TACLOBAN CITY – The inflation rate (IR) in Eastern Visayas continued its downward trend, reaching 1.1 percent in February 2025, a slight decrease from 1.3 percent in January 2025, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This brings the region’s average inflation rate from January to February 2025 to 1.2 percent, lower than the national inflation rate of 2.1 percent for the same period.

The latest figure also marks a significant improvement compared to February 2024’s regional IR of 3.7 percent, reflecting easing price pressures across key commodity groups.
The drop in inflation was primarily driven by slower price increases in food and non-alcoholic beverages, which saw a decline from 1.0 percent in January to 0.7 percent in February 2025. The transport sector also contributed to the downtrend, with its IR decreasing from 0.6 percent to 0.1 percent over the same period.

Additionally, personal care, miscellaneous goods, and services registered a slower IR at 1.3 percent in February, down from 1.7 percent in January. Other commodity groups that recorded slower IRs include health – 1.6 percent (from 1.7 percent); and recreation, sport, and culture – 1.8 percent (from 2.0 percent).

Despite the overall decline, certain sectors saw an uptick in inflation. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco registered an increase from 3.0 percent in January to 3.4 percent in February 2025, while housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels rose from 1.7 percent to 2.2 percent.

Food inflation in Eastern Visayas further declined to 0.6 percent in February 2025, down from 0.9 percent in January and significantly lower than 7.0 percent in February 2024.
The drop in food inflation was mainly due to the faster annual price decrease in rice, which recorded a 6.3 percent decline in February, compared to a 4.2 percent drop in January.

Slower inflation was also observed in vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses – 6.0 percent (from 8.7 percent); sugar, confectionery, and desserts – (-2.0 percent from -1.9 percent); flour, bread, pasta, and other cereals – 1.6 percent (from 1.7 percent).
However, price increases were recorded in corn – 1.5 percent (from 0.9 percent); meat – 3.7 percent (from 1.0 percent); fish and seafood – 4.9 percent (from 4.5 percent); milk, dairy products, and eggs – 2.3 percent (from 2.0 percent); fruits and nuts – 5.9 percent (from 4.5 percent); and ready-made food products – 5.0 percent (from 4.9 percent)
The top three contributors to regional inflation in February 2025 were housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels – 34.6 percent share (0.4 percentage points); food and non-alcoholic beverages – 28.5 percent share (0.3 percentage points); and education services – 8.4 percent share (0.1 percentage point)

For food inflation, the biggest contributors were fish and seafood – 221.0 percent share (1.33 percentage points); meat – 143.6 percent share (0.9 percentage points); and vegetables, tubers, plantains, and pulses – 117.0 percent share (0.7 percentage points).

(JOEY A. GABIETA, LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The historic town of Palapag in Northern Samar warmly welcomed Archbishop Charles Brown, the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines during his visit on Monday, March 10.

His visit was part of the three-day celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Catarman.

Northern Samar 2nd District Representative Harris Christopher Ongchuan, Vice Governor Clarence Dato, representing Governor Edwin Ongchuan, and Mayor Florence “Fawa” Batula led local government officials in receiving the Papal Nuncio.

A special program in his honor was held at the Old Church Ruins of Palapag, remnants of a historic church established in 1605 by Jesuit missionaries under the patronage of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.

The Papal Nuncio’s visit is a momentous occasion for Palapagnons and visitors from neighboring towns, highlighting the town’s warm hospitality, deep Christian faith, and rich cultural heritage as the center of Christianization in Northern Samar.

Established in 1585, Palapag is one of the oldest towns in Eastern Visayas.

“When we look at this building here, the facade of the original church, you can think of all the people here in Palapag who prayed in that church when it wasn’t ruined as it is now but stood as a beautiful building,” Archbishop Brown said.

Reflecting on the deep-rooted Catholic faith in the town, he added, “When we think about the people who came before us, we are filled with great gratitude because the gift of Catholic faith is the most beautiful gift that has come to us on this earth, thanks to the fidelity and faithfulness of those who went before us.”

The Papal Nuncio also expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and praised Palapag’s rich spiritual and historical heritage. He thanked local officials for organizing a meaningful welcome, both upon his arrival in the province and during his visit to Palapag.
As part of the visit, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan presented a resolution recognizing the life and contributions of Fr. Francisco Ignacio Alcina, a Jesuit missionary and historian who documented Visayan culture. Vice Governor Dato also presented the Papal Nuncio with a book detailing the history of the Visayan people.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)