Spatial mapping and alignment of SHS, HEIs, and Industry in Northwestern Leyte

This study examines the spatial distribution and alignment of Senior High Schools (SHS), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and industries in Region VIII, focusing on the interconnections between geographic, educational, and economic factors. Key areas of analysis include Ormoc City, Albuera, Kananga, Isabel, and Palompon. Urban centers like Ormoc City host a high concentration of SHS offering diverse tracks such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM), catering to the demands of Information Technology (IT) and business industries. In contrast, rural areas focus on technical-vocational (TVL) tracks aligned with agriculture and fisheries but often lack alternative career pathways. HEIs are concentrated in Ormoc City, creating accessibility challenges for rural students and limiting program diversity in industrial hubs such as Isabel and Palompon. Although there is strong alignment between TVL tracks and agro-industrial needs in Albuera and manufacturing demands in Isabel, significant gaps remain, including inadequate IT specialization to meet Ormoc City’s industry needs, limited HEI capacity for STEM graduates in rural areas, and insufficient business management programs in Palompon. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders to address educational gaps and strengthen regional economic development.