland covering an
area of 656,539.22 hectares equivalent to 32% and Alienable and Disposable lands covering
1,365,771.78 hectares or around 68%.
The Province of Aklan has a total area of 181,789 hectares of which 59% or 106,795 hectares are
classified as A & D while 41% or 74,994 hectares are classified as Forestland.

For the Province of Antique, 133,566 hectares or 53% of its total land area of 252,201 hectares
are classified as A & D while 118,635 hectares or 47% are classified as Forestland.
The total land area of the Province of Capiz is 263,317 hectares, of which, 64% or 169,547.27
hectares are classified as A & D and 36% or 93,769.73 hectares classified as Forestland.
The Province of Iloilo has a total land area of 471,940 hectares. Of this, 76% or 357,857
hectares are classified as A & D while 24% or 57,620.89 hectares are classified as Forestland.
The Province of Negros Occidental has a total land area of 792,607 hectares of which 68% or
540,385.62 hectares are classified as A & D, while 32% or 252,221.38 hectares are classified as
Forestland.
c. Forest Cover
Based on 2005 data of Land Evaluation Party (LEP) DENR 6, the forest cover is measured at
260,642.74 hectares or equivalent to 12.89 percent of the total land area of the region. 5.27% of
the forest cover is classified as closed forest; 5.11% as open forest; 0.28% as plantation forest
and 2.23% as mangrove forest.

Among the 6 provinces, Antique has the highest percent forest cover at 28.58% of its total land
area or 72,022.25 hectares, followed by Aklan with 26.54% or 48,254.00 hectares. Capiz comes
next with 11.47% or 30,208.27 hectares, Iloilo with 8.73% or 41,190.35 hectares, and Negros
Occidental with 8.69% or 68,857.87 hectares. Guimaras has the lowest percent forest cover at
0.18% of its total land area or 110 hectares.

d. Production and Protection Forests

Of the total forestland area of 656,539.22 hectares of the region, 376,380.38 hectares or 57%
accounts for production forest and 280,158.84 hectares or 43% are for protection forest.
Province of Negros Occidental has the largest area for both protection and production forest at
104,877.06 and 147,344.00 hectares, respectively. Province of Aklan has 46,650 hectares of
protection forest and 8,344 hectares of production forest.
Antique has 69,008.79 and 49,626.21, Capiz has 22,267 and 71,502, and Iloilo has an area of
37,355.99 and 76,727.01 hectares of protection and production forest respectively. The province
of Guimaras has 2,836.11 hectares only for production forest.
e. Watershed Areas
At present, there are nine (9) proclaimed Watershed Forest Reserves (WFRs) in the region,
covering an aggregate area
of 131,777 hectares. The Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve in Aklan has an area of 23,185
hectares located in the municipalities of Madalag and Libacao.

The proclaimed watersheds In the Province of Antique are the Mau-it-Tipulu-an River Watershed
Forest Reserve and Dalanas River Watershed Forest Reserve with a total area of 16,295
hectares located in the municipalities of Sibalom and Barbaza.

For the Province of Capiz, the Pan-ay River Watershed Forest Reserve is located at the
Municipality of Tapaz with an area of 4,350 hectares. Two proclaimed watersheds are in the
Province of Iloilo namely: Maasin Watershed Forest Reserve and the Jalaur River Watershed
Forest Reserve with a total area of 15,378 hectares and located in the Municipalities of Maasin
and Calinog. The Province of Negros Occidental has three (3) watersheds namely: Bago River
Watershed Forest Reserve, Ilog-Hilabangan Watershed Forest Reserve, and Kabankalan
Watershed Forest Reserve covering a total area of 72,569 hectares and located in the Cities of
Bago and San Carlos, Kabankalan and Himamaylan

f. Protected Areas
With the implementation of RA 7586 or the NIPAS Law of 1992, the region identified twelve
(12) areas as initial components that may be legislated into NIPAS. These areas are being
assessed and/or will be assessed to determine the current biodiversity status as to their
suitability into the new system and reclassified into different categories provided by the law or
will be disestablished and placed under the different management regime.
Among the twelve (12) sites identified as initial components, three (3) were proclaimed
following the procedures provided in the law, covering an approximate area of 62,059.07
hectares. Two (2) of these were enacted in CY 2001 namely: the Sagay Marine Reserve
(Republic Act No. 9106 dated April 14, 2001) in the City of Sagay, Province of Negros
Occidental covering an area of 32,000.00 hectares and the Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park (Republic
Act No. 9154 dated August 11, 2001)
located in the Cities of Bago, La Carlota, and San
Carlos and in the Municipalities of La Castellana and Murcia, Province of Negros Occidental,
and in the City of Canlaon and Municipality of Vallehermoso, Province of Negros Oriental and
covers an area of 24,557.60 hectares. Additional NIPAS sites proclaimed were Northwest Panay

Peninsula found in Buruanga, Malay, Aklan and Pandan, Libertad, Antique covering an area of
12,009.29 and North Negros Natural Park located in the cities of Talisay, Victorias and Cadiz and
in the municipalities of Murcia, Don Salvador Benedicto and Calatrava with an area of 80,454.50
while the designated buffer zone covers 169.00 hectares.

Region 7

Region 7 also called

Central Visayas Region is composed of the islands of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor. Look for these
provinces on the map of the Philippines. Central Visayas region is at the center of our country. It is bordered
by the Visayan Sea and the province of Masbate in the north, Mindanao Sea in the south, Negros Occidental in
the west and the island of Leyte in the east.
Location. As a whole, the region is hilly and mountainous. The famous Chocolate Hills looks like mounds of
chocolate in the summer. Mt. Bolinsasayao and Kanlaon Volcano are but two of the mountains and volcanoes in
the region. The flatlands of the region serve as the land for farming and other cottage industries. The region
experiences little or no rainfall at all because of the mountains that serve as protection against the strong
typhoons that other parts of the country get. But there are times that the region gets affected by strong

typhoons.
Products and Livelihood. The land used for farming in the region is not as big as the other regions. Aside from
palay, the farmers also plant corn, sugarcane, abaca, coconut, tobacco and root crops. They also subsist on
fishing because most islands are surrounded by water. There are also a number of home industries in the
region. The people manufacture bags, fans, placemats and other household things. The food industry is alive
and well in the region; an assortment of biscuits and bread, chicharon and other food items that only the
region can produce.

Do you know of food products that you can buy in the region?
The mangoes of Cebu are also famous for its sweetness and size. Mangoes are harvested all year round These
fruits are exported to other countries.
The center of commerce in the southern part of the Philippines is Cebu. Many foreigners establish their
businesses there. This is one reason why the Mactan International Airport was constructed. Tourism plays a
big part in the economic development of the region. The tourists flock to see the Shrine of Magellan's Cross in
Cebu. Bohol's pride is the Chocolate Hills.
Oil is also being tapped in the region. It is believed that in the years to follow, the progress in the region would
be greater if oil is properly drawn out and it will help in the needs of the country.
There are other natural resources waiting to be nurtured and used properly. Businessmen, both local and
foreign, would be more than willing to put up their trade. The local and national economies would be a lot better
if these plans would push through.

Quick Facts
Geography
Central Visayas, or Region 7 is located at the center of Philippines, between the two main islands, Luzon and
Mindanao. It comprises the islands of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor and the smaller Camotes group
of islands, Bantayan and Panglao. Its borders are the Visayan Sea on the north, Bohol sea on the south, Leyte
on the east and Negros Occidental on the west.

Topography
The terrain is characterized by highlands with narrow coastal strips of arable land. Bohol, however, has a level
plateau upon which its agricultural areas are concentrated. The region's total land is 14,951.5 sq. kms.

1. Negros Oriental Cebu Region VII Bohol Guimaras

2. Located in the center of the Philippines, between the two main islands, Luzon and
Mindanao. It includes the islands of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor and the smaller
Camotes group of islands, Bantayan and Panglao. The region also encompasses the cities of Bais,
Cebu, Canlaon, Danao, Dumaguete, Lapu-Lapu (Opon), Mandaue, Tagbilaran and Toledo. Its
borders are the Visayas sea on the north, Bohol sea on the south, Leyte on the east and Negros
Occidental on the west. The terrain is characterized by highlands with narrow coastal strips of

arable land. Bohol, however, has a level plateau upon which its agricultural areas are
concentrated. The regions total land area is 14,951.5 sq.kms.

3. POPULATION The region had a total population of 5,404,000 in 2000. Urbanization is

highest in Cebu and lowest in Siquijor. The male numbered 2,291,637; the females 2,290,892.
The region is predominantly rural with 2,730,972 residing in rural areas and 1,851,557 living in
urban centers. CLIMATE The region has no pronounced climate. It has a short dry season
from March to May. The rest of the year is relatively wet.

4. NATURAL RESOURCES Most of the regions timberlands are denuded. Mineral resources,
however, are abundant and account for one of the largest revenue sources of the region. These
include silver, manganese, copper, gold, limestone, clay, silica and coal. Major crops are
sugarcane, coconut, palay, corn and cassava. The waters surrounding the island provinces are
well- known fishing grounds.

REGION 8

Eastern Visayas or Region VIII is composed of three main islands, Biliran, Leyte and
Samar, connected by the famous San Juanico Bridge. It consists of six provinces (Biliran,
Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte) and seven cities
(Ormoc City, Baybay City, Maasin City, Calbayog City, Catbalogan City, Borongan City, and
the regional center - Tacloban City).

Region VIII lies on the east central part of the Philippine archipelago, directly facing
the Pacific Ocean.

POPULATION
Per 2010 census, the Eastern Visayas Region has a total population of 3,912,936. Its
population density in 2010 was 176 persons per square kilometer.

LAND USE AND FORESTRY

The region has a total land area of 2,143,169 hectares,

of which 1,118,214 hectares are established as forestland and 1,024,955 hectares are
alienable & disposable lands. Per 2011 Philippine Forestry Statistics, the region has a total
forest cover of 519,848 hectares.
As of 2011, a total of 132 Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Agreements were
signed by the DENR in the region involving 116,739 hectares of forestland, benefitting
14,405 households and 132 peoples organizations. The CBFM is a government strategy
which gives the management of forests back to the people. It offers long-term security of
tenure to partner-communities and promotes an integrated approach to sustainable forest
resource management.

The region also participated in the National Greening Program, a flagship program of
President Benigno S. Aquino III which aims to reforest the entire Philippines within 20112016. In 2011 alone, Region VIII was able to rehabilitate 10,869 hectares of open and
denuded lands by conducting massive tree planting activities involving its citizens, thereby
expecting to increase the regions forest cover.
Eastern Visayas is an agricultural region with rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, and banana as
major crops.

CLIMATE
There are two types of climate prevailing in the region under the Corona system of
classification: Type II and Type IV. Type II climate is characterized by having no dry season
but a pronounced maximum rainfall from November to January. Samar Island and the
eastern part of Leyte Island fall under this type of climate. Type IV, on the other hand, has a
year round distribution of rainfall and a short period of dry season that is observed from
February to May. This type of climate is well exhibited in the western half of Leyte island and
some portions of Northern Samar.

NATURAL RESOURCES
Region VIII is one of the fish exporting regions of the country. Its sea and inland waters are
rich sources of salt and fresh water fish and other marine products.
The region has abundant geothermal energy and water resources. There are also
substantial forest reserves in the interiors of the islands.
Mineral resources that abound in the region are chromite, uranium (in Samar), gold, silver,
manganese, magnesium, bronze, nickel, clay, coal, limestone, pyrite, and sand and gravel.

PROTECTED AREAS
The following sites in Region VIII were declared by law as protected areas and components of
the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS): the Calbayog-Pan-As Hayiban
Protected Landscape (in Samar), the Guiuan Protected Landscape/Seascape (in Eastern
Samar), the Calbiga Caves Protected Landscape (in Samar), the Cuatro Islas Protected
Landscape/Seascape (in Leyte), the Biri Larosa Protected Landscape/Seascape (in Northern
Samar), the Jicontol Natural Park (in Eastern Samar), the Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park (in
Leyte), the Lake Danao Natural Park (in Leyte), the Samar Island Natural Park (in the
Provinces of Samar, Eastern & Northern Samar), and the Taft Forest Philippine Eagle Wildlife
Sanctuary (in Eastern Samar).
DENR JURISDICTION

The Regional Office of DENR-REGION VIII has six (6) Provincial Environment and Natural
Resources Offices (PENROs) located in Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern
Samar, and Northern Samar. Its Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices
(CENROs) are in Palo, Albuera, Baybay, Maasin, San Juan, Catbalogan, Sta. Rita,
Borongan, Dolores, Catarman, and Pambujan.
POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

Major Islands
Provinces
Cities
No. of Towns
No. of Barangays
Population as of Aug.
'07
Annual Pop. Growth
Rate
Population Density
No. of Congressional
Districts

- Samar, Leyte & Biliran

Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Western
Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran
Tacloban, Ormoc, Maasin, Calbayog,
Baybay, Catbalogan & Borongan
- 139
- 4,390
- 3,912,936
- 1.12
- 183 person/sq. km.
- 12

REGION 9

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA
It takes 1-1/2 hours ride by plane from Zamboanga City to Manila, 1-1/2 hours to Sabah,
Malaysia, less than 2 hours to Brunei and less than 3 hours to Indonesia.
In view of the inclusion of the province of Basilan under the Autonomous Region of Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM), Region IX has been reorganized to be known as Zamboanga Peninsula by
virtue of Executive Order No. 36 composing three (3) provinces, namely: Zamboanga del
Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay; five (5) cities Dapitan, Dipolog,
Pagadian, Zamboanga and Isabela; and sixty seven (67) municipalities (Figure 2). The biggest
land component, consisting of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay
and Zamboanga City, is continuous with the mainland of Mindanao. All other land masses are
dispersed.

Region IX has a total land area of 1,413,753.84 hectares, broken down as follows: Zamboanga
del Norte with 624,444.02 hectares; Zamboanga del Sur with 373,027.50 hectares; Zamboanga
Sibugay with 251,439.32 hectares; Zamboanga City with 141,470 hectares and Isabela City with
23,373 hectares.
Zamboanga del Norte
Zamboanga del Norte became an independent province in the Zamboanga Peninsula on June
6, 1952 through Republic Act No. 711. Zamboanga del Norte is located at the western border of
Mindanao. It is bounded on the north by Misamis Occidental, on the east by Zamboanga del Sur,
on the southern tip by Zamboanga city; and by the Sulu Sea on the northwest.
One potential advantage of the province is its good climatic condition. It belongs to the third
and fourth types of climate. The southern part enjoys the third type which is dry from the months
of February to April and wet during the rest of the year while the northern part enjoys the fourth
type where rainfall is more or less evenly distribute throughout the year except for the month of
February which is hot season. The province is not within the typhoon belt.
The only province in Western Mindanao that has two (2) cities, Dapitan, as the Shrine City,
where the famous Dr, Jose Rizal was exiled and Dipolog its capital city. The province also
boasts of the exotic and breathtaking panoramic views of its tourist spots. It has 25 municipalities
and 691 barangays.
The topographic condition of the province ranges from plain, slightly rolling, rolling to hilly to
mountainous. Most plain to nearly level lands are evident at the outskirts of every municipality
and the neighboring coastal barangays. Some small patches of level lands are found along rivers.
The province is also bounded by high mountain ranges from the north to the south. Its highest
peak is Mt. Dabiak with an elevation of 8,420 ft asl. It is also endowed with many wide rivers
and creeks emanating from the easterly mountain ranges and drain at the Sulu Sea. Such
important drainage system of the province are the Siocon, Sindangan and Dipolog rivers. Its
irregular coastline extending from the north to the south covers a distance of 400 kilometers with
occasional limited stretches of beaches and coral reefs or mangrove areas with tidal channels.
Some parts are ideal sites for ports and harbors because of its deep waters.
Zamboanga del Sur
Zamboanga del Sur is situated in the eastern section of the Zamboanga Peninsula. It is
geographically within longitude 12213' and latitude 715'. It is bounded in the north by the
Province of Zamboanga del Norte, on the east by the Provinces of Misamis Occidental, Lanao
del Norte, and Panguil Bay, in the south by Moro Gulf, and in the southwest by Zamboanga City.

To the north and east portion of the province, topography is flat to gentle undulating with
mountainous area running along the northern boundary. The northern portion is characterized by
lowlands, hilly lands, and thickly forested mountain ranges stretching across the entire province,
while the coastal portions are linked with mangrove trees.
The province is primarily agricultural. Its rich soil considerably low; rolling hills are ideal for
production of variety crops. Fishing is among the important industry of Zamboanga del Sur,
offering relatively unlimited opportunities due to the presence of major fishing grounds in four
(4) marine bays namely: Panguil Bay, Illana Bay, Maligay Bay and Dumanquillas Bay embracing
766 kilometers of coastline.
Zamboanga del Sur has substantial reserves of primary metals like gold, copper, chromite,
iron, lead and manganese, including non-metallic minerals such as clay and marble.
There are potential sources of non-conventional energy like the waters of Lakewood, Lake
Dasay, Lake Maragang, Tuburan Springs of Mahayag and the rivers of Salug Duit in Josefina
and Salug Daku in Molave.
The province is composed of 26 municipalities, 779 barangays and one (1) city-Pagadian
City.
Zamboanga del Sur has a relatively high mean annual rainfall that varies from 1,599 mm. in
drier areas to 3,500 in the wettest. This is associated with its seasonal distribution, which shows a
short but quite dry period in the first quarter of the year. The temperature is relatively warm and
constant throughout the year ranging from minimum temperature of 22 C to a maximum day
temperature of 35 C.
Zamboanga Sibugay
Zamboanga Sibugay is formerly the Third Congressional District of Zamboanga del Sur, and
created pursuant to R.A. No. 8973 dated November 7, 2002 and Executive Order No. 36 dated
September 19, 2001. The province is named after Sibugay River which travels through several
municipalities.
Zamboanga Sibugay is situated in the southern portion of the Zamboanga Peninsula and its
geographical location is longitude 123 04 49.75 and latitude 7 4214.89. It is bounded on
the North by the Province of Zamboanga del Norte; on the South by Sibuguey and Dumanquillas
Bay; on the East, by the Province of Zamboanga del Sur and on the West, by Zamboanga City.
The province is composed of 16 municipalities, 388 barangays.

The province boasts of metallic and non-metallic mineral resources; chromite is found in
Palomoc, Titay ;manganese ore in Titay and Tungawan Gold in Guinabucan, R.T. Lim; clay ore
in Sulitan, Naga; Limestone in Olutangga; coal in Malangas, Siay, Diplahan, Imelda and Payao.
The provinces water resources are from Sibuguey River along the municipalities of Diplahan,
Imelda, Siay and Payao.
There are five (5) major bays in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, namely: Dumanguillas
Bay, portion is in Buug, Alicia, Siay, Kabasalan, Naga and Ipil; Sibuguey Bay along Siay,
Kabasalan, Naga and Ipil; Busan Bay in Tungawan; Moro Gulf in Olutangga Island.
Zamboanga City
Zamboanga City is located on the western-most tip of the Zamboanga peninsula. Before it
became a chartered city, it was the governing Capital of the Moro Province under the United
States rule, encompassing the entire island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago Zamboanga
was the first locality of the vast Moro Province to become a chartered city status on October 12,
1936, reflecting its historical and strategic importance as a center of government and commerce.
Zamboanga City is a busy international port strategically located on the Basilan Straight. The
city is bounded by the Sulu Sea to the West, the Moro Gulf and Celebes Sea to the East, and is
also surrounded by Tungawan Bay, Taguiti Bay, Malasugat Bay to the East, Tictabon Channel
and Basilan Straight to the South, and Caldera Bay to the West. In physiography, it is bounded by
the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte to the north and by Zamboanga del Sur to the east, and
also the Basilan Island to the south. It is sheltered geographically from typhoons by the
mountainous Basilan Island, Sulu Archipelago, Palawan Island, and the main island of
Mindanao.
The city's immediate coastal lowlands are narrow, with low, rugged hills located a short
distance inland. It's highest peak is Batorampon Point, measuring 1,335 meters high (4,380 feet).
It has an international seaport which can accommodate local inter-island shipping and
international ocean-going vessels and ferries. The city exports rubber, pearls, copra, mahogany,
and other fine hardwoods, fish, abaca, and fruit products; rice is still imported. Situated in the
southernmost terminus of the Pan-Philippine Highway, it provides vital land transportation
access to all the major cities of the country. It also has an international airport that is serviced by
daily flights from three major national airlines, and is increasing its international air traffic within
the participating

REGION X

The administrative jurisdiction of Northern Mindanao covers five (5) provinces: Bukidnon,
Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and the island province of Camiguin. It
has two (2) urbanized cities, Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City. It also has seven (7)
component cities: El Salvador City, Gingoog City, Malaybalay City, Oroquieta City, Tangub City,
and Valencia City; and a total of 84 municipalities and 2,022 barangays. Its regional center is
Cagayan de Oro City.

It is bounded on the north by the Mindanao Sea, Western Mindanao on the west, CARAGA
Region on the east, and on the south by Regions 11 and 12. It geographically lies within
Latitude 715 to 915 North and Longitude 12330 to 12530 East.

POPULATION
According to the 2007 National Statistics Office Census, Region X has a total population of
3,952,437, broken down as follows: Bukidnon with 1,190,284 inhabitants; Misamis Oriental with
748,885; Lanao del Norte with 538,283; Misamis Occidental with 531,680; and Camiguin with
81,293.
Northern Mindanao is the ninth most populous region in the Philippines and the second
in Mindanao (after Davao Region) based on Census 2007. Its major urban area is Metro
Cagayan de Oro, which includes Cagayan de Oro City and some municipalities and cities of
Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon. The regions population density in 2010 was 210 persons per
square kilometer.
LAND USE AND FORESTRY

The region has a total land area of 1,714,803 hectares, of which 897,134 hectares are established
as forestland and 817,669 hectares are alienable & disposable lands. Per 2011 Philippine
Forestry Statistics, the region has a total forest cover of 337,493 hectares, distributed as follows:
Bukidnon with 172,595 hectares; Lanao del Norte with 68,625; Misamis Occidental with 43,880;
Misamis Oriental with 45,026; and Camiguin with 7,367 hectares of existing forests.

As of 2015, a total of 294 Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Agreements were

signed in the region involving 20,922.05 hectares of forestland, and benefitting
28,122 households and 294 peoples organizations. The CBFM is a government strategy which
gives the management of forests back to the people. It offers long-term security of tenure to
partner-communities and promotes an integrated approach to sustainable forest resource
management.

The region also participated in the National Greening Program, a flagship program of President
Benigno S. Aquino III which aims to reforest the entire Philippines within 2011-2016. In 2015
alone, Region X was able to rehabilitate 77,784 hectares of open and denuded lands by
conducting massive tree planting activities involving its citizens, thereby expecting to increase
the regions forest cover.
Province

Municipality

BUKIDNON

Baungon
Libona
Talakag
Malitbog
Sumilao
Manolo Fortich
Impasug-ong
Malaybalay City
Cabanglasan
Lantapan
San Fernando

A& D

Timberland

13,360.18

19,473.82

14,971.93

22,465.07

37,567.63

41,072.37

7,237.00

50,948.00

10,241.00

9,454.00

30,358.00

11,002.00

18,838.00

86,279.00

39,714.32

57,204.68

10,490.09

13,839.91

18,524.57

14,310.43

Total Area
32,834.00
37,437.00
78,640.00
58,185.00
19,695.00
41,360.00
105,117.00
96,919.00
24,330.00
32,835.00
70,506.00

Valencia City
Don Carlos
Kitaotao
Quezon
Dangcagan
Kibawe
Damulog
Kadingilan
Kalilangan
Pangantucan
Maramag
SUB-TOTAL

7,676.91

62,829.09

37,436.64

21,292.36

12,958.30

8,413.70

6,917.08

71,960.92

29,960.32

32,725.68

5,043.51

37,225.49

7,511.30

22,901.70

5,556.12

18,862.88

6,500.74

10,693.26

15,260.99

9,882.01

21,241.00

24,931.00

22,967.12

21,758.88

380,332.75

669,526.25

58,729.00
21,372.00
78,878.00
62,686.00
42,269.00
30,413.00
24,419.00
17,194.00
25,143.00
46,172.00
44,726.00
1,049,859.00
-

MISAMIS
ORIENTAL

Cagayan de Oro
Alubijid
Claveria
El Salvador City
Gitagum
Initao
Jasaan
Laguindingan
Libertad
Lugait

17,207.27
10,345.00
21,204.00

24,072.73
35,695.00

1,674.00
2,398.00

56,899.00

4,340.00

4,340.00

7,702.00

10,345.00

8,713.00

8,713.00

10,133.00

41,280.00

994.00

11,127.00
7,702.00
1,674.00
2,398.00
2,745.00

1,784.00
Manticao
Naawan
Opol
Tagoloan
Vilanueva
Balingasag
Balingoan
Binuangan
Gingoog City
Kinoguitan
Lagonglong
Magsaysay
Medina
Salay
Sug-bongcogon
Talisayan
SUB-TOTAL

961.00
12,301.00

12,301.00
3,474.00

5,376.00

8,057.00

9,456.00

5,258.00

6,515.00

8,850.00
17,513.00
11,773.00
4,880.00

4,880.00
14,356.00

355.00

4,314.00

1,466.00

14,711.00
5,780.00
3,043.00

3,043.00
36,460.00

56,844.00

20,384.00

4,256.00

4,256.00
6,012.00

2,366.00

14,770.00

456.00

8,378.00
15,226.00
14,829.00

14,829.00
5,731.00

9,279.00

3,548.00

2,651.00

2,651.00
11,079.00

2,954.00

236,971.27

114,598.73

14,033.00
351,570.00
-

MISAMIS
OCCIDENTAL

Bonifacio
Clarin
Ozamis City
Don Victoriano
Sinacaban

8,517.10

6,984.90

5,417.00

3,033.00

15,342.00

1,653.00
28,460.00

15,502.00
8,450.00
16,995.00
28,460.00
9,909.00

Tangub City
Tudela
Aloran
Baliangao
Calamba

5,899.00

4,010.00

10,491.75

5,786.25

8,396.00

1,456.00

6,612.00

5,194.00

4,208.00

3,964.00

4,143.54

6,320.46

Concepion
Jimenez
Lopez Jaena
Oroquieta
Panaon
Plaridel
Sapang Dalaga
SUB-TOTAL

16,278.00
9,852.00
11,806.00
8,172.00
10,464.00
6,160.00

6,160.00
5,456.96

2,686.04

7,895.45

1,574.55

10,112.00

13,676.00

3,860.04

819.96

7,014.26

985.74

3,168.61

6,224.39

106,533.71

98,988.29

8,143.00
9,470.00
23,788.00
4,680.00
8,000.00
9,393.00
205,522.00
-

LANAO DEL
NORTE

Bacolod
Baloi
Kauswagan
Linamon
Maigo
Matungao
Pantao-Ragat
Pantar
Poona-Piagapo

6,308.98

4,101.02

5,087.94

4,010.06

5,997.69

39.31

1,586.83

6,051.17

9,296.40

2,848.60

9,927.03

(5,353.03)

5,660.11

6,769.89

2,998.57

4,041.43

10,410.00
9,098.00
6,037.00
7,638.00
12,145.00
4,574.00
12,430.00
7,040.00
26,006.86

Tagoloan
Iligan
Kolambugan
Tubod
Baroy
Lala
Kapatagan
Sultan Naga
Dimaporo
Nunungan
Salvador
Magsaysay
Tangkal
Munai
Sapad
SUB-TOTAL
CAMIGUIN

Catarman
Guinsiliban
Mahinog
Mambajao
Sagay
SUB-TOTAL

3,712.26

22,294.60

6,520.22

449.78

33,210.00

48,127.00

10,909.83

2,545.17

17,224.31

7,455.69

7,207.79

27.21

10,496.19

3,528.81

10,734.64

13,554.16

10,786.23

(3,674.23)

136.00

47,192.00

7,230.25

(1,930.25)

6,760.99

8,422.01

1,624.00

16,238.00

5,024.00

14,726.00

9,296.40

(6,722.40)

187,736.66

194,742.00

6,732.00

710.00

1,810.00

262.00

4,476.00

302.00

7,111.00

3,372.00

3,594.00

818.00

23,723.00

5,464.00

6,970.00
81,337.00
13,455.00
24,680.00
7,235.00
14,025.00
24,288.80
7,112.00
47,328.00
5,300.00
15,183.00
17,862.00
19,750.00
2,574.00
382,478.66
7,442.00
2,072.00
4,778.00
10,483.00
4,412.00
29,187.00
-

GRAND TOTAL

935,297.39

1,083,319.27

2,018,616.66

CLIMATE
Generally, rainfall in Northern Mindanao is evenly distributed throughout the year. It has
abundant vegetation, natural springs, and a high elevation which contribute to the region's cool,
mild, and invigorating climate.

WILDLIFE
The wild bird species Mcgregor's cuckoo-shrike (Coracina mcgregori) can be found in Mt.
Malindang, Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Bliss, and in Daggayan, Misamis Oriental. Efforts to conserve
this species are ongoing, considering its vulnerable status.

PROTECTED AREAS
The following sites in the region have been proclaimed by law as protected areas and
components of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS):
1. Mimbilisan Protected Landscape (Misamis Oriental)
2.Baliangao Protected Landscape/Seascape (Misamis Occidental)
3.Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape/Seascape (Misamis Oriental)
4.Mt. Kitanglad Natural Park (Bukidnon)
5.Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park (Bukidnon)
6.Mt. Malindang Natural Park (Misamis Occidental)
7.Timpoong & Hibok-hibok Natural Monument (Province of Camiguin)
8.Bacolod-KauswaganProtected

Landscape/Seascape (Lanao del Norte)

9. Mt. Inayawan Natural Park (Lanao del Norte)

10. Mt. Balatukan Range Natural Park (Bukidnon)

DENR JURISDICTION
The Regional Office of DENR-REGION X has five (5) Provincial Environment and Natural
Resources Offices (PENROs) located in Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis
Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. Its Community Environment and Natural Resources
Offices (CENROs) are to be found in Don Carlos, Valencia City, Manolo Fortich, Talakag,
Iligan City, Kolambugan, Oroquieta City, Ozamis City, Initao, and Gingoog City.

Region 11
Regional Profile
Davao is said to have derived its name from the word, Daba-daba, a region of flames or fire as
recorded in the books of the early Jesuit priests. Some sources say this word is of Bagobo origin
which is the name of the sacred brush that belonged to the chieftain of the early Bagobos named
Datu Duli who lived in the rolling hills of Sandawa Mountain. As was the custom during the
ancient times, the Bagobos kept the fire burning twenty four hours a day throughout the year.
And the fire was supposed to be burning at the foot of the Sacred Brush called Daba-daba. It was
said that Datu Duli, the Bagobo chieftain was kind and just in his decision over an accused
person. Other Bagobos then pronounced the word Daba-daba with the sound of "o" at the end. It
was said it had been practiced by Datu Duli when he rendered decisions in settling cases. As time
went on the Bagobos of the succeeding generation changed the word Daba-daba to just Daba and
added the letter "o" to justify the actuations of Datu Duli in rendering his decisions. Thus the
ancient Bagobo word Daba is now pronounced Davao by both native and immigrants.
Some also say that Davao was derived from the name of a Manobo rebel Dabao. Others maintain
that the name Dabaw was derived from the word dabahan, a big basin for laundering used by the
natives. Still another derivation of the name was form the word daba meaning earthen pot or
palayok which the early natives made and sell as their means of livelihood. When mountain
dwellers got down to the lowlands the first things they looked for and bought was the daba.
But many native Dabawenyos prefer to believe that Davao derived its name from the great river
which the early Tagabawa tribe called Dabu. The Guingans called Duhwow and the Obo called
Davoh. Later, the three names given to the river by these early natives were incorporated into
what
is
now
DAVAO.
Davao, in its beginning was peopled by different races and groups from different regions and
countries. The waves of migration into the Philippines from the Asian countries of Borneo,
Malaysia, Indonesia and Persia via Celebes Sea, first landed in Mindanao, then pushed their
explorations toward the North. On their way, some of them probably weary and tired from the
voyage, settled and lived in Sarangani Island, then later found their way to what is now Davao.
Among these groups were the little people known as the Dawn Man of the Australoid Sakai type,
Proto-Malays, Indonesian B types of the late Neolithic period. These ethnic indigenous groups
are
of
varied
cultures
and
racial
tribes.
During the Spanish Period Davao first loomed in history as a Moro settlement in the banks of
Tagloc river (name, pioneer settlers say, given to Davao river by the early Bagobos). But the real
history began in 1848 when Don Jose Oyanguren, A Spanish Lawyer-turned-trader sent by the
Spanish Governor-General Narciso Claveria, launched an expedition composed of his own
Spanish soldiers with their families and volunteers soldiers, defeated the Muslims under Datu

Bago.
Christianity was introduce in the Davao Gulf Area when Oyanguren with his group of Spanish
soldiers and their families and the native volunteers from Caraga and Surigao settled in Davao in
1848 after defeating the Muslims at the banks of the Davao River under Datu Bago. A priest was
sought by the group of Oyanguren to help them build a Christian community in the area since
one of the objectives in the conquest was to establish the Christian Religion.
By the time the Americans came to Davao as a new colonial power at the turn of the 20th
century, Davao was already peopled by indigenous ethnic tribes found in the interior or
hinterland; by Muslim settlers found along the coast of Davao River; by Christian Filipino
descendants of Davao's first Filipino Christian settlers in 1848, by Christian Filipino migrants
from Luzon and Visayas who migrated to Davao to escape political persecution in their
provinces in the late 1800s, by army deserters, by few fugitives, and by the foreign migrants who
inhabited
the
cabecera
or
town
proper.
With long years of existence, full of determination and visionary insights to attain prestige and
identity, Region XI, through its struggles, zoomed high like the eagle in the sky.

REGION 12

REGIONAL PROFILE

Background Information
Presidential Decree No. 461, dated 17 May 1974, created the Department of
Environment and Natural resources (DENR). It was reorganized pursuant to Executive
Order No. 192, dated 10 June 1987. The geographical coverage of Region XII has
been reconfigured five times through various legal issuance since the creation of the
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 1989. The present configuration
of the region under Executive Order No. 36 issued by Her Excellency President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo on September 19, 2001 comprises 6 congressional districts
consisting 4 provinces, 2 chartered cities, 3 components cities and 45 municipalities.

Location/Jurisdiction. Region XII is situated in the central part of Mindanao.

Bounded on:

the north: by provinces of Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon;

the northwest by Maguindanao;

the southwest by Mindanao Sea;

the east by Davao del Sur and Davao City.

It lies between 6 32 and 7 33 latitude, between 124 01 and 125 17 longitude.

It spans the geographical zone covering major portion of the Cotabato River Basin Area
and Allah River Basin Area comprising the provinces of Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and
South Cotabato extending to the large coastal areas on the southern tip portion of
Mindanao comprising the province of Sarangani and the City of General Santos.

List of Provinces and Municipalities by Congressional Districts

Province of Cotabato
Governor Hon..Emmylou T. Mendoza
First District Representative - Hon. Jesus N. Sacdalan
Second District Representative - Hon. Nancy A. Catamco
Third District Representative - Jose I. Tejada
SoCCSKSarGen is a region of the Philippines, located in central Mindanao, and is officially
designated as Region XII. The name is an acronym that stands for the region's four provinces
and one of its cities: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos

City. The regional center is Koronadal City located in the province of South Cotabato. Cotabato
City, though geographically within the boundaries of the province of Maguindanao, itself is part
of SOCCSKSARGEN, and is independent of that province. Maguindanao province is a part of
another special region called the ARMM which has its seat in Cotabato City.
CLIMATE Heavy rain during the months of June to October. There are dry spells from February
to June. The two provinces are seldom visited by typhoons.
NATURAL RESOURCES Fishing is a major economic activity because of the rich fishing
grounds of Iligan Bay, the Moro Gulf and the Celebes Sea. Its water resources include the Maria
Cristina Falls, large and numerous rivers, lakes and streams.
It has rich mineral resources such as gold, copper, iron, chromium, silver, zinc, clay gypsum,
limestone and phosphate. It is also the main source for hydroelectric power for Mindanao.
ECONOMY The major earners in the region are fishing, agriculture and forest- related products.
Hydroelectric power is provided by the Maria Cristina Falls. Steel, cement and coconut oil are
some of the important products of the region. Coconut, pineapple, rubber, sugarcane, rice, corn,
banana and other fruits are the main agricultural produce.
Central Mindanao is part of three Area Development Zones (ADZs): Cagayan Iligan Industrial
Corridor, the Greater Cotabato Illana Bay ADZ and the Panguil Bay- Mt. Malindang ADZ. The
Cagayan Iligan Industrial Corridor will be the center for heavy industry and bulk supplier of
industrial inputs and finished industrial products. It is envisioned to be a trade center for
processed agri-based products as well as for intermediate and finished products.
URBAN CENTERS The city of Iligan in Lanao del Norte serves as the urban center of Central
Mindanao. Light to heavy industries, tourist facilities, and institutions of higher learning can be
found in the area.
FACILITIES Maria Cristina Falls and other tourist attractions are found in the region.
Electricity, water systems, transportation, telecommunication and postal facilities are also
available.
Geography

The region has extensive coastlines, valleys and mountain ranges. Known for its river system,
the region is the catch basin of Mindanao. The system is a rich source of food, potable water and
energy production. Cotabato contains the Rio Grande de Mindanao, which is the longest river in
Mindanao and the second longest in the Philippines.

NCR

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

LOCATION
The National Capital Region (NCR), also known as Metropolitan Manila, is the capital region
of the Philippines. It is located in the southwestern portion of Luzon, directly below Central
Luzon. Lying along the flat alluvial and deltaic plains draining the Pasig River and Laguna de
Bay, its territory extends eastward and up the rolling hills of Marikina Valley and stops short
at the lowlying edges of Rizal province. It is bounded by the fertile plains of Central Luzon in
the North, the sweeping Sierra Madre Mountains in the East, and Laguna de Bay in the
South. Manila Bay, on the other hand, spreads out perfectly on the West, providing a great
canvass for the famed sunsets of Manila.
Latitude: N 14O 33 41.7298
Longtitude: E 121O 2 0.636

LAND AREA

The political and administrative boundaries of the

National Capital Region has not changed since its formation in 1975 as a public corporation
under Presidential Decree No. 824. Under said edict, Metro Manila is composed of the cities
and municipalities of Manila, Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Makati, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig,
Pateros, Quezon, Muntinlupa, Marikina, Las Pinas, Malabon, Navotas, San Juan, Taguig and
Valenzuela. In 1995, Congress enacted into law Republic Act No. 7924, reconstituting Metro
Manila as a special development and administrative region subject to direct supervision of
the President of the Philippines. No significant changes however were made in the
geopolitical boundaries of the region under RA 7924. The only notable changes that has
happened since then was the reclassification of some municipalities into cities. To this day,
only the town of Pateros remains classified as a municipality out of the 17 Local Government
Units (LGUs) comprising the region. The region has a total land area of 63,600 hectares,
more than half of which are classified as residential/commercial. The largest of the cities in
terms of land area is Quezon City while the smallest is San Juan, with 17,171 and 595
hectares respectively.
<<< NCR Land Area Distribution

GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Based on its geological features, Metro Manila may be subdivided into four (4) zones: the
Coastal Margin (including the reclaimed areas in Manila Bay), the Guadalupe Plateau, the
Marikina Valley, and the Laguna Lowlands. About 69 percent of the region rests on the
Guadalupe Plateau and Marikina Valley, an area with high elevation and solid geographical
foundations. The remaining 31 percent on the other hand are situated on the so-called
Coastal Margins and Laguna Lowlands which are flood-prone. The flood-prone areas is
comprised of the cities of Manila, Navotas, Malabon and parts of Caloocan. Land subsidence
and rising sea levels are seen as the cause of flooding in these areas, particularly in Navotas
and Malabon City. On the eastern part, the flood prone towns are Pasig City, Marikina City,
Municipality of Pateros and Taguig City. Heavy flood damage is experienced in these areas
due to recurrent flooding caused by the overflow of Pasig and Marikina rivers. The town of
Pateros and parts of Taguig City, specifically, can remain flooded for months.
CLIMATE

Owing to its proximity to the equator, the

Philippines features a tropical monsoon climate. In general, the country has a distinct,
relatively short dry season which run from January through April and a long wet season,
usually starting in May and ending in December. The wettest months are July, August, and
September, when thunderstorms are especially common. As for Metro Manila, its climate is
categorized as Type I according to the Modified Coronas Classification (see box). That is, dry
months usually run from November to April while rains are experienced throughout the year.
Already however, erratic changes in the climate patterns of the country are experienced and
is expected to become more unpredictable in the coming decades or so, especially as world
leaders today continue to ignore the issue of global warming and climate change. Recent
evidence, in fact, suggests a tendency for wetter conditions during the dry season, as the
frequency of heavy storms during this period has increased. This dynamic is most notable
during La Nia periods. Truth be told, a World Bank study has noted that the number of
rainy days in the Philippines has increased since the 1990s, as has the inter-annual
variability of the onset of rainfall. The Mean Annual Temperature of the region is 30.8C
while its Mean Annual Rainfall is 152.42 mm.

POPULATION

AND

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
As of 1 May 2010, the total population of NCR stands at 11,855,975 persons. This represents
a 20 percent increase in the total population count from the 2000 Census of Population and
Housing. By now, Metro Manila takes up almost 13 per cent of the entire countrys
population, making it the most densely populated among all the 17 administrative regions of
the country. With an annual growth rate of 1.78 per cent however, its share of the total
population is expected to double in less than four decades.
NCR Population 1990-2010 >>>

Copyright 2016 National Capital Region. All Rights Reserved.