NSCB Fact Sheet
nscb.gov.ph
The Province of Biliran registered the lowest poverty incidence among families in Eastern Visayas at 20.7%
during the first semester of 2012 based on the official poverty statistics released by the National Statistical Coordination Board.
Biliran likewise recorded the biggest improvement in poverty incidence among all provinces in the region, from 34.6% in first semester of 2009 to 20.7% in first semester of 2012. Leyte and Samar also improved slightly, from 33.1% to 31.9%, and 37.4% to 36.0%, respectively for the same period.
On the other hand, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte and Northern Samar posted increasing poverty incidence
from first semester of 2009 to first semester of 2012. Eastern Samar and Southern Leyte registered significant increases in poverty incidence, from 46.7% to 59.4% and from 28.2% to 36.4%, respectively in the first semesters of 2009 and 2012. Meanwhile, Northern Samar showed a minimal increase, from 43.6% in first semester of 2009 to 43.7% in first semester of 2012.
Northern Samar was consistently included in cluster 1, the bottom or poorest cluster of provinces, in the first semesters of 2006, 2009 and 2012. Meanwhile, Eastern Samar also belonged to same cluster of poorest provinces in the country, in first semesters of 2009 and 2012. On the whole, poverty incidence among families in Region VIII increased slightly from 36.2% in first semester of 2009 to 37.2% in first semester of 2012. It ranked 3rd poorest among the 17 regions in the country.
This is good news! Kumukunti yung mahihirap na pamilya sa Biliran, percentage wise. It seems that the thrust of the national government and the local politicians are on the right track, especially support to education and health. Congratulations to the congressman, the governor, the SP and the officials of the eight municipalities here.