The Bicol
region is
known as the
land of the
majestic and
mysterious
Mayon
volcano,
pilinut,
abaca,
geothermal
power
plants,
butanding,
pinangat,
pristine
beaches,
forest
parks,
beautiful
lakes,
rivers, and
mountain
ranges. The
region is
rich in
natural
resources
suitable for
agriculture,
mining, and
tourism.
However, the
region is
vulnerable
to natural
disasters
and hazards.
The three
active
volcanoes (Mayon,
Bulusan, and
Asog) are
threats to
life and
property.
The region
is in the
typhoon path
and is
located in
the Pacific
earthquake
belt.
Bicolanos
are known as
a
hospitable,
spiritual,
and
resilient
people.
However,
poverty
continues to
afflict the
population
with 42
percent of
families and
51 percent
of
population
living below
the poverty
threshold.
One fourth
of the
population
regularly
experience
hunger.
Public and
private
sector
efforts to
eradicate
poverty
failed to
meet their
poverty
alleviation
goals.
But the
Bicolanos
are not
resigned to
these
economic
problems and
natural
resource
vulnerabilities.
They are
working to
make the
Bicol region
the most
livable
region in
the country
and ready to
respond to
the
challenges
of the
global
economy. The
next ten
years shall
be devoted
to poverty
eradication.
The local
government
units and
the private
sector shall
be at the
forefront of
the
development
of the
region.
Regional
development
shall be
pursued by
strengthening
human
resources,
improving
infrastructure
facilities,
promoting
global
competitiveness,
ensuring
sustained
economic
growth,
providing
basic
services,
promoting
good
governance,
and managing
disaster
risks.
