DEVELOPMENT CONCERNS

 

   The more prominent issues in the region center on:

 

• the forthcoming RP-US Balikatan joint military exercises in Bicol, which has triggered negative reactions from various sectors such as the catholic clergy and civil society groups;

• the region’s share of the growing number of displaced OFWs and government efforts at helping them find local employment;

• the continuing rise in the prices of fuel, light and water, which contribute to the region’s inflation.

DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK

 

   Amid the global recession and its expected repercussions to the country, the Bicol region sees bright prospects in 2009.  At the forefront of the positive outlook are the LGUs of:

 

• Camarines Sur with its booming investment in eco-tourism and watersports; 

• Naga City with its exemplary tax collection efficiency and progressive Central Business District; and

• Legazpi City with its completed reconstruction works and looming inauguration of a well-planned information technology center.

• Both cities are set to generate some 4,000 jobs with the opening of SM Mall in Naga and another 4,000 upon operation of the Embarcadero trading hub in Legazpi.  

   A rise in tourist arrivals is expected with the onset of the summer season further generating gross receipts  from the industry.