|
SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE OF THE CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTIONThe Municipality of Sindangan embraces a big tract of land with great potentials and resources, which when properly tapped, will enhance socio-economic development. While it is true that thirty five (35) percent of agricultural land is slightly rolling, the soil is such that a wide choice of agricultural venture could turn productive. Inspite of this, the overall farming system of Sindangan is inefficient therefore, production in remote areas is minimal and in the absence of transportation, communication and other public utilities, they find it difficult to transport their agricultural products. On the other hand, farming is intensive in the coastal barangays and the municipality is moving towards an agro-industrial community and it is highly inevitable that Sindangan will become urbanized. The provisions on water and power supply are the other deterrent factor for development. For the past decades, problems on water supply has been felt by the populace and the need to provide adequate water supply is of pressing necessity. Power is essential to various economic activities. The National Power Corporation has been providing power to the Zamboanga del Norte Electronic Cooperative regularly now for 24 hours per day. Commerce and Industry in the municipality is fast moving towards development. To improve the quality of life in the country side, the extension of welfare services has to be intensified. Well coordinated programs and activities of the national, provincial and municipal government is highly desired. More attention should be given to education, health services, housing and protective services. In the agricultural sector, agro-forestry is already more than sufficient with corn production leading the way. Since Sindangan is identified as a fertile fishing ground, the development of the fishing industry should likewise be given priority. The Provincial Development Council has identified Sindangan as the target site for the establishment of a canning factory. CHAPTER II - GENERAL BACKGROUND GENERAL ` 1. BRIEF HISTORY 1.1 Political and Cultural History Sindangan is one of the pioneering municipalities of the province of Zamboanga del Norte. What Sindangan is today, speaks well of the dedicated efforts and timeless legacies of the past administration. Formerly an isolated barrio of the municipality of Katipunan, not connected with road, it stands today as the No. 1 revenue producing municipality of the province. Its corporate life started on December 22, 1936 by virtue of Executive Order No. 97, signed by then President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, Manuel L. Quezon. The 61 years existence of this municipality has been reared and nurtured by only ten (10) chief executives. Listed hereunder are the following mayors with their respective terms of office:
Several stories have been told, as to how Sindangan got its name. The first version narrates that a native fishermen carrying a basketful of fish on his way home was met by a Guardia Civil who asked this question, “Que es el nombre de este lugar, amigo?”. The fisherman who did not understand the spanish language then answered “Indangan”, believing that he was asked for the kind of fish he has caught. The stranger heard this as “Sindangan”, the intended name for the place. This was revealed to the other Spaniards and called the place ever since as Sindangan. From then on, the natives used the name Sindangan until at present. The second version is a story between the Spaniards and a group of visayan farmers. As the Spaniards were walking within the vicinity, some blooming plants attracted them. They asked the group of farmers in Spanish whether or not there were pests attacking the plants. With their little knowledge of the language, the farmers simply answered, “Sin” meaning no and “Dangan”, meaning pests. The two words were combined to form Sindangan, which literally means, a place with no pest. 1.2 Ethnic Origin The natives that originally settled along the banks of Sindangan Bay belong to the subanen tribe. Just a mile across the river towards the North, an army camp was established and this led to the migration of farmers from the Visayas and Luzon in response to the call that Mindanao is the “Land of Promise”. The natives then continued to move further and higher into the hills and mountains, thereby leaving the plains and lowlands to the more civilized farmers from the north. Today, the cultural heritage of the Subanen people are being pioneered and developed thru the Office of the Southern Cultural Council.
2. GEOGRAPHY 2.1 Location The municipality of Sindangan lies in the southern part of the province, the coordinates being 122.8 to 123.10 east and 8.25 north. It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Jose Dalman, on the south by the Municipality of Leon B. Postigo on the east by the Municipality of Siayan and on the west by the Sulu Sea. 2.2 Area
The Municipality of Sindangan embraces 52
barangays with a total land area of 45,100 hectares. Area distribution
among the barangays is as follows:
3. POLITICAL SUBDIVISION The municipality of Sindangan embraces fifty two (52) barangays with 21 coastal barangays and 3 undeveloped barangays located mostly in the highlands. Each barangay is headed by a chairman with six (6) councilmen and two (2) appointed officers: 1 secretary and one (1) treasurer. The Chairman in the Sangguniang Kabataan also sits in the Barangay Council. At the municipal level , there are eight (8) sangguninag bayan members elected at large, the President of the association of Barangay Captains and the President of the association of the Sangguniang Kabataan. The municipal council is presided by the Vice Mayor.
Here are the following political
subdivision components of the municipality with their respective 1995
population per records released by the National Statistics Office on
September 1, 1995.
TOPOGRAPHY MOUNTAIN RANGES The topographic condition of Sindangan ranges from plain, slightly rolling and hilly, to mountainous. Slightly rolling and rolling areas embraces the biggest percentage of the total land area. Hilly to mountainous are located are located at the outlaying barangays adjacent to the municipal boundary of Leon B. Postigo and along the boundary of Sindangan. It is however, interesting to note that there are no high mountain ranges in the area. Hills and mountains are not too steep and are still good for pasture.
SLOPES For purposes of interpretation, slope grouping of municipal area is here adopted as follows: (Reference table on the next page-Exhibit I) CLIMATE TYPE The climate of Sindangan is not distinct as compared to other municipalities of the province. This is due to the fact that the province belongs to the fourth type of climate where rainfall is evenly distributed. It is to be noted , however, that southern municipalities enjoy longer dry season than northern municipalities. RAINFALL Monsoon rains usually start in the month of June and ends in December. Dry season starts in January and ends in the month of May. Based on the data gathered, the highest rainfall occurs in the month of August, while the lowest occurs in the month of March. TEMPERATURE Heat of greater intensity starts to be felt in the month of January to the last normally for four (4) months. In some years, hot season extends up to the month of May. Temperature data for the first four or five months and the remaining eight or seven months in a year are almost uniform. The highest temperature occurs in the month of January, while the lowest is in the month of October. The average annual temperature is 21.08 centigrade. HUMIDITY The annual relative humidity of Sindangan is 81.91%. This percentage is quite high. WIND DIRECTION Generally, there are only two prevailng wind direction for the year round. During hot season, south and southwest wind “Habagat” prevails.
TYPHOON FREQUENCIES The Philippines by its geographical location, is within the so called “typhoon belt”. Typhoon occurs anytime within the month of June to December. However, the other months of the year is not entirely free from typhoon visits since work of nature is unpredictable. As far as Sindangan is concerned, typhoons of greater intensity is rarely experienced. This is due to the fact that the municipality is not within the typhoon belt. Frequency and Extent of Floods the risk of flood in the municipality of Sindangan is inevitable. This can be attributed to the presence of several creeks and big rivers. Heavy rainfalls easily cause flooding over coastal barangays extensively cultivated to rice production. Floods are caused by run-off accumulation of rainwater coming from elevated areas. Flood overflow from the big rivers causes destruction to property, crops and livestocks.. (Note: Insert table reflecting areas affected by floods, either coastal or in hinterlands)
LANGUAGES/DIALECTS Cebuano is the dominant dialect used in the municipality. Although the Subanen dialect is still being practiced in the hinterlands. English and Tagalog could be used and understood but there is no available data for this.
RELIGIOUS SECTS There are four dominant churches in the municipality. The Roman Catholic Church constitutes more than 50% of the people while the remaining 50% are distributed to the Philippine Independent Church, United Church of Christ in the Philippines and the Seventh Day Adventist. Although lately, the presence of the Muslim faith could be felt while some minor christian churches slowly increasing in numbers like the Iglesia ni Cristo, Christian Alliance Church, Baptist Church, the Four Square Church and the Born Again Group.
EHTNIC GROUP “Sindanganons” consist mostly of Christians, Subanens and Muslims. The Subanen Tribal Community has long preserved its customs and traditions. Their own marriage and burial customs as well as religious rites are still being observed and strictly followed, but the moslem community has also its own mosque where they observe their religious activities. (Insert Citizenship) HUMAN RESOURCES POPULATION In three years time from 1995 to 1998, Sindangan has recorded an alarming increase of 5950 in population. The population as of 1990 was 66,148. The figure increased to 72,098 in 1995. The growth rate is 2.06. This alarming increase is due to migration. Populace in some southern municipalities affected by the peace and order condition , took refuge in this municipality which is generally peaceful and the growth center of IAD 2. LABOR FORCE Analyzing the age group structure, both extremes in age grouping for persons aging from under 1-4 and 65 and over are out of the picture in the determination of the working force. The aforementioned groups considered as non-productive for purposes of economic pursuit. Persons whose ages range 25-29 are the opposite of the strong labor force. The figure is 21,348 or 32.27% of the total population. The age group, however from 60-64 are considered less productive, which is 1,061 or 1.61% of the total population. The following age group structures comprises the labor force: a. From age, group ranging from 15-24 (out of school) - 14,270 b. Age group ranging from 25-29 (Strong productive force) -21,348 C. Age group ranging from 60-64 (less productive force)- 1,061 36,679 For the next five (5) years, the increase will be more than what is recorded from 1988 to 1992. Sindangan is a very promising municipality and vast potential resources awaits further development. The complete power energization and the completion of Sindangan, Siayan, Molave Road will definitely attract people. The given total of the entire labor force of 36,679 represents 55.44 percent of the total population of 66,148. The largest segment of the labor force is engaged in farming. Fishing ranks second involving residents along the coastal barangays. For the past years, the fishing industry in Sindangan has not been fully developed due to the fact that the fisherman were only engaged in small scale fishing with the use of old methods of fishing practices. Presently, with the establishment of a fishing port, particularly in Siari, one of the fast-rising barangays in terms of its economy, the fishing industry will surely become fully developed.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION Population in Sindangan is not evenly distributed. Except for Barangay Siari, the northern part of the municipality going to Jose Dalman is densely populated. On the other hand, mostly coastal barangays in the southern part going to Leon B. Postigo municipality are more outlying barangays which .registered a population of more than 1,000. This is attributed to the fact that these barangays are being connected with logging roads.
URBAN – RURAL DISTRIBUTION Population in the Poblacion plus Barangays Disud, La Roche, Lawis, Gampis and Goleo constitutes the urban cord. Total population is 8,378 or 11.02% of the total population of the municipality. The settlement is not likely to concetrate in the urban areas. Rural barangays in the areas have more populatio than any of the urban areas. Barangay Mandih for instance, registered 3459 population, while urban barangay Disud, Gampis and Goleo registered only 2035, 1204 and 1962, respectively. At this time, it is regretable to state that the urban – rural population density could not yet been determined due to the creation of new additional barangays. Besides, the municipality has not finished its tax mapping yet. The population density of the entire municipality is 1.69 persons per hectare.
CHAPTER III – SOCIO ECONOMIC ACTIVITIESAGRICULTURE Farming to the filipinos is a way of life. A farm worker produced food, at times not even enough to meet the needs of his growing family. National leadership expect that farming to the filipinos will become more than just a way of life. By then we will produce enough food and fiber to clothe and feed himself and a dozen more other persons. In the overall, the farming system in Sindangan is inefficient. Efficiency in agriculture is of paramount importance. Agriculture is not only a mechanical industry. It is one in which biology plays a major Prt. It is dynamic biologically as to permit of relatively human control and when we recognize that fact, we begin to appreciate the importance of science on our agricultural operation. Scientific research and its counterpart, the application of the findings of research to farming, are the core of our agricultural technology. CROPS AND LIVESTOCK Sindangan covers a big tract of land suited for almost all kinds of crops and the raising of livestock and poultry. Production however, in remote areas is minimal. Ciltivation are effective at random leaving about 16% or roughly 5,000 hectares idle. On the coastal barangays, farming is initiative. These areas are cultivated to rice, corn, coconut and fruit trees, vegetables, legumes and root crops. Some bananas are usually grown as intercrops in coconut plantations. Sindangan is self-sufficient on its cereal requirement. The present requirement is 2,912 tons for rice and 3,369 tons for corn. Present production is expected to reach 7,338 and 42,180,respectively. Production surpluses are brought by businessmen or by the National Food Authority. The municipality is likewise self-sufficient on its fish requirement but is far behind in the production of other food commodities such as vegetables and spices, fruits, root, crops, meat, eggs, milk and milk products.
DEVELOPMENT NEEDS The economic status of the municipality is still in the marginal agricultural were farmers are in the rushing stage. Their needs arer for immediate cash but only to find out that they have difficulty because of the absence of transportation, communication and other public utilities for the development of their farm products. Solution to these problems require agro-industrial incentives by establishing food processing centers, food mills, food distribution centers, trade centers, working cooperatives, bus terminal and annual agro-industrial trade fairs where exhibits of progress are channeled. For the fast two years now, the Department of Trade and Industry in cooperation with the Local Government Unit of Sindangan has conducted trade fairs wherein various farm and other products were exhibited and the same proved to be very successful. At present, Sindangan has no integrated bus terminal but the local unit is planning to construct one at Barangay Goleo, which is the identified site of the same. Farm development has been morely on production of crops by seasonal periods like the crashes of rice miracles some time ago. A very important sequel in the crops and livestock’s production is the cycling of materials from the waste to utilization value. Along this line of deveopment the government must lead the method and processing.
Also the government intervention into the sick coconut industry is solicited. Price of copra has remained unreasonably low for several years now. This very deplorable state is doing tremendous damage on the farming communities well being and the overall welfare of the people in this part of the country, where the “lazyman’s” crop is in reality the tree of life.
MANUFACTURING There are quite a number of rice and corn mills located in the urban core of the municipality (see table). Aside from the ordinary produce of timber, Mindanao Estate Timber Corporation is also manufacturing plywood for export but with the log ban, the capacity of this factory is almost down to zero level. At this point, the company is only cutting palcatta trees in the log-covered owing to lack of raw materials. The populace has started resorting to cutting coconut trees as a source of lumber and very soon with the rocketing prices of lumber, building a house made of lumber will be just a dream.
COMMERCE
The existing
establishments have increased for the past years more than enough to
service the populace. Things of immediate necessity can now be
obtained locally. Supply of medicines for instance is adequate but
motor vehicle spare parts are still lilited. (See reference table on
the next page).The public market center is situated in a 48,000 square
meter lot site with a building area of 44,700 square meters. The
public market center is composed of 6 phases. With the completion of the water supply project of the Sindangan Water District, the six (6) buildings are now provided with adequate supply of running water. As of this writing, the Local Government has already purchased six(6) units dumptrucks. Two of these are used in the implementation of proper disposal of garbage.
CONSTRUCTION There is only one big construction company in town, the Hanjin Engineering and Construction, Co. Ltd., a korean company but has already stopped its operation due to the completion of the Asphalting Project of Sindangan-Liloy-Ipil Road. Aside from several small construction companies undertaking the construction of school buildings, there are also small companies undertaking the construction of residential and commercial buildings. The National Irrigation Administration has allocated an amount for the construction of Communal Irrigation Project, namely: Lagag Communal Irrigation project and the Sindangan Communal Irrigation project. Likewise, the local government has appropriated the amount of P150,000.00 from the 20% EDF for the improvement of Public Plaza and another amount of P300,000.00 from the 20% F share from the Provincial Government was programmed for the same project as additional appropriation.The muncipality of Sindangan is undertaking the construction and implementation of barangay roads. In 1992, three (3) barangay were opened, namely: Sto. Rosario-Dalongdong Road; Dicoyong - Nato Road; and Talinga-Datagan Road costing the amount of P 600,000.00. For the improvement of barangay roads, the amount of P 9,654,000.00 was allocated for the following projects, to wit: Talinga-Datagan Road; Dumalogdog-Mawal-Nato Road; Gusane-Calupog Road; Gusane-Calubian Road; Inuman-Caluan Road; Pangalalan-Misok Road; Sto. Niño-Nato Road; Datu Tangkilan-Mandih Road; Dicoyong-Diut Road; Gusane-Dumalogdog Road and from the provincial road to Lagag Elementary School. Another amount was allocated for the following projects, namely: Tanjay-Bitoon-Horseshoe Road; Sto. Rosario-Dalongdong Road; Mandih-Benigno Aquino Road; Mandih-Dicoyong-Diut Road and Dicoyong-Sto. Niño Road. Note: Insert projects funded from the 20% EDF and CDF/CIA implemented during CY 1998. INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIESGoals and Objectives: Ø Socio-economic growth through massive infrastructure development. Ø To establish infrastructure support to various sectoral needs in order to achieve greater impact of development. Ø To improve the existing infrastructure structures such as roads, bridges, building, irrigation, etc.
PROFILEInfrastructure is needed for social and economic development. No greater impact of development could be achieved without infrastructure support. Thus, an overview of road and vehicle profile, building and other structures in the municipality, is important to determine the avenues with this sector can be improved to make responsive to the demands of economic activities. For the past years with the advent of people power movement, the municipality of Sindangan is undergoing rapid development. The once bumpy 86 km. Dipolog-Sindangan National Road is now 100% complete with concrete asphalt pavement. All bridges are now concreted and permanent. The roads of the urban core are concreted and almost all barangays have multi-purpose pavements, multi-purpose halls, new Bagong Lipunan type school buildings, deepwells, shallow wells, spring developments and most of all, feeder roads so that the people can bring their products to the market easily. A few major infrastructure projects remains to be seen like the construction of a Cultural and Sports Complex which is now on-going, Integrated Bus Terminal and an Airport so that businessmen and prospective investors could easily come to venture and invest their money here in Sindangan. (see reference table on the next page). Development Needs - Persistent effort towards massive infrastructure development is a compelling necessity to bolster the town’s economy. The progress of this town will not only result in the comfort and convenience of more than 70,000 population, but also beneficial to other southern municipalities. Sindangan (as the growth) is expected to cater the needs of the neighboring municipalities. Like for instance the port, trading center and etc. no more inconvenience in the transport of goods passing through the 86 km bumpy road to Dipolog down to Pulawan Wharf. The proposal to establish slaughter house, Integrated Bus Trading Center, Terminal & Public Market, Coastal Road (boulevard are another laudable project, that will attract the investors to see for themselves viable business venture in the area. Recommendations - To establish Trading Center to improve the condition of the existing roads and bridges improvement of the municipal wharf to construct a boulevard, Integrated Bus Terminal and Public Market. - To improve municipal streets by concreting the road pavement. - Gravel surfacing all other municipal and barangay road.
E.1 TRANSPORTATION Transportation is one of the basic factors that propel progress of an economy. It serves as a support sector to the productive sectors like agricultural and industry and to the social sectors like health and education. An effective transportation system is a prerequisite to the exploitation of untapped natural resources. E.2 LAND TRANSPORTATIONThere are only two (2) big transportation lines plying Dipolog-Zamboanga route passing through Sindangan. Regular Passengers are served by Lilian and Mary May Express. The jeepneys, L-300/Besta/Kia Ceres Vans, ford fieras, mini buses, easy rides and others used to commute from Sindangan to neighboring municipalities. Sufficient number of motorized tricycles are operating to ferry passengers within 8 kilometers radius while there are many single motorcycles operating to carry as many as five (5) passengers per trip to any point of destination. They specialized in traversing the hilly and mountainous barangays where there are no regular trippers. These are called “Habal-habal”. E.3 AIR TRANSPORTATIONA site for the construction of an airport has already been pinpointed at Barangay Inuman, some 3 kms. From the town proper. This is not a pipe lineproject to private investors under the build-operate-transfer scheme. E. 4 SEA TRANSPORTATION
The seaport of Sindangan is now in operation. The M/V Lady Helen
under SKT Due to this seaport, Sindangan is able to export hogs, carabaos, cows to Cebu and also its mangoes which is very fast rising incl9uding also corn, cassava and bananas.
There are also proposed shipping vessels such as Cokaliong for Dumaguete –
Cebu route, Sulpicio Lines and William Lines for Dumaguete-Cebu-Manila.
These proposals will surely help regular trippers for their travelling
convenience since there are those travellers that come from the south like
Leon B. Postigo, Salug, Liloy, Labason, Gutalac, Godod, Tampilisan and
Kalawit which can travel conveniently to Sindangan instead of going to
Zamboanga City to wait for the boat plying to Dumaguete or Cebu. It
can also have the same result to travellers from Jose Jose Dalman, Siayan
and such places in Zamboanga del Sur like Dumingag, Mahayag, Molave and
Pagadian. E. 5 WATER WORKS AND SEWERAGE FACILITIESWater problems have been felt by the populace since time immemorial. It is ironical to state that there is scarcity of water inspite of the presence of so many rivers. Based on the data gathered, the sources of water are ground water, spring, rain, lakes, rivers and streams. Ground water is effectes through the installation of artesian wells. Springs are the sources of water supply among residents. Open wells are commonly used by the residents in the coastal barangays. Mostly, open wells contained hard water not safe for drinking. Several years before, artesian wells are the soues of drinking water among the residents of Poblacion. Households owners are paying as much as P2.00 for delivery service for container containing 4 gallons. Only about 1% is served with pipe water then. The need to provide adequate water supply is of pressing necessity. The LWUA undertook the 12.5 million water supply project of the Sindangan Water District. The main source at Barangay Mandih was found to be adequate to serve the urban core of Sindangan. By the year 2000, every household will enjoy pipe water that is safe and potable. As of 1995, SINWADI is serving the Poblacion and seven (7) urban barangays with about 700 connections.
E . 6 POWERPower is essential to various economic activities. Commerce and industry will never flourish without electricity. Sports and recreational activities will never be improved without light. The power supply of the municipality and of the province has been sourced from the National Power Corporation, operating hydro-power plant located in Iligan City. Power distribution has been undertaken by the Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative (ZANECO). In line with the rapid industrialization program of the country by the year 2000, the local government of Sindangan is tapping Ingin river for Mini-Hydro Electric Power Project to generate 10 megawatts, enough to supply power for at least four (4) heavy industrial business establishments.
E . 7 COMMUNICATIONSindangan is adequately serviced with communication facilities and services. We have the wire and wireless system of communication such as television and telegraph, mail services both government and private. It should be noted however, that communication from one end to another incurred delay or sometimes cannot be received at all due to geographic topographical barrier.
E 7 . 1 WIRE AND WIRELESS SYSTEM OF COMMUNICATIONThese include television and telegraph stations. The local government unit of Sindangan has installed a TV-relay station by satellite thereby giving TV viewers live telecast from channel 7. Another company operating a cable TV is the Prime Cable Vision, Inc. with seven (7) channels. Telegraph station is manned by the Bureau of Telecommunication (BUTEL) servicing all cities and municipalities. There are existing telex stations like the RCPI and PT&T which are also serving long distance calls both domestic and international. The Bureau of Telecommunication has also installed a Municipal Telephone Project and so with the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) and PILTEL. As of this writing, CRUZTELCO has started with the installation of a telephone system in the households, business establishments, banking and educational institutions, etc. The users of transceivers were observed to be increasing fast in Sindangan. These facilities were mostly utilized by both government personnel especially those charged with the enforcement of laws and security measures and private individuals, mostly businessmen. These private individuals formed themselves into an association known as D’Alert.
E .7 .2 MAIL SERVICESMailing services have been handled by the Philippine Postal Corporation which is provincewide. Other means of dispatching communications were effected through private messengerial services, such as the LBC, JRS Express and the Kabayan Forwarders. E . 8 OTHER UTILITIES1. MACHINERIES AND EQUIPMENT 1.1 Number, type, horsepower and ownership of agriculture machineries and facilities. 1.1.1 Tractors (wheel type, crawler wheeler) A few prominent families have their own tractors like the Siari Valley Estate, Villor Mining Corporation and others. 1.1.2 Harvester, Thresher Some rice farmers have threshers especially in irrigated rice fields. 1.1.3 Driers, Milling Equipment There are many driers in the locality and about 12 rice and corn mills located not only in the Poblacion area but there are some in other barangays. 1.2 For the road equipment, Villor Trucking and Mining Services have acquired some bulldozers and loaders and other heavy equipments. However, there are a few fast rising trucking and constructions companies now in Sindangan. 2. There a number of warehouses in the municipality and one operating ice-cold storage. The drainage system in Sindangan is almost 60% complete and there is already a garbage disposal system. F . SOCIAL SERVICESSindangan has registered a total school population of 17,931 for all levels of education, including nursery and kindergarten. The elementary department composed of primary and intermediate grades with ages ranging 7-12 gives a total of 12,396 or 69% to the total school population. Primary enrollments is 9,719 with 253 teachers accomodated in 307 classrooms. The teacher/pupil ratio is 1:38, while classrooms/pupil ratio is 1;31. Intermediate figures a total enrollment of 2,697 with 119 teachers and 120 classrooms. The teacher/pupil ratio is 1:22 and classroom/pupil ratio is 1:22. The elementary education embraces 48 schools managed by three(3) school districts. These are Sindangan Central, South and North Districts. Most of the school building in the outlaying barangays are constructed at the expenses of the Parents-Teachers Association. Construction of permanent or semi-permanent buildings are evident in coastal barangays along the National Highway. There are now five (5) schools offering secondary courses. Three (3) are government operated and the other two (2) are private, namely: Sindangan National Agricultural School, Sindangan National High School, Siare National High School, Saint Joseph College and Philippine Advent College. In the tertiary level, there are only two (2) schools offering college courses. These are Saint Joseph College and Philippine Advent College. F . 1 HEALTH SERVICES The Provincial Health Officer thru the Municipal Health Officer, the Social Welfare and Development Officer, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, and spirited Non-governmental Organizations are among the agencies involved in providing health services to the entire municipality. The institutions involved in health services are the hospitals, the Rural Health Unit, Barangay Health Centers, Family Planning Clinics, Medical Clinics, Drugstores and School Clinics with the exception of the Barangay Health Centers, all these health units are located in the Poblacion. Health services are augmented by the nutrition program of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, supplemental feeding program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. F .2 HOUSING Based on the data gathered, large segments of the population are living on dwelling. Their houses are made up of light materials with either nipa or cogon grass utilized for roofing. Types of dwelling units are single, duplex and barong-barong. F .3 SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES The Department of Social Welfare and Development through its Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer is the agency primarily responsible in the upliftment of the most disadvantage group in the society. The basic social services spelled out ranges from self-employment, practical skills development and job placement, day-care servic |