THE agriculture and mining sectors in Cordillera still need to cope as it is still the lowest among the regions in terms of output, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).
Neda Director Milagros Rimando, on her state of the region’s address, said that although agriculture recovered in 2011, it still has the lowest contribution for the regional output at an average of 11 percent from 2009 to 2011.
The sector includes forestry and fishery.
“We therefore see the need to intensify programs to increase agricultural productivity especially as majority of our households depend on agriculture for their livelihood.”
She added that from 2009 to 2011, 52 percent of the region’s work force is employed in agriculture while only 11 percent is working with the industry and 37 percent is in services.
“Despite the significant effect of agriculture to regional employment, this sector, yielding low–value added, merely contributed a tenth to the regional economy.”
Meanwhile, the director also said the mining industry lagged behind because of continuing global economic uncertainties; the suspension of Philex Mining Corporation and the energite project in Lepanto, Mankayan, Benguet.
With these situations, the contribution of Cordillera towards the national economic growth is lower than the previous years (like 1997 and 1999). Rimando said the region has been contributing an average of only two percent to the national economy. In 2010, the region contributed 6.3 percent but in 2011, it went down to 2.1 percent.
Apart from mining and agriculture, the region still has to improve its health services and facilities for the reduction of maternal and infant deaths. Rimando added the maternal mortality rate per 100,000 live births, increased from 62 to 71 deaths in 2011 to 2012.
On the other hand, infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births, increased from 10.7 to 11.7 (2011–2012).
The Neda director further said landline telephone service is stagnant at 49.10 percent with subscriber concentrated in Baguio City and in provincial capital towns.
“We also have to enhance our information and communications technology as it is one of the primary vehicles of economic growth,” added Rimado.
Despite these setbacks, she said the region is doing well in terms of infrastructure, tourism, education, poverty alleviation, business processing outsourcing, and employment provided by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.