| AGRI-TOURISM MASTER PLAN (Year 2006-2020)  |
Strengths
- Abundance of water resources: springs that can be tapped for the supply of potable water; waterfalls and rivers for irrigation and the establishment of a mini hydroelectric power generation plant; and other inland bodies of water for aqua culture and as breeding grounds for fresh and brackish water fishes.
- Good climate and fertile soils favorable for the cultivation and propagation of a wide range of agricultural crops.
- Strategic location because of its proximity and access to three major growth centers: the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc in the Eastern Visayas region, and Cebu City, which can be reached by boat from the capital town of Naval in just 12 hours.
- The labor force has a high potential. In 2003, the working population in Biliran aged 15 to 65 years old was 82,000 and estimated to increase annually by about 1.5%. With this trend, the province can meet the workforce requirements even of large investment projects that will be located here.
- Presence of mineral deposits such as gypsum, red and white clay, and sulfur; Biliran also has a potential geothermal field. The proper utilization of these resources can provide additional income to residents for many years.
- Abundant supply of raw materials for handicraft and cottage or small industries - clay for ceramics; bamboo and rattan for furniture making; romblon, abaca and nito for bags, hats & similar items; citronella for essential oil extraction; and coconut by-products that can be made into novelty items.
- Beautiful scenery consisting of white beaches,
water springs, waterfalls, rice terraces,
caves, and dive sites that can be developed
for tourism.8. Presence of medical and educational
facilities for the provision of basic services
to residents.
- The inclusion of Biliran in the Regional Tourism Master Development Plan as a major tourist destination in Eastern Visayas.
- The establishment of a Government Center and Sports Complex in a provincial government-owned 60-hectare land in Naval. The program aims to relocate offices of government agencies in this area, which will result to more efficient coordination of projects in the province.
- The establishment of a 10-hectare resettlement project and a 19-hectare low-cost housing subdivision with commercial area for government and private sector employees.
- The improvement of transport infrastructure like roads, bridges, and ports
- The support of line agencies of government to agricultural production and the implementation of the Agriculture and Fishery Modernization Act.
- Biliran is a recipient of a number of foreign-assisted projects, namely: SEDIP, ARISP, JICA's MCH, European Commission's and GTZ's ODA, etc.
- A supportive provincial leadership.8. A harmonious political environment.
- A weak human resources base. In 2000, more than 50% of the school-going population in the province completed elementary education only; academic degree holders comprise just below 10% of the population. Malnutrition is still prevalent among pre-schoolers.
- The lack of telecommunication facilities.
- Undeveloped road network
- Widespread poverty, which affects 37.4% of the total number of families in Biliran in 2000. Poverty is manifested in the low standard of living, poor health and nutrition, low level of education, and low income of farm workers and fishermen. Estimated income of poverty groups amount to less than P2,000.00 a month or less.
- The high power rate in Biliran, which discourages investors and entrepreneurs to venture into business activities here
- Low revenue generation. In the year 2005, the province generated only PhP 184,817,240.25 and received PhP 177,238,903 in internal revenue allocation (IRA) from the national government. These amounts are inadequate to support even the basic development programs of the provincial government.
THREATS
- The province lies within the geologic fault line; it is also threatened by a potential volcanic activity due to the presence of one active volcano.
- Biliran is likewise located within the typhoon belt.
- Continued forest denudation makes around 50% of Biliran's forestland susceptible to erosion. Erosion results in significant loss of soil fertility of upland areas, loss of crop due to flooding or decreased water availability during the dry season.
- Marine and fishery resources have been largely damaged due to over fishing and the proliferation of the use of fishing gears that destroy the natural reefs and fish habitat.
- The limited access to credit, support services, technology and markets of the farmers in Biliran aggravate their low earning capacity and worsens the unemployment situation.
STRENGTH-OPPORTUNITY STRATEGIES
(Maxi-maxi)
- Promote tourism·
- Modernize, diversify agricultural production·
- Develop the human resource base, particularly the working groups·
- Implement water supply, irrigation, farm-to-market roads, and mini hydroelectric power projects with foreign funding·
- Promote cottage industries and ceramics·
- Locate national and local government agencies in the government center for convergence and better coordination
STRENGTH-THREAT STRATEGIES
(Maxi-mini)
- Intensify the environmental protection, preservation and regeneration program
- Tourism development should not destroy the environment, particularly coastal areas
- Improve access to credits, technologies, and markets
- Establish fish sanctuaries, marine parks·
- Promote organic farming and CRM
- Require ECC for major projects· Strengthen law enforcement
WEAKNESS-THREAT STRATEGIES
(Mini-mini)
- Promote anti-poverty programs by improving access to credit·
- Rehabilitation of forests and coastal areas·
- Increase revenue generation and allocate substantial amounts for economic development
- Construct mitigating infrastructure (sea walls, flood control devices, drainage, etc.) & establish proper waste disposal sites·
- Advocate integrated sustainable farming/fishing practices
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