The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA – RSSO 8) bagged third place Regional Statistical Service Office in the 2017 Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Awards.

RSSO – 8 was also awarded 2nd Place in Information Dissemination Category and 3rd Place in Financial, Human Resource and Administrative Services Category. These awards affirms how PSA – RSSO 8 have worked hard in 2017 to be a responsive and world-class organization able to provide stakeholders and the general public with timely, relevant and reliable data as well as to deliver efficient civil registration services. Plaque and Certificates were received by Regional Director Wilma A. Perante during the 2017 PSA Awards Night on 23 March 2018 at The Heritage Hotel Manila, Pasay City. The PSA Awards is an incentive system aimed to ensure timely delivery of quality outputs in the implementation of PSA’s mandated activities. It is also intended to increase the PSA’s visibility among its stakeholders.

Page 1

PSA - EV bags 3rd Place in

the 2017 PSA Awards

PSA - EV celebrates 2018 Civil

Registration Month

Page 2

PSA - EV celebrates 2018 Civil

Registration Month

Page 3

PSA - EV conducts first ever

CRVS Jingle Dance Contest

Requests for Civil Registry

Documents at Tacoban Serbilis Center in the First Quarter of 2018 highest in February

Page 4 - 6

Human Resource Activities

Page 7

PSA - EV conducts Corporate

Social Responsibility

Page 8 - 11

Statisical Operations and

Coordination Activities

Page 12

Price Statistics

Page 13

Labor and Employment

Statistics

Page 14 - 20

Agriculture Statistics

NL-201805-01 The Official Quarterly Newsletter of Philippine Statistics Authority - RSSO VIII Jan - Mar 2018

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA-RSSO 8) celebrated this year’s Civil Registration Month (CRM) with the theme ――#napapanahongCRVS‖.

The 2018 CRM celebration in the region kicked-off with a caravan participated in by PSA-RSSO 8, PSA - Provincial Statistical Offices (PSOs), and Local Civil Registry personnel in the region on 2 February. This was followed by a Program hosted by LGU - Alangalang. NEWS SA OTSO/Page 2

PSA - EV celebrates 2018 Civil Registration Month

Among the activities conducted during the month-long celebration were symposia and data dissemination on Vital Statistics and Civil Registration Laws in secondary schools, Civil Registration trainings, poster making contests, media interviews, and hanging of CRM streamers and tarpaulins. Other activities related to the CRM celebration initiated by the different Local Civil Registry Offices (LCROs) in coordination with PSA were mass weddings and mobile registrations. To cap off the Civil Registration Month celebration, the PSA-RSSO 8, in coordination with the Eastern Visayas Federation of Provincial Associations of Civil Registrars (EVFPACR) successfully conducted the 2018 Regional Civil Registration Quiz in Catbalogan City, Samar on 27 February 2018. Among the 21 contestants from different secondary schools in the region, Mr. Siehr C. Maureal of Ichon National High School, Macrohon, Southern Leyte emerged as Regional Champ. The month-long celebration is one of the approaches of the agency to encourage participation in the global advocacy of getting everyone registered and of promoting awareness on the importance of civil registration in the lives of every Filipino. The CRM is celebrated in February of every year pursuant to Proclamation 682 issued on 28 January 1991 and signed by then President Corazon C. Aquino.

2 NEWS SA OTSO

2018 Civil Registration Month Celebration in Eastern Visayas

PSA – EV conducts first ever CRVS Jingle Dance Contest

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA-RSSO 8) successfully conducted the first ever Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Jingle Dance Contest on 22 February 2018 at PSA – RSSO 8 Training Room. Two (2) secondary schools from Tacloban City, Leyte National High School and Sagkahan National High School, showcased the dancing skills of their students to the tune of CRVS jingle and vied for the 2018 CRVS Jingle Dance Champ. Sagkahan National High School emerged as winner after garnering an average score of 90.3 percent. The CRVS Jingle Dance Contest was organized by PSA-RSSO 8 as part of the 2018 Civil Registration Month (CRM) celebration and the CRVS Decade 2015 - 2024. The contest aimed to encourage the youth to participate in the global advocacy of getting everyone registered and of promoting awareness on the importance of civil registration in the lives of every Filipino.

Ms. Zonia C. Salazar, OIC-SOCD of PSA – RSSO 8, Ms. Judith Joy D. Avila, Administrative Officer I of PSA - Leyte, and Ms. Matilde A. Dacullo, Administrative Officer IV of PSA – RSSO 8, sat as board of judges. Criteria of the competition included, choreography (50%), execution (30%), costume (10%), and over-all impact (10%). Winners were awarded with cash prizes, certificates, and PSA tokens. They performed once again in the 2018 CRM Closing Ceremony.

Contestants of the 2018 CRVS Jingle Dance Contest, Sagkahan National High School (above) and Leyte National High School (below).

3 NEWS SA OTSO

Requests for Civil Registry Documents at Tacoban Serbilis Center in the

First Quarter of 2018 highest in March

Requests for civil registry documents in Security Paper (SecPa) and authentication services at Tacloban Serbilis Center during the first quarter of 2018 was highest in the month of March with 60,417 transactions or 42.8 percent of the 141,065 total transactions during the first quarter. This can be attributed to requirements for graduation and 4Ps registration. Eight out of ten or 81.9 percent of the transactions during the first quarter of 2018 were requests for birth certificate. Marriage certificate and Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) were the second most requested documents by clients at 16.5 percent. Meanwhile, death certificate was the least requested document (1.6 percent). NEWS SA OTSO/Page 4

The Tacloban Serbilis Center recorded a total of 141,065 transactions during the first quarter and an average of 2,308 civil registry document requests per day. It offers ―while-you-wait‖ service, and requests are targeted to be released within one hour for birth/marriage/death and four hours for CENOMAR. The Philippine Statistics Authority is mandated to administer civil registration functions in the country as provided for in RA 10625, otherwise known as the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013.

Requests for Civil Registry Documents at Tacoban Serbilis Center in the

First Quarter of 2018 highest in March From Page 3

4 NEWS SA OTSO

PSA – EV conducts Workshop on Disposal of Valueless Records

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA - RSSO 8) conducted a Workshop on Disposal of Records on 23 – 24 January 2018 at PSA – Northern Samar Training Room, Catarman, Nothern Samar. A total of 8 members of the Regional Disposal Committee from the PSA - RSSO 8 and the Provincial Statistical Offices (PSOs) attended the two-day workshop. Regional Director Wilma A. Perante served as the resource person. The workshop was initiated to identify records for disposal, accomplish the required NAP Forms, and schedule the timeline for disposal of valueless records. The National Archive of the Philippines has already approved the request for disposal of PSA – RSSO 8 on 11 May 2018. Workshop on Disposal of Records on 23 – 24 January

2018 at PSA – Northern Samar Training Room, Catarman, Northern Samar

PSA – EV participates in the Pre–Retirement Summit

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA RSSO – 8) participated in the Pre-Retirement Summit on 7 February 2018 at the Crown Regency Hotel, Cebu City. Nine (9) representatives from the Provincial Statistical Offices and the Regional Statistical Service Office – 8 aged 45 to 60 years old attended this activity. The 1-day event encouraged rank-and-file employees from the said age group to take part in meaningful discussions and bring about insights regarding their concerns involving the agency. Outputs of the summit are inputs to the review of the PSA Strategic Plan.

Eastern Visayas Participants to the Pre-Retirement Summit on 7 February 2018 at

Crown Regency Hotel, Cebu City.

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA RSSO- 8) participated in the PSA National Summit on 27 – 28 February 2018 at Chateau Royal Hotel Resort, Nasugbu, Batangas.

Three (3) representatives from the region attended this activity which focused on giving the rank and file employees of the PSA (aged 36 – 44 years old) active voice in the issues that matter to them and the organization.

The 2-day event was filled with testimonies from the PSA executives, team workshop and

creative presentation on various topics such as what PSA means to me, what are the concerns in PSA, what were the significant contributions and innovations of PSA over the years, and what is my vision for the PSA.

Participants, clad in their Hawaiian attire, showcased their talents during the Fellowship Night.

PSA – EV participates in the PSA National Summit

5 NEWS SA OTSO

Eastern Visayas participants and their groupmates during the PSA National Summit

on 27 – 28 February 2018 at Chateau Royal Hotel Resort, Nasugbu Batangas

PSA – EV conducts Briefing on Revised RA 9255 and RA 10173

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA RSSO - 8), conducted Briefing on Revised RA 9255 and RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act) on 16 – 17 March 2018 at K-5 Resort, Plaridel, Baybay City.

A total of 20 regular and Job Order personnel of PSA - RSSO 8 attended the two-day briefing.

Ms. Aimee M. Adona, Administrative Officer I of PSA - Leyte, presented the salient features of RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act). Regional Director Wilma A. Perante discussed PSA’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Procedure’s Manual and People’s Manual.

Revision of RA 9255 were discussed by Director Perante on the second day. It was followed by an open forum where PSA employees raised clarifications on Data Privacy Act and RA 9255.

A coastal clean-up drive along the shorelines of Plaridel, Baybay was also conducted as part

of the agency’s Corporate Social Responsibility.

Briefing on Revised RA 9255 and RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act) and Coastal

Clean-up on 16 – 17 March 2018 at K-5 Resort, Plaridel, Baybay City.

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA RSSO- 8) participated in the Training on Microsoft Access for Information Management on 12 – 16 March 2018 at the Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute (PSRTI) Training Room, Diliman, Quezon City. Mr. Renato T. Pagatpatan, Statistical Specialist II, attended the five-day training which was focused on the use of one of the simplest and most flexible DBMS solutions in the market today – the Microsoft Access. Participants had hands-on experience on MS Access and learned how to create databases for easy management and retrieval of information. This training is part of the PSA – PSRTI partnership program aimed to capacitate the employees of the PSA.

PSA – EV participates in the Training on Microsoft Access for Information

Management

6 NEWS SA OTSO

PSA – EV conducts 2018 PSA Awards Manual Briefing

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA RSSO- 8), conducted 2018 PSA Awards Manual Briefing on 3 April 2018 at PSA-RSSO 8 Training Room, Tacloban City.

A total of 23 regular staff of PSA-RSSO 8 and the Provincial Statistical Offices (PSOs) attended the one-day briefing.

The briefing was initiated to discuss in details the contents of the 2018 PSA Awards Manual and the common errors encountered during the consolidation of the PSA Awards Narrative Report. It was also a venue for sharing ideas on activities which

may be conducted by the RSSO and respective PSOs that may improve the ratings.

Briefing on the 2018 PSA Awards Manual on 3 April 2018 at PSA-RSSO 8

Training Room, Tacloban City.

PSA – EV conducts 2018 PSA Awards Manual Briefing

EDITORIAL STAFF

Advisers Contributors Wilma A. Perante Andrio M. Abad Zonia C. Salazar Jane G. Balondo

Michelle G. Delos Santos Editor/Layout Ligaya D. Prieto Nikki Joy A. Belas

For inquiries and other statistical needs, please visit us at:

PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY Regional Statistical Service Office 8 Leyte SR Bldg., Artemio Mate Ave., Brgy. Abucay, Tacloban City

Or contact us at:

(053) 321-8392/321-5153

psa_reg8@yahoo.com

rsso08.psa.gov.ph

PSARSSO08

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA – RSSO 8) conducted a number of Corporate Social Responsibility activities in January and March 2018. PSA employees visited Canmanila Elementary School in Basey, Samar on 31 January 2018 for a Feeding Program for around 100 students. An information dissemination on Civil Registration was also conducted for the parents/guardians and teachers where questions on problem Civil Registry documents were answered. A feeding program was once again conducted on 16 March 2018 in Basey National High School, Basey, Samar for 114 secondary students. An information dissemination on Civil Registration was likewise conducted for the students and teachers/faculty of the school. These activities are the agency’s initiatives to give back and achieve a positive impact in the society.

PSA – EV conducts Corporate Social Responsibility

7 NEWS SA OTSO

Feeding Program and Information Dissemination on Civil Registration in Canmanila Elementary School and Basey

National High School

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA RSSO- 8) hosted the Validation Workshop on the 2015 Small Area Poverty Estimates on 8 March 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

A total of 45 participants coming from the Local Governement Units in Leyte and Governement Line Agencies attended the workshop.

PSA Central Office, led by Deputy National Statistician Romeo S. Recide and Assistant National Statistician Wilma A. Guillen, facilitated the workshop.

The generation of the 2015 Small Area Estimates (SAE) of Poverty Project is part of the continuing effort of PSA to be more relevant and responsive to the clamor for updated poverty statistics at lower levels of disaggregation. The poverty mapping methodology used the data sets of the 2015 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES), the 2015 Labor Force Survey (LFS), and the 2015 Census of Population (PopCen) to come up with 2015 poverty estimates at the city and municipal levels.

The validation exercises is part of the final stage of the Generation of 2015 Small Area Poverty Estimates Project. It aims to assess the acceptability and consistency of the estimates generated with the available indicators at the municipal level as well as with the expert opinion and assessment of key informants from the province. The validation activities included actual visits in selcted municipalities, validation workshop, presentation of the background of the poverty mapping methodology, and the initial outputs of the project.

PSA – EV hosts Validation Workshop on the 2015 Small Area Poverty

Estimates

8 NEWS SA OTSO

Validation Workshop on the 2015 Small Area Poverty Estimates on 8 March

2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

PSA – EV conducts Second Level Trainings on Establishment-based

Surveys

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA – RSSO 8) conducted series of Second Level Trainings on the different establishment-based surveys.

The Second Level Training on Quarterly Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (QSPBI), Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI), and Producer Price Survey (PPS) was conducted on 12 – 14 February 2018 at PSA – RSSO 8 Training Room, Tacloban City. Ms. Soraya C. De Guzman, Supervising Statistical Specialist of the Services Statistics Division served as trainer. NEWS SA OTSO/Page 9

Second Level Training on QSPBI, MISSI and PPS on

12 - 14 February 2018 at PSA - RSSO 8 Training Room

Second Level Training on 2017 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (APSBI) and 2017 Survey on Innovation and Technology (SICT) was conducted on 20 - 22 March 2018 at PSA – RSSO 8 Training Room, Tacloban City. Ms. Blanca Niña Yabut, Senior Statistical Specialist and Ms. Maria Luz Ceres, Statistical Specialist I of the Industry Statistics Division served as trainers. The three-day trainings, focused on the discussion of concepts, scope and coverage, field operations,

windows-based computer system and the new timetable of distribution and collection of the questionnaires.

PSA – EV conducts Second Level Trainings on Establishment-based

Surveys From Page 8

9 NEWS SA OTSO

Second Level Training on 2017 ASPBI and SICT on

20 - 22 March 2018 at PSA - RSSO 8 Training Room

PSA – EV hosts RGADC – 8 First Quarter Meeting

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA – RSSO 8), hosted the Regional Gender and Development Committee 8 (RGADC – 8) First Quarter Meeting on 19 February 2018 at PSA – RSSO 8 Training Room, Tacloban City. It was attended by 20 RGADC members from regional line agencies, LGUs, private sector, and the academe. RGADC - 8 Chairperson Mr. Leo Christian V. Lauzon presided the meeting. Among the topics discussed during the meeting were: Proposed 2018 RGADC – 8 Work and Financial Plan; Plans for the 2018 Women’s Month Celebration; Organizational Concerns (membership, hosting and meeting contributions); RGADC Resolution addressed to the National Historical Commission for the Creation of Historical Markers for the First Female Legislators from Region 8; and Solo Parent Concerns. The RGADC - 8 is set to conduct the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GADFPS) Capacity Building and Training of Trainers on 18 – 20 April 2018, and second quarter meeting in June 2018.

RGADC – 8 First Quarter Meeting on 19 February 2018 at PSA – RSSO 8

Training Room, Tacloban City

PSA – EV preps for the 2018 ULE

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA – RSSO 8) has started its preparations for the 2018 Updating of the List of Establishments (ULE). Second Level Training on the 2018 Updating of the List of Establishments (ULE) was conducted on 5 - 9 March 2018 at PSA – RSSO 8 Training Room, Tacloban City. Mr. Emerson M. Aquino, Supervising Statistical Specialist of the Statistical Classification Division, and Ms. Nikki Joy A. Belas, Information Officer I/Designated 2018 ULE Focal Person, served as trainers. NEWS SA OTSO/Page 10

The five-day training, focused on the discussion of concepts, scope and coverage, and the ULEApp. A field practice was done on the last day of training in order to evaluate the participants’ knowledge in ULE concepts and skills in using the android-based application for this undertaking, and to familiarize themselves with the actual listing operation. The 2018 ULE is the First Phase of the 2018 Census of Philippine Business and Industry (CPBI). It is a nationwide door-to-door canvassing and inquiry of basic characterictics of

establishments to update the SBR, and to add information on basic characteristics for new establishments which are not yet listed in the SBR. Enumeration will start on 16 April 2018.

PSA – EV preps for the 2018 ULE From Page 9

10 NEWS SA OTSO

2018 ULE Second Level Training on 5 - 9 March 2018 at PSA - RSSO 8

Training Room, Tacloban City

RSC – 8 holds First Quarter Meeting

The Regional Statistics Committee 8 (RSC - 8) held its first quarter meeting for CY 2018 on 15 February 2018 at Felipina Hall, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office 8, Government Center, Palo, Leyte. It was attended by 16 RSC members from regional line agencies, LGUs, private sector,

and the academe. RSC–8 Chairperson and NEDA Regional Director Atty. Bonifacio G. Uy presided the meeting.

Various topics were discussed during the meeting. PSA - RSSO 8 Regional Director and RSC - 8 Vice Chairperson Wilma A. Perante presented the Policy Agenda of RSC – 8 for 2018 based on the submission of member agencies. The committee approved the said agenda as presented.

Ms. Nikki Joy A. Belas, Information Officer I of PSA - RSSO 8, discussed the Conduct of the 2018 Comprehensive Updating of the List of Establishments to seek support and endorsement from the RSC - 8.

Other topics discussed for information were: 2010 – 2015 Vital Statistics in Region 8; 2014 – 2016 Gross Regional Domestic Expenditure Estimates; 2017 Eastern Visayas Labor and Employment Statistics; 2015 – 2016 Eastern Visayas Estimated Annual per Capita Consumption by Commodity; New Generation Currency Banknotes with Enhanced Design; and PSA Board Resolution No. 11, S.2017, ―Approving and Adopting the Official Methodology for the Generation of Provincial Human Development Index‖.

The RSC-8 approved two resolutions during the meeting and is set to hold its second quarter meeting on 13 June 2018.

RSC – 8 First Quarter Meeting on 15 February 2018 at Felipina Hall,

NEDA - Regional Officer 8, Palo, Leyte

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA RSSO- 8), in coordination with PSA – Leyte Provincial Statistical Office, conducted the 2018 Updating of the List of Establishments (ULE) Consultative Forum and Data Dissemination on 14 March 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

A total of 70 participants coming from different establishments in Leyte, government agencies, academe, media, PSA provincial offices, private sector, and other stakeholders attended the forum.

Mr. Arthur R. Collanto, Statistical Specialist II of PSA - Leyte, briefly discussed the ULE Economic Units and Taxonomy of Establishments. It was followed by the presentation of the Highlights of the 2016 List of Establishments of Eastern Visayas and the Province of Leyte by Ms. Bernadette R. Montana, Senior Statistical Specialist/Officer-in-Charge of PSA - Leyte. Ms. Nikki Joy A. Belas, Information Officer I of PSA - RSSO 8 presented the Overview of the 2018 ULE.

Other Statistical data presented were: Consumer Price Index, 2014 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry, and Gross Regional Domestic Expenditures.

The Consultative Forum and Data Dissemination was organized to orient and solicit support from establishments and stakeholders for the 2018 ULE, and disseminate the latest establishment-based statistics.

PSA – EV conducts 2018 ULE Consultative Forum and Data Dissemination

11 NEWS SA OTSO

2018 ULE Consultative Forum and Data Dissemination on

14 March 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City

PSA – EV participates in the Appreciation Training on the System of

Environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA) 2012 – Central Framework

(Visayas Cluster)

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office 8 (PSA RSSO - 8) participated in the Appreciation Training on the System of Environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA) 2012 – Central Framework (Visayas Cluster) on 26 – 28 March 2018 at Quest Hotel and Conference Center, Cebu City. Regional Director Wilma A. Perante, together with OIC-SOCD Zonia C. Salazar and Senior Statistical Specialist Jane G. Balondo attended the three-day training which was focused on the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting 2012 Central Framework (UN SEEA-CF), particularly on the flow accounts, activity accounts and stock accounts. It was a venue for knowledge sharing and discussion on the compilation of environmental accounts in the subnational level.

Appreciation Training on the SEEA 2012 - Central Framework

(Visayas Cluster) on 26—28 March 2018 at Quest Hotel and

Conference Center, Cebu City

12

Eastern Visayas’ Average Inflation Rate increases to 4.7 percent in the

first quarter of 2018

Average inflation rate (IR) of Eastern Visayas in the first quarter of 2018 increased to 4.7 percent. This is 1.2 percentage points higher compared with the 3.5 percent average IR recorded in the previous quarter. Increases were observed in all provinces, except Southern Leyte, the only province that has registered 1.4 percentage points decrease. Eastern Samar registered the largest uptick of 3.0 percentage points.

Among the provinces, Northern Samar registered the highest average IR during the quarter at 7.4 percent. Eastern Samar ranked second with 5.1 percent followed by Samar with 4.8 percent. Leyte and Biliran both posted 4.2 percent average IR. Southern Leyte, meanwhile, recorded the lowest average IR at 0.9 percent.

Purchasing Power of Peso (PPP) weakens at 0.83 centavos

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Average PPP of the region in the first quarter of 2018 was recorded at P0.83. This is weaker compared with the P0.84 average PPP registered in the previous quarter. This PPP implies that goods and service worth 100 pesos during the first quarter of 2018 only costs 83 pesos in 2012.

All provinces in the region registered decreases in PPP during the first quarter of 2018 compared with their figures in the previous quarter, except for Southern Leyte, which had sustained PPP at P0.84. Leyte recorded the strongest PPP during the quarter at P0.86, while Northern Samar had the weakest at P0.77.

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) - indicator of change in the average prices

of a fixed basket of goods and services commonly purchased by

households relative to a base year. Computation of the CPI uses

the market basket for a particular area, i.e., province or region.

INFLATION RATE (IR) - the annual rate of change or year-on-year change in

CPI. Inflation rate is the general rise of prices over a specified

period. It indicates how fast or how slow the price changes over

two time periods. Contrary to common knowledge, low inflation

does not necessarily connote that prices are falling, rather, it

means that prices continue to increase at a slower rate.

MARKET BASKET - refers to a sample of goods and services used to

represent all goods and services bought by a particular group of

consumers in a particular area.

BASE PERIOD - refers to the reference period of the index number. It is

the period, usually a year, at which the index is set to 100. The

current base period is 2006.

RETAIL PRICE - the price at which a commodity is sold for spot in small

quantities for consumption. It includes transactions on cash

basis in the free market and excludes black-market prices and

prices of commodities that are on sale as in summer sales,

anniversary sales, Christmas sales, etc.

PURCHASING POWER OF THE PESO (PPP) - a measure of the real

value of the peso in a given period relative to a chosen

reference period. It is computed by getting the reciprocal of the

CPI and multiplying the result by 100.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

NEWS SA OTSO

13

Eastern Visayas registers 96.3 percent Employment Rate in October 2017

Employment rate in Eastern Visayas in January 2018 was estimated at 96.3 percent, ranking fifth among the regions with high employment rate in the country (Table 1). This figure is higher than the 93.6 percent ER recorded in January 2017. Employment rate is the proportion of employed persons to total labor force.

Out of the est imated 3.1 million population 15 years old and over in January 2018, about 1.9 million were economically active or in the labor force. This number translates to a Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) of 61.6 percent. This figure is 5.4 percentage points higher compared with the 56.2 percent LFPR in the same period a year ago. Among the regions, Eastern Visayas registered the fifth lowest LFPR.

The underemployed persons or those employed persons who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or to have additional job, or to have a new job with longer working hours was estimated at 361 thousand. This is equal to an underemployment rate of 19.4 percent, lower than the 23.2 percent recorded in the same period last year. The region had the ninth highest underemployment rate in the country.

Meanwhile, about 71 thousand persons in the labor force were unemployed. This translates to an unemployment rate of 3.7 percent, lower than the 6.4 percent rate recorded in January 2017. Eastern Visayas ranked fifth among the the regions with low employment rate.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

NEWS SA OTSO

Underemployment Rate – refers to the proportion of underemployed persons to total employed persons Unemployed – refers to persons in the labor force who are reported as:

1) without work; and 2) currently available for work; and 3) seeking work or not seeking work due to the following reasons:

i) belief that no work is available, or ii) awaiting results of previous job application, or iii) because of temporary illness or disability, or iv) bad weather, or v) waiting for rehire or job recall.

Unemployment Rate – refers to the proportion of unemployed persons to the total labor force.

Labor Force – refers to the population 15 years old and over who contribute or seek to contribute to the production of goods and services. It comprises the employed and unemployed. Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) – refers to the proportion of total labor force to the total household population 15 years and over. Employed – refers to persons in the labor force who are reported either as at work or with a job or business although not at work. Persons at work are those who did some work, even for an hour during the reference period. Employment Rate – refers to the proportion of employed persons to the total labor force. Underemployed – refers to employed persons who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or an additional job, or have a new job with longer working hours.

14

First quarter Palay Production in Eastern Visayas declines by

2.1 percent

Palay production in Eastern Visayas declined by 2.1 percent from 285,616 metric tons (MT) in the first quarter of 2017 to 279,728 MT in the first quarter of 2018. Decreases were observed among all provinces, except in Northern Samar and Southern Leyte, which posted an increase of 12.1 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively.

Among the provinces, Leyte produced the highest volume of palay at 147,131 MT, which comprised more than half (52.6 percent) of the total palay production in the region. Biliran, meanwhile, had the lowest volume of production (1,938 MT) accounting for only 0.7 percent.

The total harvest area for palay in the region likewise decreased by 0.3 percent, from 89,139 hectares in the first quarter of 2017 to 88,865 hectares in the first quarter of 2018. Biliran contributed largely to this decrease posting a drop of 83.9 percent.

Leyte recorded almost two-fifths or 38.8 percent (34,498 hectares) of the total palay area harvested during the quarter in review, while Biliran contributed the least (429 hectares) accounting for only 0.5 percent.

Yield per hectare for palay in the region went down by 3.1 percent, from 3.2 MT per hectare in the first quarter of 2017 to 3.1 MT per hectare in the same quarter of 2018.

Among the provinces, Biliran and Southern Leyte posted the highest yield per hectare during the quarter in review at 4.5 MT per hectare. Eastern Samar registered the lowest yield per hectare at 2.1 MT per hectare.

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

NEWS SA OTSO

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

1ST QUARTER 2018

15

First Quarter Corn Production in Eastern Visayas decreases by

9.6 percent

Corn production in Eastern

Visayas decreased by 9.6 percent from

11,649 metric tons (MT) in the first

quarter of 2017 to 10,528 MT in the

same quarter of 2018. Decreases were

observed among all provinces, except in

Southern Leyte and Eastern Samar,

which posted increases of 7.0 percent

and 3.8 percent, respectively.

Among the provinces, Leyte

produced the highest volume of corn at

7,101 MT, which comprised a little over

two-thirds (67.4 percent) of the total corn

production in the region. Biliran,

meanwhile, had the lowest volume of production (118 MT) accounting for only 1.1 percent.

The total harvest area for corn in the

region likewise decreased by

7.1 percent, from 8,081 hectares in the first

quarter of 2017 to 7,507 hectares in the

first quarter of 2018. Contributing largely to

this decrease is Northern Samar with a

drop of 30.1 percent.

Leyte recorded almost three

quarters or 74.3 percent (5,574 hectares)

of the total corn area harvested during the

quarter in review, while Eastern Samar

contributed the least (70 hectares)

accounting for only 0.9 percent.

Yield per hectare for corn in the region remained at 1.4 metric tons per hectare.

Among the provinces, Eastern Samar posted the highest yield per hectare during the

quarter in review at 2.0 MT per hectare. Biliran registered the lowest yield per hectare at

1.2 MT per hectare.

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

NEWS SA OTSO

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

1ST QUARTER 2018

16

First Quarter Swine Production in Eastern Visayas decreases by

3.0 percent

The swine industry in Eastern Visayas posted a 3.0 percent decrease in production in the first quarter of 2018. Based on the preliminary data, the total swine production in the region went down from 22,876 metric tons (MT) in the first quarter of 2017 to 22,189 MT during the quarter in review. Region 8 accounted for 4.0 percent of the country’s total swine production during the first quarter of 2018. It ranked sixth among the regions with low swine production in the country.

Swine Population in Eastern Visayas inches up by 0.5 percent

As of 1 April 2018, the total swine population in Eastern Visayas stood at 317,297 heads. This registered an increase of 0.5 percent from its 315,577 inventory in 1 April 2017. Among provinces, Leyte recorded the highest number of swine at 168,170 which comprised more than half or 53.0 percent of the total swine population in the region. Northern Samar ranked second with 48,526 which accounted for 15.3 percent of the region’s total swine inventory. Biliran, meanwhile, registered the lowest inventory of swine at 4.0 percent or 12,739 heads By farm type, swine population raised in commercial farms stood at 12,396 heads.

NEWS SA OTSO/Page 17

NEWS SA OTSO

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Swine Population in Eastern Visayas inches up by 0.5 percent From Page 16

This posted a decrease of 5.6 percent from its 13,135 inventory in 1 April 2017. Increases registered in Samar, Eastern Samar, and Biliran (498.3 percent, 12.1 percent, and 3.5 percent, respectively), were offset by the decreases recorded by Southern Leyte, Northern Samar, and Leyte (31.7 percent, 10.4 percent, and 2.8 percent). On the other hand, the number of swine raised in backyard farms increased by 0.8 percent, from 302,442 heads in 1 April 2017 to 304,901 heads in 1 April 2018. Northern Samar, Biliran, and Leyte contributed to this increase posting 3.9 percent, 3.4 percent, and 0.7 percent growths in inventory, respectively. Almost all or 96.1 percent of the total swine population in the region were raised in backyard farms while the rest (3.9 percent) were in commercial farm.

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First Quarter Chicken Production in Eastern Visayas increases by

14.6 percent

Chicken population in Eastern Visayas decreases by 8.1 percent

The chicken industry in Eastern Visayas grew as it posted a 14.6 percent increase in

production in the first quarter of 2018. Based on the preliminary data, the total chicken production in

the region went up from 10,487 metric tons (MT) in the first quarter of 2017 to 12,021 MT during the

quarter in review.

Region 8 accounted for 2.7 percent of the country’s total chicken production in the first

quarter of 2018. It ranked seventh among the regions with low chicken production in the country.

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As of 1 April 2018, the total chicken population in Eastern Visayas stood at 3,239,823 birds. This registered a decrease of 8.1 percent from the 3,526,829 inventory in 1 April 2017. Among provinces, Leyte recorded the highest number of chickens at 1,685,527 which comprised more than half or 52.0 percent of the total chicken population in the region. Samar ranked second with 628,785 which accounted for 19.4 percent of the region’s total chicken inventory. Eastern Samar, meanwhile, registered the lowest inventory of chicken at 88,568 birds accounting for only 2.7 percent.

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Chicken Populaton in Eastern Visayas decreases by 8.1 percent From Page 18

By farm type, broiler chickens stood at 686,663 birds. This posted a drop of 37.9 percent from the 1,105,489 inventory in 1 April 2017. All provinces registered decreases except for Eastern Samar which had same inventory of 500 heads from 1 April 2017. On the other hand, layer chickens grew as it posted 24.2 percent increase in inventory, from 354,266 birds in 1 April 2017 to 439,892 birds in 1 April 2018. All provinces registered increases, except for Leyte which posted a decrease of 7.4 percent, and Eastern Samar which had equal inventory from 1 April 2017 of 5,000 heads. Northern Samar registered the highest growth of 1,033.3 percent, from 7,000 heads in 1 April 2017 to 79,000 heads in 1 April 2018. Similarly, the number of native chickens went up by 2.2 percent, from 2,067,074 birds in 1 April 2017 to 2,113,268 birds in 1 April 2018. Increases were observed in all provinces except for Biliran and Eastern Samar which posted decreases of 11.7 percent and 2.7 percent, respectively. Leyte registered the highest increase of 5.7 percent. Almost two-thirds or 65.2 percent of the total chicken population in the region were native chickens. Broiler chickens accounted for 21.2 percent, while the remaining 13.6 percent were layer chickens.

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First Quarter Fishery Production in Eastern Visayas drops by 29.0 percent

Fishery production in Eastern Visayas dropped by 29.0 percent from 37,607 metric tons (MT) in the first quarter of 2017 to 26,704 MT in the first quarter of 2018. All provinces registered decreases in fishery production, except Samar, the only province that recorded a significant increase of 24.5 percent, from 9,498 MT in the first quarter of 2017 to 11,822 MT in the same quarter in 2018. Leyte recorded the highest decrease of 68.4 percent, from 17,517 MT in the first quarter of 2017 to 5,527 MT during the quarter in review. Among provinces, Samar produced the highest volume of fishery production at 11,822 MT, which comprised 44.3 percent of the total fishery production in the region. Leyte ranked second with 5,527 MT, which accounted for 20.7 percent of the region’s total fishery production. Southern Leyte, meanwhile registered the lowest volume of production with 4.7 percent share or 1,249 MT. By subsector, volume of production in Aquaculture went down by 49.4 percent, from 16,291 MT in the first quarter of 2017 to 8,244 MT in the same period in 2018. All provinces registered decreases, except Samar, the only province that recorded an increase of 124.2 percent. Biliran recorded the highest decrease of 100.0 percent, from 5 MT in the first quarter of 2017 to zero during the quarter in review. Similarly, volume of production in Municipal Fishing (marine and inland) registered a decrease of 16.4 percent, from 17,682 MT in the first quarter of 2017 to 14,776 MT in the same quarter in 2018. All provinces registered decreases, except Southern Leyte, the only province which posted an increase of 4.2 percent. Leyte registered the highest decrease in volume of production at 27.2 percent. On the other hand, volume of production in

Commercial Fishing increased by 1.4 percent, from 3,634 MT in the first quarter of 2017 to 3,684 MT in the same period in 2018. Among provinces, only Samar registered growth in production of 68.9 percent. This increase offset the decreases recorded by Biliran (44.3), Eastern Samar (0.3 percent), Leyte (39.0 percent), Northern Samar (10.2 percent) and Southern Leyte (45.3 percent). More than half or 55.3 percent (14,776 MT) of the total fishery production in the region were from Municipal Fishing. Aquaculture contributed 30.9 percent (8,244 MT), while Commercial Fishing accounted for 13.8 percent (3,684 MT).).

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