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d) Social Development (Health, Education, Labor, Families)

Among all the regions in the country, Calabarzon is expected to
benefit the most out of the demographic dividend given its big
population. Its share in the working age population to the country’s
total is around 14 percent which will be able to support the
manpower needs of various industries. While the size of the
working age population matters, the quality of labor force is
important. Thus, the Region should implement appropriate policies,
programs and projects to ensure that the young will acquire the
needed human capital that would match the industry requirements.

While the Region is second to NCR in terms of the number of
higher education institutions, the number of HEIs with centers of
excellence and center of development are below that of NCR and
other regions. This indicates the need to encourage the HEIs to
participate in the various accreditation processes and imrpove
quality in higher education. In 2015, the region recorded in the
decrease of malnutrition among children 0-71 months from seven
percent in 2014 to five percent.

In terms of elementary education, around 8.09 percent of the
school age population were not able to attend elementary school.
This maybe attributed to employment stands of parents and lack of
personal interest among others.

Having cited some of the hurdles in social development, research
studies on this sector are critical on how these issues emanate and
how to address them effectively to make development more
inclusive. Furthermore, it is critical to have studies on health,
education, population, labor and families are needed for a more
responsive and scientific decision making.

Calabarzon Regional Development Research Agenda 2018-2022 Page 28