The Unseen Consequences of Development:

Environmental Destruction in CALABARZON

A Case Study
College of Accountancy, Business, Economics, and International Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
Batangas State University
Arasof Nasugbu, Batangas

In Partial Fulfillment of the Course

Economic Development ECO 310
Instructor: Mrs. Melanie Verin

By:
Andino, Audrey
Apacible, Johnine
Ardimer, Edriane
Estropia, Laurice Carmela
Renzales, Armilyn

BSA 1203

March 2025
 I.​ Overview of Regional Economy

In the Philippines, CALABARZON, also known as Southern Tagalog, is an

administrative region known as Region IV-A. Situated southeast of Metro Manila, it has borders
with Central Luzon to the north, Manila Bay, and the West Philippine Sea. Lamon Bay and the
Bicol Region to the east, Tayabas Bay and the Sibuyan Sea to the south. It is also a thriving
economic hub that has been driving growth and development in the country. Furthermore, with
more than 16.1 million residents, it is the most populated area in the Philippines, according to the
2020 census (PSA). It is made up of five provinces: Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and
Quezon, as well as one heavily urbanized city, Lucena. After the National Capital Region, it is
also the second most densely inhabited area in the nation. The region is situated in Metro
Manila’s immediate south. It is one of the three areas constituting the interconnected urban
beltway region recognized as the Philippines’ industrialization center.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry records, with 17% of the gross
domestic product, CALABARZON is the second-largest contributor to the national GDP. The
region’s inflation rate is 2.1%, less than the 3% national average. However, the unemployment
rate in the area is 9.2%, above the 7% national average. Like the rest of the nation, Calabarzon’s
economy is torn between being primarily agrarian and industrial. It is said to be the Philippines’
industrial powerhouse. This is due to its 31 top-notch industrial estates and economic zones
(ecozones) providing CALABARZON with an ample supply base of semi-processed industrial
raw materials and components. Additionally, there are more significant opportunities for
infrastructure development in the area since Batangas and Quezon, where the Malampaya gas
project’s facilities are hubs for corporate development. The region possesses a large pool of
human resources for the manufacturing and service sectors, dependable utilities, and strategically
located infrastructure that facilitates quicker turnaround times. Furthermore, Its first-rate
lifestyle, business-friendly atmosphere, and thriving tourism circuits are all advantages. Natural
resources in the region, both marine and on land and expansive areas for ecotourism and farming
provide a harmonious balance.
Cavite is a province in the Philippines situated in the CALABARZON region, occupying
the central section of Luzon. The city of Imus serves as its capital. Cavite is a highly
industrialized and rapidly developing province in the Philippines. Its proximity to Metro Manila
has enticed several firms, including Intel, to locate production facilities in industrial parks
throughout the province. Consequently, Cavite has become a central industrial and commercial
hub in CALABARZON due to its fast urbanization. It is a significant manufacturing area with
diverse businesses, including electronics, clothing, textiles, semiconductors, food processing, and
pharmaceuticals. Moreover, the province is home to various shopping malls, notably SM
Supermalls and Robinson Malls, that cater to the rising consumer market. Aside from its
industrial development, Cavite is also known for its tourism. Tagaytay City is a major tourist
attraction recognized for its gorgeous scenery and temperate environment. The province also has
historical sites, natural wonders, and recreational activities that draw local and international
visitors. Despite its industrialization, agriculture remains a major contributor to Cavite’s
economy. In addition, significant crops include rice, corn, coffee, coconut, cut flowers, and
vegetables. It also has farms for pigs, poultry, goats, and cattle. Meanwhile, industries and
corporations are primarily responsible for driving the economy. Some rural communities still
practice a subsistence economy. This includes occupations like fishing, farming, and small-scale
trade, which provide livelihoods for many Caviteños. As a result, industrialization and
urbanization have generated work possibilities in various industries, attracting migrants from
other provinces.
Similarly, Laguna, another province in CALABARZON, occupies the central section of
Luzon. The province has a thriving economy driven by a mix of modern agro-industrial
activities. It is among the modernized economies where most of the population belongs to the
middle-income groups and enjoys basic comforts, including housing, education, and recreational
facilities. Major industries in the region include processed foods, wearables, gifts, handicrafts,
and holiday decor. The province is renowned for products such as buco pies, espasol, footwear
manufacturing, and embroidered goods, mainly from Liliw and Lumban Additionally, Laguna’s
proximity to Metro Manila has led to industrialization in its northern and western parts, while the
inner towns focus on agriculture and agri-based industries. Laguna’s economy is strengthened by
its rich natural resources, particularly agriculture and fisheries. For instance, Laguna de Bay is a
significant fishing ground, with agricultural lands producing rice, coconuts, sugarcane, and
various fruits. The province also features several economic zones, with Santa Rosa and Biñan
hosting major industrial parks like the Laguna Technopark. Moreover, Laguna is considered the
“Resort Capital of the Philippines” for its many hot spring resorts, especially in Calamba and Los
Baños.
Meanwhile, Batangas, formally known as the province of Batangas, is a first-class
province in CALABARZON, situated southeast of Luzon. According to the Commission on
Audit, by 2020, Batangas Province will rank as the second most prosperous province in the
Philippines. For two years in a row, it has been the nation’s second-richest province. Its
provincial administration reported the most significant assets in CALABARZON and all of
Luzon in 2020, with a record high of ₱25.2 billion. Additionally, the province has benefited from
industry cluster workshops focused on processed food components, including coffee, cacao, and
processed fruits and nuts, which were held for Batangas and other regional stakeholders.
Furthermore, Batangas is known for producing wearables, gifts, decors, and housewares (GDH),
and MSMEs manufactured home décor and religious imagery in areas such as Tuy and Sta.
Terisita, and Lipa City. Moreover, Batangas is famous for its embroidery and the production of
“balisong” or fan knives from Taal.
On the other hand, Rizal, a mountainous province in CALABARZON , is renowned for
its unspoiled beauty, making it the ideal destination for adventure and environment lovers. It is
located in the southeast of Metro Manila, south of Laguna de Bay, north of Bulacan, southwest
of Laguna, and east of Quezon Province; Rizal is further enhanced by the Sierra Madre Mountain
Ranges, which adds to its allure for travelers. Notably, Rizal, a neighboring Metro Manila
province, offers numerous attractions for investments, businesses, and settlements. Its key areas
include Antipolo, Binangonan, Rodriguez, Teresa, Baras, Jalajala, Morong, Pililla, Cardona,
Taytay, San Mateo, Cainta, Angono, and Tanay. Moreover, the province is known for its rice
cake, fish production, copper ore reserve, organic vegetables, dairy products, and wind farms.
Additionally, in 2016, Rizal was recognized as the most competitive province in the Philippines
based on an index that measured a local government’s economic dynamism, efficiency, and
infrastructure.
Lastly, Quezon Province, more popularly known as “Cocolandia,” is also famous for its
extensive cultivation of coconuts. It is the top in the Philippines as the leading coconut producer
in 2020, with 1,493,066.64 metric tons. Its farming industry yields rice, corn, and bananas,
while its fishing industry supports seafood production. Additionally, the province’s economy
benefits from the growth of swine and poultry farming sectors and the presence of MSMEs
specializing in processing coconut materials. Furthermore, Quezon’s economic progress is
supported by infrastructure improvements, particularly the South Luzon Expressway Toll Road
4.
In conclusion, the CALABARZON region of the Philippines is essential to the nation's
economic advancement due to its diverse industries, rich cultural and natural resources, and
strategic location. The economy integrates agricultural and industrial activities alongside
increasing urbanization and industrialization in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon
provinces. The manufacturing sector in Cavite and the agro-industrial activities in Laguna
illustrate the region's industrial strength, while the processed food industry in Batangas and the
scenic landscapes of Rizal contribute to its economic variety. Furthermore, Quezon Province,
also called "Cocolandia," exhibits agricultural greatness because of its extensive coconut
production. In 2020, the Philippines emerged as the foremost producer of coconuts, generating
1,493,066.64 metric tons. Besides coconuts, Quezon's agricultural sector produces rice, corn, and
bananas, while its fishing industry strengthens seafood production. The province benefits from
expanding swine and poultry agriculture and the presence of MSMEs dedicated to coconut
processing. Improvements to infrastructure, including the South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4,
facilitate economic progress. CALABARZON, distinguished by its strong economy and nearness
to Metro Manila, continually draws investments, fosters development, and improves the quality
of life for its residents.
 II.​ Economic Issues

The Philippines’ CALABARZON area comprises the cities and provinces of Cavite,
Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, which has seen tremendous economic expansion and
development recently. The region has developed into a center for industry, tourism, and
agriculture, drawing in foreign capital and generating employment opportunities for its citizens.
However, the alarming economic issue of the region is all about environmental destruction due to
the rapid industrialization of the province, which will possibly result in widespread pollution,
habitat destruction, and deforestation, posing a significant threat to the ecological balance of the
region. The unsustainable tourism practices also worsen the issue, putting more environmental
pressure. Regional biodiversity, ecological balance, and residents’ livelihoods and health are
threatened by environmental degradation.
The region of CALABARZON is well known for its rich natural resources and tourist
spots. However, the region faces significant economic challenges, particularly the increasing
losses and damages caused by natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and
coastal flooding. These issues underscore the urgent need to strengthen the resilience of tourism
businesses, as their ability to cope with and recover from socio-economic impacts is crucial for
sustaining economic growth.
Another pressing issue is traffic congestion along major roads, which affects economic
productivity by delaying the movement of goods and people. Increased vehicle emissions from
congestion contribute to air pollution, worsening environmental degradation. The rise in
transportation demand and the lack of efficient traffic management have led to increased fuel
consumption and travel delays, affecting businesses and daily commuters.
The massive arrival of people from other cities, pollution, and destruction of animal
habitats in CALABARZON worsen environmental problems. The influx of tourists has increased
waste disposal because some lack responsibility for proper waste segregation. The increase in
vehicles will result in air pollution since these vehicles emit harmful greenhouse gases. The
destruction of habitats results from constructing and building infrastructure such as hotels,
restaurants, and resorts where developers acquire massive land to build (Olalia, Rosan, 2024).
Another major environmental issue affecting the region’s industries is water resource
stress, driven by rapid population growth and rising food production demands. Agriculture alone
accounts for about 80% of the country’s total water withdrawal, with irrigation being the largest
consumer. Climate change worsens the situation by altering temperature and rainfall patterns,
exacerbating water scarcity. Other sectors, such as industrial, domestic, and commercial, also
contribute to the strain on limited water resources. Commercial and industrial activities assemble
wastewater. For example, food preparation uses much water, which causes water to be extracted
from groundwater and placed in surface water bodies. This industry primarily influences the
shore, where its operations have the potential to degrade marine habitats. Loss of biodiversity
brought on by port construction and other coastal development, as well as freshwater pollution or
sedimentation from increasing water extraction (Amongo et al., 2020).
III.​ Recommendation

Developing new or improved transportation systems and infrastructure to satisfy quality

standards and improve mobility will help ease traffic congestion using their respective impact.
Conducting a traffic management study at a significant point may generate data-driven
suggestions for enhancing route performance. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs) can help
ease environmental effects, lower congestion, and improve traffic flow; to increase transportation
efficiency, these systems incorporate real-time data, sensor networks, and intelligent algorithms
to optimize transportation efficiency. Moreover, rapid economic growth needs quick change to
sustain development. To reduce environmental degradation, the recommendation is to prioritize
environmental regulations for industries and tourism, invest in reliable public transportation and
intelligent traffic management systems, and implement comprehensive water resource
management strategies such as water conservation and efficient irrigation techniques. In terms of
unsustainable tourist practices, authorities should impose more stringent waste management
guidelines, encourage responsible travel, and fortify laws governing infrastructure development
in order to address the environmental problems in CALABARZON. Pollution can be decreased
by implementing appropriate waste segregation systems, raising public awareness, and providing
sufficient garbage disposal facilities. Environmental harm can be reduced by promoting
eco-friendly companies and encouraging sustainable tourism practices, such as restricting the
number of tourists in environmentally vulnerable places. Stricter measures to limit air pollution,
such as encouraging public transit and enforcing automobile emission regulations, can also aid in
lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, stronger land-use laws and reforestation initiatives
must be implemented to preserve animal habitats and guarantee sustainable development.

Furthermore, sustainable ecotourism principles‐based planning is mandatory for

destination management to ensure practical trade-offs between business interests and the
sustainability of the environmental ecosystem. Tourism development and growth shall be
navigated through ecotourism principles, offering enduring social, environmental, economic, and
ecological integrity and social and cultural benefits for the local community. To revive the
sustainability of the environment in areas where over‐tourism has degraded it, schemes for
regenerated tourism shall be immediately launched to mitigate the negative footprints on the
sustainability of destinations, including reinforcing extended conservation sites, biodiversity, and
recouping endangered species, afforestation drives, recycling of water and solid waste,
refurbishing of landscaping, preservation and rehabilitation of cultural heritage, and refurbishing
of depleted infrastructure accordingly. Coastal areas around the region of CALABARZON face
various environmental destruction, such as water pollution and habitat destruction, which harm
the environment, the livelihood and quality of life of people, and the economy. An effective and
efficient solution is to apply sustainable coastal management habits, consisting of a holistic
approach responsible for the social, economic, and environmental aspects of coastal
development, including protecting natural habitats for marine species and shorelines.
Additionally, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as using proper ways of fishing
and enforcing regulations on industrial activities, is essential. It also implies that government
authorities and policymakers have a unique role in placing their moderating intervention in terms
of policy guidelines, regulatory framework, and budgetary support, as well as providing
inter‐organizational unity in planning and implementation of ecotourism strategies, protection of
the environmental resource base and conservation of the natural and biological ecosystem, and
sustenance of the socio‐cultural value of the local community over and above their economic
and social well‐being/quality life for the long run. Furthermore, community and value chain
managers shall collaborate to maximize the perceived benefits of responsible tourism while
developing cultural exchanges and planning opportunities for leisure and tourism.

To address the environmental problems CALABARZON faces, a thorough plan that

includes sustainable practices in agriculture, tourism, and transportation is rather important.
Encouragement of sustainable tourism, thorough environmental limits, and innovative
transportation options are top concerns in helping to reduce traffic congestion and protect the
local natural resources. Greater success of these initiatives will follow from guarantees of
stakeholder cooperation and encouragement of community involvement. Apart from
environmental preservation, developments in waste management, public transportation, and
coastal protection will increase the level of life for the population. Through the means by which
sustainable practices assist, ecotourism ideas and sustainable practices enable a sound economy
that supports cultural legacy and environmental integrity. Maintaining sustainability in all
spheres is essential to guarantee CALABARZON's future and maintain its continuous vitality
and richness for the next generations.

​ A number of environmental issues are affecting the CALABARZON area. To address this
serious problem, the government, authorities, legislators, community leaders, and local citizens
must work together. Together, the local population can safeguard the region from harm, support
sustainable development, and guarantee a brighter future for coming generations. In order for
people to understand their responsibilities as natural consumers, they must be accountable and
responsible for their actions.