During the recent Joint Cabinet-RDC Meeting on the Central Philippines Supra Region in Cebu City, among the points tackled was the question: why is poverty prevalent in some provinces of Central Philippines?

Two main reasons were cited, namely: the proximity of these provinces to the usual path of typhoons and the presence of fault lines which make them prone to landslides and floods.

Particularly affected are the islands of Leyte and Samar. Obviously, the presence of these causes, which cannot be controlled by man, means that mitigating strategies have to be undertaken that will take these hazards as given. There are factors that affect development which cannot be influenced by planning.

For example, roads have to be built in such a way that the effects of landslides and flooding are kept to a minimum. Cropping systems that minimize landslides and erosion have to be adopted extensively, to protect communities as well as gain productivity even from marginal lands.

Settlements have to be relocated to safe areas to protect citizens and their properties.

This aspect of the poverty problem should lead to innovations and creativity in infrastructure design and implementation. Agricultural systems must also be designed in a way that considers the factors cited earlier. Social services, such as education, health and housing must also be adjusted accordingly.

Only a comprehensive approach that tackles these realities can lead to a long-tern solution to the poverty problem.