TACLOBAN CITY – Inflation in Eastern Visayas continued on a downward trajectory, easing to 0.6 percent in April 2025, down from 1.0 percent in March, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in a press briefing on May 13.

The region’s year-to-date average inflation stood at 1.0 percent, based on PSA data.
PSA Regional Director Wilma Perante attributed the slowdown to the steeper annual decline in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, which dropped by 1.8 percent in April—sharper than the 1.2 percent decrease recorded in March.

The housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels group also contributed to the downtrend, posting a slower inflation rate of 2.7 percent, down from 4.6 percent in March.
Other commodity groups with slower inflation included furnishings, household equipment, and routine household maintenance: 0.9% (from 1.2%); health: 1.4% (from 1.9%); clothing and footwear: 0.8% (from 1.0%); and transport: –0.9%, reflecting a faster price drop compared to –0.2% in March

Despite the general downtrend, a few groups saw slight increases in inflation: alcoholic beverages and tobacco: up to 4.3% (from 3.9%); restaurants and accommodation services: 0.9% (from 0.8%) and personal care and miscellaneous goods and services: 1.6% (from 1.4%).

Food inflation, a key driver of regional inflation, recorded a –0.6 percent annual change in April, down further from –0.4 percent in March, and a stark contrast to 6.8 percent in April 2024.

The sharper decline was led by a significant drop in rice prices, which fell by 11.9 percent, compared to 8.9 percent in March. A slower inflation rate in ready-made food and other unclassified food products (4.2% from 4.6%) also helped ease the food index.

The food index alone pulled down the regional inflation rate by –0.33 percentage point, accounting for over 55 percent of the slowdown. Within this, cereals and cereal products, including rice, corn, bread, and pasta, had the largest contribution with –3.46 percentage points. Sugar, confectionery, and desserts contributed –0.01 percentage point.

Perante noted that the sustained decline in inflation signals improving price stability in the region, particularly for essential food items. She emphasized that the PSA will continue monitoring economic indicators to assess their impact on regional development and household welfare.

(ELBERT M. YODICO, JR., LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the region successfully concluded the latest leg of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Trade Fair on May 6, 2025, following its two-day run that kicked off on May 5.

Held in partnership with local government units and farmers’ cooperatives, the trade fair brought fresh produce, seafood, and other agricultural products directly from farmers and fisherfolk to consumers at significantly lower prices. The initiative is part of the national government’s continuing efforts to promote food accessibility and support local producers by eliminating middlemen.

Building on the momentum, the DA announced another Kadiwa ng Pangulo Trade Fair scheduled later this month at Robinsons North Tacloban, providing a more accessible venue for city residents to buy affordable and quality goods.

The department also confirmed the return of Kadiwa on Wheels after the May 2025 elections. This mobile market will reach Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) across Eastern Visayas to ensure communities in remote locations also benefit from the program.

“Our goal is not just to promote local products but to empower our farmers and fisherfolk by giving them direct access to markets. At the same time, we’re helping consumers cope with the rising cost of living,” a DA regional official said in an interview.

Launched under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program continues to demonstrate the government’s commitment to agricultural development, food security, and inclusive local economic growth.

(ELBERT M. YODICO, JR., LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) is poised to modernize its services and infrastructure as it capitalizes on a significant increase in government funding, its leadership announced in a press briefing on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Dr. Joseph Michael Jaro, EVMC chief of hospital, outlined key developments in the hospital’s expansion efforts, including infrastructure upgrades, new health service programs, and the rollout of a digital records system—all part of its drive to fully establish itself as the region’s premier Level 3 referral hospital.

EVMC’s budget for 2025 has more than doubled to P1.27 billion, up from P500 million in 2024, allowing the hospital to address longstanding service gaps and meet rising patient demand, he said.

Jaro also cited a notable increase in PhilHealth coverage, from just 30% to over 50%, a development expected to ease the financial burden on patients and increase access to essential healthcare.

“We now have a larger budget, but what we lack are project partners,” Jaro said, referring to procurement challenges such as the limited number of bidders for hospital projects—including the critical supply of surgical implants.

“We have the resources, but the immediate need is for suppliers who can help us deliver timely services, especially for patients dependent on financial assistance,” he added.
A central initiative in EVMC’s inclusive healthcare strategy is its “Bill Mo, Sagot Ko” program, which covers medical expenses for indigent patients.

Dr. Jaro said this remains a vital mechanism for ensuring that no patient is denied treatment due to financial constraints.

The hospital is also set to implement the Quick Medical Electronic Record (QMeR) system, a digital solution developed by the provincial government of Leyte and first used at Leyte Provincial Hospital.

The system aims to streamline patient data management, shorten waiting times, and enhance coordination among medical teams. Training of frontline staff is currently ongoing, with full implementation expected soon.

Although legally mandated for 1,500 beds, EVMC is currently serving beyond its capacity. Expansion plans are underway to improve patient accommodation and enhance hospital services.

As EVMC navigates the challenges of modernization, Dr. Jaro emphasized the hospital’s commitment to innovation, stronger partnerships, and improved patient care: “With sustained support from the government and cooperation from stakeholders, we are confident that EVMC can rise to meet the healthcare needs of Eastern Visayas.”

(SHYNNA MAE SESBRENO, ELBERT M.YODICO, LNU STUDENT INTERNS)