This document provides a status report on the Millennium Development Goals in Romblon Province, Philippines using data from the Community-Based Monitoring System. It begins with an introduction to Romblon Province and discusses the status of each of the 8 Millennium Development Goals based on CBMS data, identifying areas where the province is progressing well and other areas that require more work. It concludes by outlining priority programs, policies and financing needed to help Romblon achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

1. Province of ROMBLON
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Philippines Fourth Progress Report on the Millennium Development Goals using CBMS Data - Province of Province of Marinduque

2. Status Report on the
Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs)
Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

3. Foreword
Republic of the Philippines
PROVINCE OF ROMBLON
OFFICE OF THE VICE-GOVERNOR
I personally take recognition of the work and dedication spent by our
Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Provincial Team in making this
document, the Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using
CBMS Data (Province of Romblon).
This report gives every reader the 2007 general situation of the province of
Romblon and its municipalities vis-à-vis their achievement of the Millennium
Development Goals. It presents not only the threats and weaknesses we have
as a community, but also the equivalents strengths and the opportunities we can pursue.
Specifically, this report pictures to us how have we specially faired in the following eight (8) develop-
ment goals set by the United Nations:
1. Eradication of extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achievement of universal primary education
3. Promotion of gender equality and women empowerment
4. Reduction of child mortality
5. Improvement in maternal health
6. Combat of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensuring environmental sustainability, and
8. Developing a global partnership for development
Towards the end of this report, the reader is led to the proposed programs, projects and activities,
and their equivalent project costs. It also strongly suggests for the continuous updating of our CBMS.
This document therefore can be a great resource for all development institutions, workers, and
specially our local and national leaders whose love for the development of Romblon and its people
is real, sincere and overflowing. This can help them decide what programs, projects and activities will
they commit to fund and undertake; how much fund and when will they give.
Then we can be able to project what of these plans are achievable first, until 2015, and then beyond.
Again, sincere thanks to our Provincial Team, Dr. Celia Reyes and the PEP-CBMS Network, UNDP,
NEDA-SDS, the municipal governments in the province, the provincial offices and agencies, and to
all those who supported the preparation of this document.
ALICE CAPA-FETALVERO
Vice Governor
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Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

4. Preface
The province of Romblon is blest with abundant natural resources yet has difficulty
harnessing development due to limiting factors such as being archipelagic in nature.
Foremost in the agenda of the Local Development Councils is the eradication of poverty
and upliftment of the socioeconomic conditions of all Romblomanons. To achieve this
goal, we need massive financial resources and technical inputs to overcome our geophysi-
cal constraints. In our pursuit of the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs), aligning our meager resources in support of the universal development thrust
will enable the province to respond meaningfully to the challenge. We particularly need
to strengthen local governance and pass local legislations to effectively implement
national policies.
This report aims to present the status of the province and its component municipalities
in terms of the MDG targets based on data generated from the first implementation of
the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS). The data revealed that we have a
very good performance in combating malnutrition and promoting gender equality. We
need to maintain or even surpass what we have achieved so far while devising innovative
strategies to improve on the other indicators which are lagging behind. There is a need
for a concerted effort to engender a paradigm shift regarding the environment including
climate change if we want an immediate response to reverse environmental loss.
Poverty continued to be our vulnerability as majority of the population is below poverty
threshold. This is our greatest challenge. With the MDG report, we believe that the Local
Chief Executives and the Local Development Councils would realize the necessity to act
now by prioritizing plans/programs/activities that would enable us to make a decent
improvement in the lives of the people and make headways in achieving the MDG targets.
OSCAR VICENTE L. YLAGAN, JR.
Provincial Government Department Head
Provincial Planning and Development Office
Provincial Development Council Secretary
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Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

5. Acknowledgments
It has been a great honor and opportunity that Romblon was among the nine provinces in
the country chosen to participate in this laudable endeavor and come up with this document
that shows our status on the Millennium Development Goals. The preparation of this report is
made possible by the PEP-CBMS Network through the support of the United Nations Devel-
opment Programme (UNDP) and the National Economic and Development Authority-Social
Development Staff (NEDA-SDS).
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Celia Reyes and her Team in concep-
tualizing this project. We are also thankful for them in relentlessly providing us with technical
assistance and coaching sessions in generating the MDG indicators. For their patience and
understanding, and for being with us all the way, until we finish the report, we are heartily
grateful.
A million thanks also goes to the UNDP for supporting this undertaking and for the unique
experience we encountered in preparing the report.
Finally, we would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the Municipal Planning and
Development Coordinators (MPDCs), the Municipal Health Officers (MHOs) and other pro-
vincial offices and agencies, in sharing with us their insights regarding data analysis at their
areas of concern as well as their best practices.
The CBMS Provincial Team
OSCAR VICENTE L. YLAGAN, JR.
Provincial Government Dept. Head – PPDO
CBMS Provincial Lead Person
jylagan_ppdo@yahoo.com
EVELYN M. MAGAYAM GEMMA M. ETIS
Planning Officer IV Project Evaluation Officer IV
CBMS Focal Person CBMS TWG Member
billy_ppdo@yahoo.com gem_ppdo@yahoo.com
MELODINA M. VILLALUZ LIANY G. ROMERO
Project Evaluation Officer III Planning Officer II
CBMS TWG Member CBMS TWG Member
mellie_ppdo@yahoo.com gian_phil@yahoo.com
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Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

6. Message
The preparation of provincial MDGs reports is a critical step that Local Govern-
ment Units (LGUs) have taken in the overall effort to localize the MDGs. As it is
often said, the MDGs will be ‘won or lost’ at the local level given the conditions
of uneven progress and disparities across regions and provinces in the country.
Beyond the national averages, one can see wide disparities on the gains
in poverty reduction, universal education, child mortality and maternal health.
This situation reinforces the notion that the progress of each province is just as
important as the achievements of the country as a whole. After all, the Philippines’
progress towards the MDGs, is the sum of the efforts and gains of all LGUs.
By preparing provincial reports, LGUs are provided vital information on
the status of the MDGs in their areas of influence. These reports are important
sources of information for planning, resource allocation and priority setting that LGUs are tasked
under their mandate of effective local governance. Likewise, in the course of the preparation of the
reports, the capacity of LGUs to collect, monitor and use data for decision making has been greatly
enhanced. The reports also show how far the Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) that
UNDP has supported can go in terms of its use.
Against the backdrop of renewed optimism emanating from the new political leadership, this first
set of nine Provincial Reports on the MDGs is a timely and important milestone. The reports provide
crucial insights on how to overcome the constraints in achieving the MDGs locally as the country
gears towards the last stretch to attain the eight goals by 2015. They also emphasize the important
role of active collaboration of political leaders, stakeholders, and donors in achieving the MDGs.
I wish to commend the nine Provincial Governments that prepared their reports – the Agusan
del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Biliran, Camarines Norte, Eastern Samar, Marinduque, Romblon, Sa-
rangani, and Siquijor Province – the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Network and
the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for working together in bringing about
this important accomplishment.
With this initiative, it is hoped that other provinces will follow suit to attain nationwide support
for the need to accelerate the pace of the achievement of the MDGs by 2015.s
Dr
Dr. Jacqueline Badcock
UN Resident Coordinator and
UNDP Resident Representative
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Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

7. Message
Republic of the Philippines
PROVINCE OF ROMBLON
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
The Declaration of the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs) by member states of the United Nations including the
Philippine Government (PG) has posed a great challenge to the
country and to the Local Government Units (LGUs) as well. At
the onset, the absence of baseline data at the grass-root level
and the lack of local monitoring tool to determine the status of
the LGUs in terms of the MDG targets has been a hindrance
in setting local targets.
The Regional Development Council (RDC) Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) initiative to implement a
common database system in the region and the subsequent implementation of the Community-
Based Monitoring System (CBMS) in the Province of Romblon has proven to be a very provident
endeavor. With CBMS, the availability of data at each geo-political level—barangay, municipality
and province—has been a great help in our assessment of the demographic and socioeconomic
condition of the province and its 17 component municipalities as well as the indicators monitored
under the MDG.
Since this is the first round of CBMS implementation in the province, we still cannot track our
progress in attaining the MDGs. What we can offer instead is a glimpse of where we stand at
present, and strive to contribute to the achievement of the national target. Our current status can
also be our benchmark in monitoring the impacts of projects being implemented and gauge the
effects of the general services provided aimed at improving the general welfare of our people.
The province and its 17 component municipalities have agreed to update the CBMS database
this 2010 and we are very optimistic that the data generated will provide us insights as to our
response to MDG challenge as well as the impact of our services to the lives of our constituents.
This will help us a lot in focusing our interventions to where and whom it is most needed.
Hopefully, the preparation of the provincial MDG report can provide us with meaningful
analysis not only on the MDG indicators but also on our general situation and shall be the
basis in formulating development plans and strategies that would be responsive to achieve our
objectives as well as the MDGs. The MDG Report will steer us to our quest for a better fut
s future
and will further aid us in our quest for a unified, self-reliant and ecologically-balanced province.
d provin
v
NATALIO F. BELTRAN III
Gover
Governor
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Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

8. Table of Contents
Foreword Vice-Governor Alice Capa-Fetalvero .................................... 2
Preface Provincial Government Department Head
Oscar Vicente L. Ylagan, Jr. .................................................. 3
Acknowledgments ...................................................................................... 4
Messages UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Jacqueline Badcock ................. 5
Governor Natalio F Beltran III ..................................................
. 6
Table of Contents ....................................................................................... 7
List of Acronyms ........................................................................................ 9
List of Tables .............................................................................................. 11
List of Figures ............................................................................................ 13
Executive Summary ............................................................................. 14
Part I. Provincial Profile
1. Brief Historical Background ............................................................... 22
2. Geo-Physical Environment ................................................................. 23
3. Population & Social Environment ....................................................... 24
4. Local Economy ................................................................................... 26
5. Infrastructure/Utilities/Facilities .......................................................... 27
6. Local Institutional Capability ............................................................. 28
Part II. Status Report on the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
1. Goal 1 - Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger ....................................... 30
2. Goal 2 - Achieve Universal Primary Education .......................................... 41
3. Goal 3 - Promote Gender Equality .......................................................... 48
..
4. Goal 4 - Reduce Child Mortality ............................................................. 55
5. Goal 5 - Improve Maternal Health ......................................................... 61
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Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

9. Table of Contents
6. Goal 6 - Combat HIV / AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases .................................... 66
7. Goal 7 - Ensure Environmental Sustainability ..................................................... 71
8. Goal 8 - Develop Global Partnership for Development ........................................ 79
Part III. Meeting the 2015 Challenge
1. Priority Programs and Policy Responses ........................................................ 85
2. Financing the MDGs ..................................................................................... 88
3. Monitoring the MDGs ...................................................................................
90
Explanatory Text .............................................................................................. 91
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Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

10. List of Acronyms
ADP Annual Development Plan
AHYD Adolescent Health & Youth Development
AICS Aid in Crisis Situation
ALS Alternative Learning Service
BBB Buntis Baby Bank
BEMONC Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care
BHS Barangay Health Station
BHW Barangay Health Workers
BLR Botika ng Lalawigan ng Romblon
BNB Botika ng Barangay
BNS Barangay Nutrition Scholar
CBFM Community-Based Forest Management
CBMIS Community-Based Management Information System
CBMS Community-Based Monitoring System
CDA Cooperative Development Agency
CEMONC Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care
DepEd Department of Education
DMFDH Don Modesto Formilleza District Hospital
DOLE Department of Labor and Employment
DSWD Department of Social Worker and Development
EC European Commission
ECCD Early Childhood Care & Development
F1 FOURmula One
FIC Fully Immunized Children
GAD Gender and Development
IAD/U Internal Audit Department/Unit
ICMRM Integrated Coastal and Marine Resources Management
IRA Internal Revenue Allotment
IRS International Reference Standard
ISF Integrated Social Forestry
IT Information Technology
LCE Local Chief Executive
LDC Local Development Council
LGU Local Government Unit
MDG Millennium Development Goals
MDH Malipayon District Hospital
MHO Municipal Health Office
MIMAROPA Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan
MOA Memorandum of Agreement
MPDC Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator
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Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

11. List of Acronyms
NEDA National Economic and Development Authority
NGO Non Government Organization
NPC National Power Corporation
NSCB National Statistical Coordination Board
OPT Operation Timbang
OTELCO Odiongan Telephone Corporation
PCS Provincial Communication System
PEP Progressive Economic Policy
PG Philippine Government
PHIC/Phil-Health Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
PHO Provincial Health Office
PIPH Provincewide Investment Plan for Health
PNAO Provincial Nutrition Action Officer
PNC Provincial Nutrition Committee
PPAN Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition
PPDO Provincial Planning and Development Office
4Ps Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
PTWG Provincial Technical Working Group
RDC Regional Development Council
RDH Romblon District Hospital
RHU Rural Health Unit
RIC Rural Improvement Club
ROMELCO Romblon Electric Cooperative
RPH Romblon Provincial Hospital
RSU Romblon State University
RW3SP Rural Water Supply Sanitation Sector Program
SEDIP Secondary Education Development & Improvement Program
SEF Special Education Fund
SPED Special Education
SWMP Solid Waste Management Plan
SUC State University/College
SWMP Solid Waste Management Plan
TB DOTS Tuberculosis Directly Observed Treatment Scheme
TEEP Third Elementary Education Program
TELOF Telecommunication Office
TIDH Tablas Island District Hospital
TIELCO Tablas Island Electric Cooperative
UN United Nations
UNDP United Nation Development Programme
VAWC Violence Against Women and their Children
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Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

12. List of Tables
Table 1. Summary of Findings of MDG Indicators, Province of Romblon, 2007
Table 2. Demographic Features, by Municipality, 2007
Table 3. Number of Schools and Enrollment, SY 2007 – 2008
Table 4. Participation and Completion Rate, SY 2007 – 2008
Table 5. Magnitude and Proportion of Households and Population Living Below Poverty Threshold, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 6. Magnitude and Proportion of Households and Population Living Below Food Threshold, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 7. Poverty Gap Ratio, by Urbanity, by municipality, 2007
Table 8. Employment Rate, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 9. Magnitude and Proportion of Households and Population who Experienced Food Shortage, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 10. Magnitude and Proportion of Underweight Children Under 5 years of Age, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 11. Magnitude and Proportion of Children Aged 6-12 Years Old Enrolled in Elementary School, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 12. Magnitude and Proportion of Children Aged 13-16 Years Old Enrolled in High School, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 13. Magnitude and Proportion of Children Aged 6-16 Years Old Enrolled in School, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 14. Literacy Rate of 15-24 Year-Olds, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 15. Ratio of Girls to Boys in Primary Education, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 16. Ratio of Girls to Boys in Secondary Education, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 17. Ratio of Girls to Boys in Tertiary Education, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 18. Ratio of Literate Females to Literate Males (15-24 years old), by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 19. Proportion of Seats Held by Women in Municipality and Province, by Municipality, 2007
Table 20. Magnitude and Proportion of Children Aged 0 to Less than 5 Years Old who Died, by sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 21. Magnitude and Proportion of Infants who Died, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 22. Magnitude and Proportion of Children Aged 1 to Less than 5 Years Old who Died, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 23. Magnitude and Proportion of Women Deaths Due to Pregnancy-Related Causes, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 24. Magnitude and Proportion of Couples who Use Contraception, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 25. Magnitude and Proportion of Couples Using Condom Among Those who are Practicing Contraception, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 26. Magnitude and Proportion of Deaths Associated with Malaria, by Sex, by Municipality, 2007
Table 27. Magnitude and Proportion of Deaths Associated with Tuberculosis, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 28. Magnitude and Proportion of Households and Population with Access to Safe Drinking Water, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 29. Magnitude and Proportion of Households and Population with Access to Sanitary Toilet Facility, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 30. Magnitude and Proportion of Households and Population who are Informal Settlers, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 31. Magnitude and Proportion of Households and Population Living in Makeshift Housing, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 32. Magnitude and Proportion of Households and Population Living in Inadequate Housing Conditions, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
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Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

13. List of Tables
Table 33. Magnitude and Proportion of Households with Landlines/Telephone Lines, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 34. Magnitude and Proportion of Households with Cellphones, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 35. Magnitude and proportion of Households with Computers, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Table 36. Estimates of Funding Requirements
Table 37. The CBMS-MDG Indicators and their Definition
Table 38. Poverty and Food Thresholds
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Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

14. List of Figures
Figure 1. Location of Romblon Province
Figure 2. Proportion of Population Living Below Poverty Threshold
Figure 3. Proportion of Population Living Below Food Threshold
Figure 4. Poverty Gap Ratio
Figure 5. Employment Rate
Figure 6. Proportion of Population Who Experienced Food Shortage
Figure 7. Prevalence of Underweight Children Under 5 Years of Age
Figure 8. Proportion of Children Aged 6-12 Years Old Enrolled in Elementary School
Figure 9. Proportion of Children Aged 13-16 Years Old Enrolled in High School
Figure 10. Proportion of Children Aged 6-16 Years Old Enrolled in School
Figure 11. Literacy Rate of 15-24 Years Olds
Figure 12. Ratio of Girls to Boys in Primary Education
Figure 13. Ratio of Girls to Boys in Secondary Education
Figure 14. Ratio of Girls to Boys in Tertiary Education
Figure 15. Ratio of Literate Females to Literate Males Aged 15-24 Years Old
Figure 16. Proportion of Seats Held by Women in Municipality and Province
Figure 17. Proportion of Children 0 to Less than 5 Years Old who Died
Figure 18. Proportion of Infants who Died
Figure 19. Proportion of Children Aged 1 to Less than 5 Years Old who Died
Figure 20. Proportion of Women Deaths Due to Pregnancy-Related causes
Figure 21. Proportion of Couples who Use Contraception
Figure 22. Proportion of Couples Using Condom Among Those who are Practicing
Contraception
Figure 23. Death Rates Associated with Malaria
Figure 24. Death Rates Associated with Tuberculosis
Figure 25. Proportion of Population with Access to Safe Drinking Water
Figure 26. Proportion of Population with Access to Sanitary Toilet Facility
Figure 27. Proportion of Population who are Informal Settlers
Figure 28. Proportion of Population who are Living in Makeshift Housing
Figure 29. Proportion of Population Living in Inadequate Housing Condition
Figure 30. Proportion of Households with Landlines/ Telephone Lines
Figure 31. Proportion of Households with Cellphones
Figure 32. Proportion of Households with Computers
Figure 33. CBMS Coverage in the Philippines (as of May 12, 2010)
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Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

15. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The endeavor to prepare a provincial 2.3 percentage point away from the 100
MDG report was a result of a collaborative percent target.
effort of the PEP-CBMS Network Coordinat- • Ratio of girls to boys in elementary is
ing Team, the Provincial Government of 0.9 but this is due to the higher popula-
Romblon and the UNDP-Philippines which tion of boys than girls. In high school and
aims to track progress towards the achieve- college, ratio is higher in favor of girls
ment of MDGs in the province and create a attending higher education at 1.0 and 1.1
document that would increase awareness of respectively.
local stakeholders regarding the universal • Ratio of literate females to males age
development thrust. 15-24 years old is lower at 0.9 accounting
for the higher male population than females
The report utilized the result of the 2007 in this age group.
CBMS survey and other administrative data. • No HIV/AIDs case in the province.
• The proportion of informal settlers in
The result presented in this report suggest- the population was low at 1.3 percent and
ed that there has been some good news, those living in makeshift housing was 2.1
and not so good news in some indicators percent.
but there are those that pose a great
challenge for the remaining five years until Not so good news:
the 2015 target. Without doubt, there is • Proportion of population who experi-
a need for a concerted effort among all enced food shortage was minimal at 3.0
stakeholders, from the national down to percent.
the local level, to make urgent response to • Employment rate was high at 97.7
achieve the MDG targets that would make percent although employment opportunities
a better life for every person in the province. provide low economic returns.
• Poverty gap ratio was moderate at 0.3.
Good news: • Proportion of children’s death at age 0
• Prevalence of underweight children to less than five years old was 0.6 percent,
under 5 years old was 8.12 percent which is infants at 1.8 percent and those 1 to less
already below the national target of 17.25 than 5 years old was 0.8 percent.
percent by 2015. • Proportion of women deaths due to
• Literacy rate among the 15-24 years pregnancy related causes was 0.2 percent.
old was high at 97.7 percent and was only • Proportion of population with access to
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Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

16. safe drinking water was 76.3 percent and children aged 6-16 enrolled in school
the proportion of population with access was 88.5 percent which is more than 10
to sanitary toilet facilities was 71.4 percent. percentage points short of the 2015 target
• Proportion of households with landlines/ of universal education.
telephone lines was a meager 1.2 percent • Only 26.4 percent of women held
but this is due to the province’s geophysical elective positions in the province at the
characteristics. barangay, municipal and provincial levels.
• Proportion of population with cellular • Contraceptive prevalence rate
phones was 27.0 percent but increasing. was 32.0 percent while the proportion of
• Proportion of population with computers couples using condom among those who
was low at only 3.34 percent because of the are practicing family planning was only 1.4
difficulty in obtaining internet connection. percent.
• Prevalence of death rates associ-
Posing great challenge: ated with tuberculosis was high at 46.68
• Proportion of population below poverty percent.
threshold was staggering at 68 percent • Proportion of population under
and those below food threshold was inadequate living condition was 43.1
55.7percent. percent because of the water and sanitation
• Proportion of children 6-12 years old component.
enrolled in elementary education was 77.1
percent, those 13-16 years old enrolled in Here is the summary of the status of the
high school was 78.4 percent and those MDG indicators based on the 2007 CBMS
result.
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Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

17. Table 1. Summary of findings of MDG indicators, Province of Romblon, 2007
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Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

18. Table 1. (Contrinued)
Source: CBMS Survey 2007
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Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

19. To achieve the MDG targets, the conver- the potential of our vast surrounding seas
gence of service providers from the national and develop industries based on marine
down to the local level is required. Likewise, resources.
the concerted efforts of all stakehold-
ers, including participation of NGOs is 2. Achieve Universal Primary Education
necessary to overcome the great challenge, It is noted that completion rate for both
particularly on poverty and education. elementary and high school is quite low.
The prioritization of our meager financial Strengthening the Early Childhood Care
resources to engender the desired results and Development (ECCD) program/
will help in the realization of our targets but daycare services and expanding the
we still need to seek outside fund sources to pre-elementary education services of the
be able to implement the myriad strategies Department of Education (DepEd) would
and projects essential for the attainment of help the students for the transition into the
the MDGs. elementary education system including their
readiness; hence will reduce dropouts.
Recommendations Intensify the Alternative Learning Service
for the areas very far from educational
1. Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger institutions and provide additional Special
To make an inroad in conquering poverty, Education (SPED) classes for those children
the national and provincial governments with special needs. The Tuloy Aral Walang
together with the LGUs must align provision Sagabal (TAWAG) program of the Depart-
of interventions needed to uplift the ment of Social Welfare and Development
socioeconomic conditions. Microfinancing (DSWD) should be expanded to cover
and small scale industries could trigger all municipalities. Improvement of school
progress coupled with strengthening of facilities including provision of books and
marketing linkages, particularly for the instructional materials will also inspire
marble and coconut based products. It children to study. We also need to provide
would be advantageous if each LGU can scholarship programs for deserving but
put up one industry to boost and increase poor students. Local School Boards should
the earning power of the people. look deeper into the issue of low participa-
tion in both elementary and high school.
Due to our geophysical characteristics, it Reasons for dropouts must be evaluated
is desirable to promote the tourism industry for proper strategies and solutions to be
that could create job opportunities. To implemented.
provide alternative sources of income we
should encourage our students to take 3. Promote Gender Equality and Women
technical/vocational courses. To enhance Empowerment
agricultural production, our Agricultural There is a pronounced trend that fewer
Technologists must go out of their way to males attend secondary and tertiary
teach the marginalized farmers with innova- education. Provision of livelihood projects
tive farming techniques, including use of to augment family income and short term
modern farm inputs. Likewise, we should tap technical and practical courses would
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Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

20. encourage some of them to at least finish the area of governance could make them
high school. To address this concern, a realize that they could also make a differ-
study must be made to determine the real ence and contribute to the well being of the
reasons so that adequate policies and community.
interventions could be put in place.
4. Reduce Child Mortality
For women empowerment, provision Institutionalizing the facility based birthing
of livelihood skills training with gender through upgrading of health facilities into
advocacy could increase their self-esteem standard Comprehensive Emergency
and will enable them to be productive Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC)
members of the community. The establish- facility in the case of hospitals and for the
ment of a One-Stop-Shop for victims Rural Health Units (RHUs) into a standard
of abuse and the Women’s Desk will Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn
encourage more women to report cases Care (BEMONC) facility. Improve services
of atrocities. Information and dissemina- of RHUs to include regular weekly/monthly
tion of the VAWC law will help decrease visit to remote barangays. Implementation
marital abuses including maltreatment of the Responsible Parenting Movement
of children. To encourage more women (RPM) through parents association could
to seek elected position and serve their generally encourage couples to practice
communities, women’s success stories in birth spacing using whatever method is
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Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

21. acceptable to them. Provision of Adoles- laws must be adhered to stop the degrada-
cent Health and Youth Development tion of our environment and start reversing
programs would also address the issues of the process. Approval of the Sangguniang
teenage pregnancies. Panlalawigan of the proposed Environmen-
tal Code is a priority to guide us in our quest
5. Improve Maternal Health for environmental sustainability.
Involvement and active participation of
all stakeholders, particularly the Municipal Expansion and establishment of fish
Health Officers (MHOs) can make a lot of sanctuaries, rehabilitation of mangroves
difference, particularly in service delivery and regular coastal cleanup can improve
and implementation of innovative program our marine resources. Reforestation of all
interventions. Utilize the Barangay Nutrition forest lands, including Mt. Guiting-guiting
Scholars (BNS) to monitor pregnant women Natural Park and support the Integrated
in their areas and encourage them to Social Forestry (ISF) and Community-
submit themselves for prenatal check-ups. Based Forestry Management (CBFM)
Replicate the innovative practices like the programs to hasten the recovery of our
Buntis Baby Project of LGU Cajidiocan forest cover. Immediate attention must
that encourages mothers to seek prenatal be made to rehabilitate our watershed
consultations through a savings scheme areas to improve current water sources.
for use at birth. Continuous information, Strengthen the implementation of the
education, and communication (IEC) on Integrated Coastal and Marine Resources
Reproductive Health and encourage would Management (ICMRM) to cover all areas
be mothers to submit for prenatal checkup. so that all economic activities could be
monitored. Proper mobilization of “Bantay
6. Combat HIV/AIDs, Malaria and other Diseases Dagat” agents to apprehend encroaching
Be vigilant to maintain the situation by commercial fishing vessels in municipal
providing the much needed information waters and strict implementation of fishery
dissemination campaign on the prevention laws and fines to discourage them.
as well as providing medical examination to
suspected carrier or infected individual. On For the informal/illegal settlers, establish-
tuberculosis, encourage all RHUs to seek ment of housing projects for their reloca-
accreditation to be a Tuberculosis Directly tion including provision of livelihood
Observed Treatment Scheme (TB DOTS) opportunities will dramatically improve their
facility to better respond to the challenge socioeconomic condition. For waterless
of providing treatment and cure to TB families, improvement of water system
positive patients. Provision of a sustained facility and provision of toilet bowls for
IEC campaign to encourage client to submit those without sanitary latrines would ensure
for sputum test and take complete treatment their health.
coupled with advocacy for a tuberculosis-free
LGU. For those living in makeshift housing,
expanding the core shelter assistance of
7. Ensure Environmental Sustainability the DSWD would address some of them
Strict implementation of environmental together with the provision of skills training
20
Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

22. and livelihood assistance. Expansion of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), hence,
4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) the 20 percent allocation for develop-
would significantly improve the conditions ment projects of the provincial govern-
of the poorest of the poor. ment is a meager P80M yearly which is
further allotted to social services sector,
8. Development for Global Partnership economic services sector and general
Provision of career options particularly public sector, including payment for loan
for our younger generation could bring in obligations.
development because of a highly educated
labor force. Priority is the establishment of a The estimated funding requirement for
Research Facility for research studies in any the proposed plans/programs/activities
field, particularly, on the endemic species for the next six years for the achievement
and biodiversity found in Sibuyan Island, of the MDG targets in 2015 is around
and high value agricultural products suited P560M which partly has to be sourced
to the province’s unique land characteris- out from funding agencies including
tics. Official Development Assistance (ODA)
for the province to realize local targets.
Improvement of internet access including
relay stations for cell signal to increase For the health reform program, the
communication within and even outside province received a grant from the
the country is a must. Encourage all High European Commission amounting
School Principals provincewide to include to P77M and an additional P35M
computer literacy in their academic curricu- from the Department of Health (DOH)
lum for students to be ready for college and counterpart for a total of P112M health
their chosen field in the future. package under the Province-wide
Investment Plan for Health (PIPH) for a
four-year implementation period which
Funding Requirements is not reflected in the proposed plans/
program/activities found in the latter
The province including the component part of this report under Financing the
LGUs are highly dependent on the MDGs.
21
Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

23. Part 1.
Provincial Profile
1. History
The Negritoes were the aborigines of the The Japanese Imperial Forces maintained
islands comprising the province of Romblon. a garrison in Romblon during World
The Mangyans were the first settlers. Today, War II from 1942 until the Naval Battle
these groups of inhabitants are almost extinct of Sibuyan on October 25, 1945. The
with only a few of their descendants living in islands became the center of considerable
the mountain of Tablas and in the interior of resistance movement under the direction of
Sibuyan Island. A great portion of the present General Macario Peralta, Jr. from his Panay
population descended from the Nayons and headquarters. One of the most exciting
the Onhans who immigrated to the islands incidents of the Pacific War took place
from Panay and the Bicols and Tagalogs who in the waters of Romblon, the Naval Air
came from Luzon as early as 1870. Battles between Japanese Admiral Kurita’s
Fleet from Singapore and Admiral Halseys’
Romblon was created as a regular carrier planes from the American Third Fleet
province in 1901 but due to insufficient then stationed east of the Philippines.
income, it became a subprovince of Capiz
in 1907 until December 7, 1917, when Act The province of Romblon was liberated on
No. 2724 reestablished the former province March 12, 1945 by units of the 24th Infantry
of Romblon. Under Commonwealth Act No. Division under the command of a Colonel
581, enacted without executive approval on Clifford. On January 1, 1947, Romblon
June 8, 1940, the province was reorganized regained her Provincial Status through the
with four towns, namely: Tablas (embracing passage of Republic Act No. 38, which
Odiongan, Looc, Badajos, Santa Fe and was sponsored by Congressman Modesto
Despujols), Romblon (comprising Logbon, Formilleza. The law not only repealed C.A.
Cobrador and Alad), Banton (involving 581 but also restored the regular provincial
Simara and Maestre de Campo), and government and the Municipalities of
Sibuyan (with the towns of Cajidiocan, Romblon and created the municipality of
Magdiwang and San Fernando). Santa Fe.
22
Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

24. Figure 1. Location of Romblon Province
2. Geo-Physical Environment its 17 municipalities, nine are located in
Tablas Island (San Agustin, Calatrava,
The province of Romblon is strategi- San Andres, Odiongan, Ferrol, Santa Fe,
cally situated at the center of the Philippine Looc, Alcantara and Santa Maria), three
Archipelago. It is composed of three major in Sibuyan Island (Magdiwang, Cajidiocan
islands (Tablas, Sibuyan and Romblon) and San Fernando) and five (Romblon, San
and seventeen minor and small islands. Jose, Banton, Concepcion and Corcuera)
It is surrounded by deep waters, and is are island municipalities.
bounded by the islands of Masbate in the
east, Mindoro in the west, Marinduque The province is generally mountainous
in the north and Panay in the south. It with about 40 percent of its land area
is approximately 187 nautical miles and having slopes greater than 50 percent. Only
169 air miles south of Manila. The islands 4 percent of the total area has 3 to 8 percent
are dispersed and accessible only by sea slopes while a sparse 10 percent has 0 to 3
transportation except for Tablas Island percent inclination. Narrow strips of coastal
where a domestic airport is located in the lowlands, low hills and plains typify the
municipality of Alcantara. topography of some of the islands.
The total land area of the province is The major locations of areas that are
approximately 1,355.9 sq. km. represent- highly productive and buildable are
ing about 5.30 percent of the total land basically in Tablas and Sibuyan Islands. In
area of Region IV-B (MIMAROPA). Of Tablas, these maybe found in Odiongan,
23
Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

25. San Andres, Looc and Santa Fe. All three
municipalities in Sibuyan Island on the
How Romblon Got Its Name
other hand, have substantial level to gently A legendary tale tells of how Romblon got its
sloping lands. Overall, good developable name. When Loarca’s expedition touched sand
lands represent only about 13 percent of in Romblon, one of the soldiers rumbled in the
the province’s total area. beach. Tired of strolling, he felt thirsty, went
up a house and asked for a drink. The low-built
The province of Romblon falls under Type hut where he went up was a primitive one-room
shelter. Inside it was a hen’s nest somewhere at
III of the Corona’s climatic classification
the top of a post near the window. A hen was
system. It is characterized by no pronounced hatching eggs therein. The Castillan soldier in-
wet and dry seasons. Generally, the wet quired if he could get the chicken for free. The
season is from June to November and house occupant, a young woman, did not com-
sometimes extends up to December when prehend what the visitor said so she answered in
the southwest monsoon is predominant. the dialect “nagalomlom”, meaning the chicken
The dry season is from January to May that was brooding. Perplexed, the Spanish soldier left
the house muttering in disgust the word “naga-
is sometimes interrupted by erratic rainfall.
lomlom”. Then when he returned to the ship he
was asked where he had been and he answered
3. Population and Social mockingly - “nagalomlom”.
Environment
When the Iberians left, they named the island
Population “Nagalomlom” until it was corrupted to Domblon,
As of Census 2007, Romblon has a and later on modified to Romblon.
population of 279,774. It ranked 4th
Since then, the group of islands scattered in
among the five provinces of Region IV-B
the surrounding water area was named Romblon.
(MIMAROPA) and had about 11 percent
share of the total regional population. The
most populous municipalities in the province Population density for the province stood at
are Odiongan, Romblon and San Fernando. around 206 persons per sq. km. Population
Combined, these three municipalities density is highest in the island municipalities
accounted for 36 percent of the provincial of Corcuera with 465 and San Jose with
population. 326 persons per sq. km. The least densely
The municipalities with the least popula- populated municipalities are Calatrava and
tion are Concepcion and Ferrol with only Magdiwang with 112 and 115 persons per
4,166 and 6,595 population, respectively. sq. km. respectively.
Population growth rate for the province
was registered at 0.78 for the period 2000 to Health Services
2007, the second lowest in the MIMAROPA There are eight hospitals in the province,
region. The municipalities that showed the all of which are government-owned. The
highest population growth rates are Santa hospitals in Tablas Island are the follow-
Fe and San Jose with 1.99 and 1.90. Two ing: Romblon Provincial Hospital (RPH) in
municipalities registered a negative growth Odiongan (75 beds), Tablas Island District
rate, Concepcion with -1.60 and Corcuera Hospital (TIDH) in San Agustin (25 beds)
with -0.90, both island municipalities. Don Modesto Formilleza District Hospital
24
Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

26. Table 2. Demographic Features, By Municipality
3.3 Education
Based on the report from the
DepEd Division of Romblon for
CY 2007-2008, there are 477
schools offering pre-elementa-
ry, elementary and secondary
education in the province. For
pre-elementary, a total of 200
schools of which 18 are private
and 182 are public serves the
province. For elementary, a total
of 226 schools, 11 of them private
and 215 public schools. For
secondary, a total of 51 schools
are available, 10 are private, 38
Source: NSO, 2007 Census of Population are public and 3 are under State
University/College (SUCs). Enroll-
(DMFDH) in Looc (25 beds) and San Andres ment for the same schoolyear totals 8,307
District Hospital (6 beds). In Sibuyan Island, for pre-school, 51,995 for elementary and
the Sibuyan District Hospital in Cajidiocan 27,122 for secondary. The report further
can accommodate 25 in-patients. In the shows that almost 95 percent of the basic
island municipalities, the San Jose District education enrollees in the division are in
Hospital in San Jose has 10 beds, the public schools, as can be gleaned from the
Malipayon District Hospital in Corcuera has table below.
10 beds and the Romblon District Hospital
in the capital town of Romblon has 75 For elementary school participation rate,
beds. The total bed capacity of the eight Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) or those
hospitals is 251 or a bed to population ratio enrolled in elementary regardless of age
of 1:1,115.
Table 3. Number of Schools and Enrollment Data, SY 2007-2008
25
Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

27. for CY 2007-2008 is 98.7 percent while Net Due to the geographical condition of the
Enrollment Ratio (NET) or those enrolled in province, crops and livestock production is
elementary age 6-12 is only 80.22 percent. generally deficient as compared to the food
For the same year, elementary comple- requirements of Romblon population. To
tion rate is recorded at 68.05 percent. For meet the rice requirements, Romblon relies
secondary participation rate for the same on imports from the neighboring provinces
period, the division recorded a GER of 72.8 where vegetables, poultry meat, vegetables
percent while NET or those enrolled in high and fruits are supplied mostly by Luzon.
school aged 13-16 is only 52.3 percent.
Completion rate for secondary school Coastal Marine Resources
for the same period is recorded at 72.22
percent. Fishing industry can be a major enterprise
as Romblon is surrounded by bodies of
4. Local Economy water. The fishing ground of Romblon is
a migratory path of fishes from Sulu and
Agriculture and Livestock Visayan Seas passing Tablas Strait, Sibuyan
Sea and Romblon Pass. The waters also
Agriculture is the main industry in the abound with demersal fishes due to the
province. Coconut is the number one crop coral reefs surrounding the islands.
with a total planted area of 58,270.44
hectares. San Agustin has the most Because the province has a great potential
extensive area with coconut plants followed for aqua/marine development, the province
by Romblon and Cajidiocan. Rice is the implemented a coastal and resource
next crop being produced particularly in management program. Each municipality
Odiongan, Looc, Cajidiocan and Santa established a fish sanctuary and passed
Fe. Other crops grown include root crops, laws on fishery. The use of compressor in
vegetables and fruits. Odiongan, Banton the municipal waters was regulated and
and Magdiwang have the greatest areas banned altogether in some municipalities.
planted with root crops and correspond-
ingly, with the highest volume of production. Mineral Resources
Vegetable production is mostly for home
consumption and grown in small scale. Marble is the most significant mineral
deposit of Romblon and is the most
Livestock development and poultry renowned product of the province. Based
production is a viable smallscale enterprise on statistics, Romblon is the second biggest
for farmers in the province. The provincial provincial marble producer of the country
government maintains breeding facilities next to Bulacan. Romblon marble is of very
in strategic locations provincewide to high quality and comes in shades of white,
encourage farmers to engage in livestock green, pink, red and black. The Mines
and poultry production to augment their and Geosciences Bureau has estimated
income. Livestock and poultry manage- that Romblon is endowed with about 150
ment training and seminars is provided to million metric tons of marble. At current
interested clients. rates of extraction, the supply may last for
26
Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

28. three more centuries. Tablas Island is also percent of these road networks are located
believed to have vast reserves of marble. in Tablas Island. By road category, majority
are national roads with total length of
Marble quarrying and processing are 311.046 kilometers, followed by provincial
major activities in Romblon. Among the roads with 239.005 kilometers. There is no
most common marble products are catego- available data for municipal and barangays
rized into the following: novelty items (gifts, roads. By surface type, most of the roads
ashtray, table bars), furniture (dining tables, were paved by gravel/earth, portions of
baptismal fonts) and construction materials circumferential roads are also concrete as
(tiles, balusters, marble chips). well as most roads in Poblacion.
Other mineral resources with consider- The primary modes of land transportation
able quantity include nickel ore and gold in the province are jeepneys, motorcy-
mostly to be found in Sibuyan Island. cles, mini-buses and tricycles that serve
Gold panning and smallscale mining is a inter-municipal movements and linkages.
lucrative undertaking in the municipality of Motorized bancas provide transport means
Magdiwang. from island to island. At present, there is
an available domestic flight in Tablas Island
Tourism to and from Manila three times a week.
Romblon’s exotic blend of sun, sea and Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ships facilitate
forest, together with its peaceful and friendly movement outside the province via the port
people make it an enchanting destination for of Batangas.
nature and adventure travelers. Both local
and international tourists can have their pick Water Supply
of diverse and interesting places and activi- Out of 17 municipalities, 14 have Level III
ties they can find in our 20 islands and islets. water supply systems serving about 32.57
The province has white sand beaches, secret percent of the total provincial households.
coves and serene islets, waterfalls, historic Level III has a reservoir with house-to-house
sites, old churches and caves believed to connections. Majority of households in the
be ancient burial sites. Mt. Guiting-Guiting province were serviced by Levels II and I
Natural Park in Sibuyan Island is a famous water system. Level I category is a common
site for mountain climbing. Moreover, it is a facility where the community members get
center for plant diversity and home to many their water supply from shallow wells and
native, endangered and rare and vulnerable deep wells while Level II has a reservoir
birds, mammals and reptiles. with communal faucet. Based on the 2007
CBMS report, the proportion of population
5. Infrastructure/Utilities/Facilities with access to safe drinking water is 76.28
percent.
Road Network
The coastal roads traversing the major Power Supply
islands of Romblon, Sibuyan and Tablas Power supply is generated by the National
Island form the backbone of the road Power Corporation (NPC) and serviced by
network of the province. Roughly 70 two electric cooperatives.
27
Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

29. Tablas Island Electric Cooperatives 6. Local Institutional Capability
(TIELCO) serves the power needs of Tablas
Island including the island municipality of Romblon has been reclassified as a third
San Jose. As of 2006, TIELCO has a total class province as of CY 2002. A lone
of 21,097 house connections. congressional district, it is made up of 17
municipalities and 219 barangays. Below
Romblon Electric Cooperative is a list of the municipalities, the number of
(ROMELCO) supplies the capital town of barangays and income classification.
Romblon as well as Sibuyan Island. As
of the year 2007, ROMELCO has 5,288 1. Romblon – 3rd class, the capital town
house connections in Romblon and 5,150 comprising 31 barangays
house connections in the three municipali- 2. Alcantara – 5th class municipality with
ties located in Sibuyan Island or a total of 12 barangays
10,438 house connections in their franchise 3. Banton – 5th class municipality with 17
area. barangays
4. Cajidiocan – 4th class municipality with
The Islands of Banton, Concepcion and 14 barangays
Corcuera are attended to by the National 5. Calatrava – 5th class municipality with
Power Corporation (NPC) through the 7 barangays
municipal governments. 6. Concepcion – 6th class municipality
with 9 barangays
Telecommunications 7. Corcuera – 5th class municipality with
The province has several operating 15 barangays
telecommunication exchanges, namely: 8. Ferrol – 6th class municipality with 6
Kayumanggi, Romblontel, Odiongan barangays
Telephone Corporation (OTELCO), the 9. Looc – 4th class municipality with 12
Telecommunication Office (TELOF), barangays
Telegram System, Liberty Phone, Public 10. Magdiwang – 5th class municipality
Calling Stations under the DOTC and the with 9 barangays
Provincial Communication System (PCS) 11. Odiongan – 2nd class municipality
radio transceivers and receivers. SMART with 25 barangays
and GLOBE telecommunications have 12. San Agustin – 4th class municipality
relay stations in the three urban centers of with 15 barangays
Romblon, Odiongan and Cajidiocan. Most 13. San Andres – 5th class municipality
areas in the province are already connected with 13 barangays
through cellphones except in some places 14. San Fernando – 4th class municipality
were the signal is weak or non-existent with 12 barangays
because of towering mountains that block 15. San Jose – 6th class municipality with
the signal. The triple peak in Santa Maria 5 barangays
has a relay station for GMA, PLDT and 16. Santa Fe – 5th class municipality with
Liberty Phones. 11 barangays
28
Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

30. 17. Santa Maria – 5th class
municipality with 6 barangays
There are several banking
facilities in the municipalities of
Odiongan and Romblon. Rural
banks facilitate loans and savings
account in the municipalities
without commercial banks like San
Agustin, Looc, Alcantara, Santa Fe,
Cajidiocan and San Fernando.
Based on the latest report from
the Romblon Police Office, the
province is considered one of
the most peaceful in the country
with a minimal volume of crimes.
It has maintained the peace and
tranquility of the place and never
contributed to the destabiliza-
tion of the country. The local
communist movement is hardly
felt in any part of the province
with no atrocity committed
against government personnel
or establishment. Syndicated
crime groups and criminal gangs
continue to be non-existent and
crime incidents are more often
non-index crimes.
29
Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

31. Part 2. Status Report
on the Millennium
Development Goals
Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme
Poverty and Hunger
Target 1.A : Halve between 1990 and Based on the report from the National Statisti-
2015, the proportion of people whose cal Coordination Board (NSCB), Romblon
income is less than one dollar a day. ranked 10th poorest in 2000 (52.2%), 25th in
both 2003 (37.5%) and 2006 (41.9%) among
A. Status and Trends the 81 provinces of the country. According
to the 2007 CBMS data, the proportion of
Proportion of Population Below Poverty Threshold population below poverty threshold is a
staggering 68.00 percent. The underlying
The province of Romblon belongs to the 10 cause of widespread poverty in the province
poorest provinces in the Philippines in 2000. is due to low economic returns as majority
30
Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

32. of the people are marginal farmers Figure2. Proportion of Population Living Below Poverty Threshold
and fishermen with very little income
generated in traditional farming and
fishing.
By municipality, the LGU that
posted the highest proportion of
population below poverty threshold
is Ferrol with 80.47 percent followed
by Magdiwang with 78.93 percent.
Ferrol is a 6th class municipality and
most of the employees working in the
LGU are residents of the neighboring
more prosperous town of Odiongan.
The municipality that recorded the
lowest proportion in this indicator
is Odiongan with 56.27 percent.
Odiongan is the only municipality
classified as second class LGU, and
where the only SUC in the province
is located.
Table 5: Magnitude and Proportion of Households and Population Living Below Poverty Threshold, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Source: CBMS Database 2007
31
Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

33. Figure 3. Proportion of Population Living Below Poverty Threshold Proportion of Population Living
Below Food Threshold
More than half (55.68%)
of the Romblon’s popula-
tion are living below food
threshold. Ferrol ranked
highest with 71.67 percent
followed by Magdiwang
with 68.96 percent.
Odiongan has the lowest
with 43.55 percent.
Table 6: Magnitude and Proportion of Households and Population Living Below Food Threshold
32 Source: CBMS Database 2007
Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

34. Poverty Gap Ratio Table 7: Poverty Gap Ratio, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
The poverty gap ratio or the
mean distance separating the
population from poverty line is only
0.34. This suggests that the people
of the province are not without
hope of overcoming poverty if
they were to be given a perfectly
targeted intervention to improve
their economic status. On this
indicator, San Andres posted the
highest ratio of 0.6 while Corcuera
and Santa Fe posted the lowest
ratios of .26. San Andres is basical-
ly an agricultural area with farmers
and tenants. On the other hand,
Corcuera is an island municipality
where most inhabitants engage in
fishing activities.
Figure 4. Poverty Gap Ratio Source: CBMS Database 2007
33
Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

35. Table 8: Employment Rate, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Source: CBMS Database 2007
Figure 6. Employment Rate
Target 1.B: Achieve full and productive
employment and decent work for all,
including women and young people
Employment Rate
Based on the 2007 CBMS data, employ-
ment rate for the period is high at 97.73
percent for the province. Although most of
the people in the province are employed,
their jobs offer very little economic return.
The LGU that posted the highest employment
rate is Banton with 99.70 percent followed by
Corcuera with 99.39 percent. Both are island
municipalities whose major economic activi-
ties are farming and fishing. San Andres has
34
Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

36. Table 9: Magnitude and Proportion of Households and Population who Experienced Food Shortage, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Source: CBMS Database 2007
the lowest employment rate with 84.78 Figure 6. Proportion of Population who Experienced Food Shortage
percent and posted the highest poverty
gap ratio in the entire province. Majority
of the people employed in San Andres
are tenant farmers with very low income.
Target 1.C: Halve between 1990 and
2015, the proportion of people who
suffer from hunger.
Proportion of Population Who
Experienced Food Shortage
Based on the 2007 CBMS data, the
province recorded a proportion of
3.02 percent of population who experi-
enced food shortage. Considering
35
Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

37. Table 10: Magnitude and Proportion of Underweight Children Under 5 Years of Age, by Sex, by Urbanity, by Municipality, 2007
Source: CBMS Database 2007
the high proportion of poverty incidence, Prevalence of Underweight Children
it is interesting to note that only a scant Under 5 years of Age
proportion of the population experienced
food shortage. This is due to the fact that In the case of the province of Romblon, the
Romblon is blest with abundant natural indicator on the prevalence of underweight
resources. One can get food in the forest, children under five years old shows a
rivers and the vast surrounding seas. very promising trend. Based on the data
from the Office of the Provincial Nutrition
The LGUs that posted a two digit proportion Action Officer (PNAO), the malnutrition
in this particular indicator are Magdiwang prevalence rate in 1991 for the province
with 16.19 percent and San Fernando with was recorded at 20.02 percent. The figure
10.32 percent, both in Sibuyan Island. These had steadily gone down since. However,
two municipalities have indigenous people with the implementation of the International
living in the mountains and are dependent Reference Standard (IRS), a high 19.04
on traditional farming. The rest of the LGUs percent was recorded in 2003. Data from
posted zero or a low proportion of below the PNAO record of the yearly Operation
5 percent. Timbang (OPT) has shown a gradual
36
Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

38. Figure 7. Proportion of Underweight Children Under 5 Years of Age
decrease on the malnutrition prevalence B. Current Policies and Programs
rate since then.
The elected officials of the province are
Based on the 2007 CBMS data, prevalence very much aware that Romblon is among
of underweight children under five years old the poorest provinces in the country.
is recorded at 8.15 percent. The national Hence, most plans, program and activi-
baseline data on this particular indicator ties prioritized in the 20 percent Annual
is 34.5 percent and the national target for Development Fund (ADF) were geared
2015 is 17.3 percent. The current statistics towards the upliftment of the socioeconomic
shows that the province’s data is below the condition of the people. The province and
national target and will likely maintain this the LGUs have targeted the marginalized
trend. At the municipal level, Magdiwang sector and provided them assistance in the
registered the highest prevalence of form of livestock dispersal, vegetable seeds
underweight children under five years old distribution and other livelihood opportuni-
based on the 2007 CBMS data with 16.93 ties to help eradicate extreme poverty and
percent. It was followed by Alcantara with hunger. For those people in crises situation
16.53 percent and Ferrol with 16.07 percent. and those affected by disaster or calamities,
The municipality with the lowest prevalence the provincial and municipal governments
rate is San Jose with only 1.52 percent. provided them with financial assistance
37
Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon

39. and materials to help them overcome their ent weather. Coupled with the fact that the
dire situation. However, due to financial province is generally mountainous, develop-
constraints, the provincial and local govern- ment initiatives are limited to smallscale
ments can only provide very minimal economic enterprises, not enough to spur
intervention and cannot really sustain the massive economic growth. Because of these
effort as other priority needs have also to limitations, the province does not attract
be given preference. outside investment that could generate more
job opportunities for our people.
The National Government has also
launched the Hunger Mitigation program Another hindrance in our efforts to allevi-
which the provincial and local governments ate poverty is the meager income derived
is trying to institutionalize in their local from local sources. The province has no
programs to help achieve national target. tax base to generate income aside from
real property taxes which is scant; hence
C. Challenges the province is very much dependent on
its share of the Internal Revenue Allotment
The primary challenge for economic (IRA). Because there are not enough funds
development and the eradication of poverty to pursue relevant economic initiatives or
and hunger is basically our geo-physical even provide pump priming activities for
environment. Being archipelagic in nature, short term relief, the province and most
accessibility to some island municipalities LGUs are hard pressed to make do of what
is very difficult particularly during inclem- they can with their limited resources.
38
Province of Romblon Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data

40. Supplemental Feeding Program for Malnourished Children
Mrs. Gloria Elizabeth M. Merida –Nutrition Officer IV while holding the pot, while Mrs. Ara M. Magallon-Engineering Aide and Mrs. Estrella
M.Galindez-office helper , watching.
Although the province is technically poor implementation of the seven (7)
because of the low income of most people, it is Philippine Plan of Action for Nutri-
very pleased to report that malnutrition is an tion (PPAN) impact programs and
area given priority and attention resulting to its facilitating activities were opera-
low prevalence. This can be attributed to the tionalized provincewide. Under this
relentless efforts of the provincial government, program, the Provincial Nutrition
LGUs, as well as barangay officials in providing Committee was formed. Some of
supplemental feeding for malnourished children. the facilitating factors that helped
Feeding programs in the province are a concerted improve the malnutrition situation are:
effort among stakeholders, thus, usually achiev- 1. Deployment of Barangay Nutrition
ing the desired effect. The annual Nutrition Scholars (BNS) in all barangays
Month celebration has proven to be an effective 2. Provision of prescribed salter-type
advocacy mechanism that provides information weighing scales to all BNS province-wide
on health and nutrition related issues. The local 3. Active involvement of PNC members
Mr. Joey B. Morale-PNAO, watching the children falling in line to get „lugaw‰
39
Status Report on the Millennium Development Goals Using CBMS Data
Province of Romblon