To attain the regional twin goals of robust economic growth and poverty reduction from 2017 to 2022, Eastern Visayas needs public investments of PhP1.16 trillion. This amount represents the 15 strategies espoused in the Eastern Visayas Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2017-2022. Except for the first two (2) strategies, namely Providing an Enabling and Supportive Macroeconomic Environment and Promoting Regional Competitiveness, all strategies are specifically the Key Priority Thrusts, Main Strategies, and Foundations of the RDP Framework in Figure 1.
Figure 2 shows the infographic, i.e. indicative amounts and share to total, of these strategies. The design of the infographic resonates with the Sustainable Development Goals to indicate EV RDIP’s alignment with them.
Among the strategies, Accelerating Infrastructure Development has the lion’s share at 67.16 percent. This is not surprising since the region badly needs to address its infrastructure deficiencies. Some of the major infrastructure projects are the construction of bridges connecting the region to Luzon, Central Visayas, and Mindanao.
Considering that people are the greatest resource, the strategy Reducing Inequality in Opportunities for Human Development has the second largest share at 18.20 percent.
In terms of presentation, each strategy, unveiled separately, has a summary page highlighting succinctly its explanation, required investment, and the major programs and projects. Moreover, a table detailing its respective programs and projects, brief description, location, implementing agency, annual and total investment requirement from 2017 to 2022, and funding source follows.
Certain programs and projects, however, could address various strategies. They are enumerated in the most appropriate strategy to avoid duplication and double-counting in the EV RDIP. Case in point is the Skills Enhancement and Certification Program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. While it could be considered as a training component of the MSME Development Programs in the strategy Expanding Economic Opportunities in Industry (page 20), it is lodged in the strategy Reducing Inequality in Opportunities for Human Development (page 26).
In addition, specific projects1 are not identified separately in the EV RDIP. They are aggregated into one bigger project or program for simplicity. For instance, the different construction projects of access roads leading to declared tourism areas are fused as Tourism Road Infrastructure Priority Projects in the strategy Expanding Economic Opportunities in Services (page 23).