Recent calamities expected to affect MDGs

published January 6, 2012 in BusinessWorld

PALO, LEYTE -- An official of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) here said the calamities that recently hit the country will impact on government efforts to attain Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), especially in poor regions like Eastern Visayas.

Buenaventura C. Go-Soco, Jr., NEDA Eastern Visayas regional director, said calamities cut crop production and thus, worsen poverty.

“These can also affect literacy because schoolbuildings and other infrastructure facilities are damaged. Health is also affected because of water supply problem,” Mr. Go-Soco said.

“Farmers should be resilient by cultivating alternative crops other than rice which is more prone to flooding,” he added.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that the recent flooding has caused damage estimated at P24 million in roads and bridges in the towns of Dulag, Dagami, Burauen, Mayorga, and Pastrana in Leyte.

“Repairing damages is competing for the same kind of budget that they have and it is hard for the government to rehabilitate all damages,” Mr. Go-Soco added.

In a November 2011 report released by the National Statistical Coordination Board, Region 8 showed low probability in attaining MDGs on poverty reduction, universal primary education, and combating diseases.

The report showed that 41.4% of the region’s population is living below the poverty threshold. The target is to reduce this to 22.6% by 2015.

Net enrollment in primary education was reported at 87% last year, lower than the 91% enrollment in 2000. The target is 100% enrollment in 2015. -- Sarwell Q. Meniano