TACLOBAN CITY—Alexander Ray Belleza, branch manager of Hyundai Tacloban, is positive on the upcoming sales of their company’s two new model cars Hyundai Accent and Reina.
“Our target is to sell 50 units per month in Tacloban,” Belleza said during the unveiling of the two models at the Robinsons Mall in Abucay on Friday (April 12).
“Hyundai Tacloban never ceases to address the necessities of Region 8’s motorists to their satisfaction. Hyundai Tacloban effort to strive to be relevant in the automotive industry in the region continues,” the manager added.
According to Belleza, Hyundai has proven its constant relevance, given the barriers such as the rise of inflation rates and significant political and economic events faced by the entire automotive industry in 2018.
“Hopefully, the brand would be able to bounce back this year with its new car releases,” he said.
He disclosed that the auto industry’s performance was reduced by the advance purchases in the latter part of 2017 in preparation for the excise taxes hikes.
“2018’s decline comes after eight consecutive growth years for the Philippine automotive industry. While key model introductions managed to uplift the disposition,” Belleza said in a speech.
While Belleza said that the 2018 Philippine automotive sales stood high amidst a backdrop of uncertainty with higher excise taxes on fuel and vehicles, Hyundai manages to hang on comfortably to third spot with an 8.8 % market share.
“Sales figures often play a huge role in portraying the current relevance of a branch to its consumers. It is simply a variable that speaks in accordance with its numbers,” he said.
In 2018, Hyundai rendered a total of 35,401 units sold which was driven by car the models Kona, Tucson, Grand Starex, H-100, and Accent.
“The uncertainty faced in the automotive industry for the year, Hyundai has proven itself to weather the odds and exceed expectations. The economic landscape shows to be more optimistic, you can expect more from us in 2019,” said Belleza, quoting Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, the Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) president and chief executive officer.
A stylish subcompact sedan with practical features, Reina has 1.4-liter petrol engine with class-leading power at 95 PS for quicker maneuverability.
With its sleek and more solid design, the all-new Hyundai Accent has two engine options: the 1.4-liter gas engine making 100 PS and 132 Nm of torque and 1.6-liter CRDI making 128 PS and 260 Nm of torque.
(RONALD O. REYES/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Church asks faithful to observe the death and passion of Jesus Christ

TACLOBAN CITY – The regional offices of the Department of Tourism and the Philippine National Police issued safety tips to Eastern Visayas residents this coming observance of Holy Week and summer vacation.
In the safety tips issued by the Police Regional Office (PRO) 8, Eastern Visayas residents who are leaving their homes are reminded to always lock all doors and windows and ensure that all possible entrances are blocked.
If possible, install a burglar alarm to alert the neighbors if someone breaks in and do not leave notes outside the house indicating you will be away, the police advisory added.
Owners are also encouraged to ask a trusted neighbor to keep watch over their houses while they are away.
The police advisory also said that house owners should ensure that no candle, gas stove, leaking faucet or plugged appliance are left unattended then secure all items outside the house, such as clothes being hung out to dry and bicycles or vehicles.
For those with vehicle and traveling drivers are advised to ensure the roadworthy of their car and follow the “BLOWBAG” rule: B – Battery, L – Light, O – Oil, W – Water, B – Brakes, A – Air, and G – Gas.
Drivers must always bring the pertinent documents for the vehicle, including driver’s license, vehicle registration and Insurance Certificate.
They must always make sure that car doors are locked and the windows closed especially if children are on board and must ensure control of the vehicle at all times.
The PNP also advices drivers to avoid one-handed driving or using a mobile phone; avoid driving while drunk or sleepy.
For night driving, drivers must always use headlights and signal lights and avoid driving when they have poor eyesight.
For those who will use public transport and going to church, beaches and resort, the public are advised not to wear expensive jewelry or bring large amounts of money and always keep watch over their mobile phone.
Do not bring too many items and always be early at airports and seaports especially in the case of women, children and senior citizens.
If there are suspicious package or someone acting suspiciously immediately notify authorities and always be wary of snatchers and petty thieves, and report incidents to the nearest Police Assistance Post.
With the influx of people taking advantage of the long holiday this Holy Week and the start of summer vacation, the tourism department also issued their safety tips to vacationists and travelers in Eastern Visayas tourist destinations.
“As part of our measures to prepare for the upcoming Lenten and summer season, we would like to remind you to ensure the safety of our domestic, local and foreign tourists during the season,” Karina Rosa Tiopes, regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT), said in the travel advisory.
The tourism official also reminded tourists and visitors to always practice sustainable and responsible tourism by minimizing the use of plastic, strictly following the carrying capacity and imposition of do’s and don’ts particularly in tourism site like protected areas, water and power conservations.
In the travel advisory, tourists and visitors were urged to do their research prior to visiting their chosen destination; ensure to pack important things like first aid kits, dry bag, hygiene kits, sunscreen, and flashlight; follow the warning signs for safety; and constantly drink water or juice to avoid heatstroke.
The don’ts for tourists includes traveling without life jacket when crossing ocean, swim without lifeguard, leaving or disposing trash anywhere and avoiding wasting of resources like water and power.
The DOT and PRO8 also encourages tourist and residents to save important numbers in their phones like police hotlines and tourism office hotlines for them to immediately have access to authorities if they have concern.
Meantime, Father Chris Militante, spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Palo, said that while the observance of Holy Week should not be considered as a vacation time for the Catholics.
He asked them to do some reflections and take time in commemorating the holiest time in the Catholic calendar by recalling the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Former Special Assistant to the President and 2019 senatorial candidate Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Friday said a Senate seat should be utilized to help uplift the lives of the Filipino people.
The former SAP made the statement after going around the city in a motorcade where he received enthusiastic welcome from the residents. He also vowed to continue the programs and policies of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Ipagpapatuloy ko yung pagbabagong sinimulan niya, kampanya laban sa kriminalidad, kampanya laban sa corruption sa gobyerno, kampanya laban sa iligal na droga. Susugpuin talaga namin ang iligal na droga. Kasama ko dito si PangulongDuterte. Tutulungan ko siya dito sa tatlong yan at salayuning mabigyan ng mas magandang kinabukasan ang mga Pilipino,” Go said in an ambush interview.
Go was also mobbed by adoring supporters when he decided to eat in a carinderia at the Cogon Market here after his motorcade around the city. Chants of “Go! Bong Go! Go! Bong Go!” echoed at the market when the customers realized the former SAP was taking his meal at one of the eateries.
“Salamat po sa mainit na pagsalubong sa amin, kasing init ng panahon ngayon.Nakakawala ng pagod at nakaka-inspire na magserbisyo para sa kapakanan ninyo,” Go said.
Go assured that apart from the campaign against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption, he also wants to improve the delivery of health services in the country, particularly through the law that would allow the establishment of Malasakit Center in more provinces and key urban areas of the country.
“Ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos. Wala po kaming ibang hangarin ni Pangulong Duterte kundi magserbisyo para sa ikabubuti ng bawat Pilipino. Maraming salamat po,” he said.
Other priority concerns under Go’s legislative agenda include programs for agriculture, housing for the poor, education, long-term sports development, fire protection and prevention, localized peace talks, barangay welfare, creation of a Department of OFW and improved benefits for senior citizens. (PR)