Concerns raised over declining share of farming sector in Eastern Visayas’ economy

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 1 (PNA) –- The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has expressed concern over the declining share of the farming and fishery sector in the economy of Eastern Visayas, even though it remains a source of income for a majority of the region’s population.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the agriculture hunting, forestry and fishing (AHFF) sector had a share of 16.7 percent in the 2015 Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).

Of the PHP152.21 billion generated from various economic activities last year, AHFF only contributed PHP25.41 billion to the total output.

“Natural threats, such as the effects of El Niño and the impact of typhoon Nona, have aggravated the already fragile agricultural production of the region after the 2013 super typhoon Yolanda,” said NEDA Regional Director Bonifacio Uy.

The farming sector’s share in the regional economy also declined from 20.1 percent in 2013 to 18 percent in 2014, according to the PSA.

Two sectors remained the top contributor to the 2015 GRDP – services (41.9 percent) and industry (41.4 percent).

However, Eastern Visayas is still a predominantly agricultural region, with at least 723,048 hectares of the region’s total land area of 2.32 million hectares devoted to farming.

The region had 721,724 farmers as of 2014, according to the Department of Agriculture. Presuming that each farmer supports a family of five, about 3.6 million of the more than 4 million population in the region depends on AHFF.

“A lot of people here are supported by the agricultural sector. Productivity must be improved because there is the potential to generate more income,” Uy said.

He also noted the worldwide trend that less young people are interested in venturing into farm-related activities.

For instance, in Leyte, the 2013 National Farmers Registry System (NFRS) revealed that 52 percent of farmers in the province are 50 years and above, while 25 percent of the farming workforce are 40 to 49 years old.

Farmers within the 30 to 39 age bracket account for 17 percent of farm owners and workers. Those in the age of 20 to 29 are only 6 percent, while those aged 20 and younger cover less than 1 percent of the workforce.

“There is a general observation that our young people see more income opportunities in other sectors. That is why our state universities and colleges are encouraging more students to enrol in agriculture courses by offering scholarships,” Uy added.

The NEDA official however said he is optimistic about the future of agricultural development, given the commitment and budget support of the new administration and local government units. (PNA)

LAP/CVL/SARWELL Q. MENIANO