Cavite
Cavite, a dynamic province within the CALABARZON Region of Luzon, holds a significant position just southwest of Metro Manila. Its strategic location has fueled its transformation into a vital economic and residential area. Bordered by Metro Manila and Laguna to the north, Laguna and Batangas to the east, Batangas to the south, and the South China Sea to the west, Cavite boasts a varied topography, transitioning from low coastal plains to more elevated and mountainous inland areas, complemented by a substantial coastline. Imus City serves as its capital, overseeing a province steeped in Philippine history, earning its moniker as the “Historical Capital of the Philippines” due to its pivotal role in the revolution, with iconic sites like the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit bearing testament to this rich past. Economically, Cavite thrives with a diverse landscape encompassing a robust industrial sector anchored by numerous economic zones, a notable agricultural output featuring fruits, vegetables, and aquaculture, and an expanding tourism industry that capitalizes on its historical landmarks and natural beauty. Furthermore, its proximity to Metro Manila has made it a primary residential choice for many working in the metropolis.
Agricultural Sector
Major Crops: Key agricultural commodities in Cavite include:
- Rice: While production occurs, the province experiences a deficit in rice supply, indicating a need to source from other regions. Palay production in the fourth quarter of 2024 saw a significant decrease compared to the previous year.
- Corn: Both white and yellow corn are grown, with white corn having a larger distribution.
Corn production saw a slight increase in the fourth quarter of 2024. - High-Value Crops: The province has potential in producing coffee, various vegetables (like ampalaya, eggplant, tomato, string beans, okra, and squash), and fruits such as banana, pineapple, and mango. There’s also a cut flower and ornamental plant industry.
Fisheries Sector
The fisheries sector in Cavite stands as a significant source of livelihood, particularly for communities residing in the province’s coastal municipalities, with Rosario (Salinas) notably serving as a major fish port where a substantial portion of the population relies on the sea for their sustenance. Beyond coastal fishing, the presence of freshwater fishponds in some inland areas indicates a component of aquaculture within the province’s agricultural landscape. Both governmental bodies, such as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Municipal Agriculture Office, and private entities actively support the sector through registration, training programs, provision of fishing gear, and financial aid, especially in times of calamity like El Niño or oil spills. This sector contributes substantially to the local and national economies, generating billions of pesos. However, the fisheries sector in Cavite grapples with considerable environmental challenges, most notably the destructive impacts of reclamation and dredging activities on traditional fishing grounds, alongside pollution from industrial and residential sources, including detrimental oil spills that contaminate marine life and necessitate fishing bans.
Poverty Situation
Despite exhibiting relatively low poverty incidence rates within the Calabarzon region, the poverty situation in Cavite presents a nuanced picture. In 2023, the province recorded a population poverty incidence of 6.7 percent and a family poverty incidence of 4.3 percent, both the lowest in the region, indicating that a smaller proportion of its population and families lacked sufficient income to meet basic needs compared to neighboring provinces. However, due to Cavite’s substantial population, this low rate still translates to a significant number of poor individuals, estimated at 299.1 thousand in the same year, the highest in Calabarzon. Adding to the complexity is Cavite’s higher poverty threshold compared to the regional average, signifying a higher cost of living and thus a greater income requirement to escape poverty. On a positive note, Cavite also recorded the lowest subsistence incidence in the region, suggesting that a smaller percentage of its population struggles to afford even basic food requirements.
Project Profile
BFAR
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program in Batangas focuses on enhancing the province’s fisheries sector by providing support to marginalized fisherfolk. The projects aim to increase fish production, improve livelihood opportunities, and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO | A. Dalusag | Tilapia Culture in Concrete Tank(10units - 3x5m) | Samahan Ng Isdaan Ng Barangay A.dalusag | 27 | 1,170,000.00 |
| 2025 | GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO | A. Dalusag | Post- Harvest Equipment/Materials | Samahan Ng Isdaan Ng Barangay A. Dalusag | 25 | 800,000.00 |
| 2026 | GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO | A. Dalusag | Post-Harvest Facility | Samahan Ng Isdaan Sa Barangay A. Dalusag (samisdaba) | 19 | 1,000,000.00 |