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Borongan City honors elderly with cash gifts and expands support programs for senior citizens

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TACLOBAN CITY – A total of 73 senior citizens from Borongan City recently received financial gifts from the national government through the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) as part of efforts to recognize milestone birthdays and uplift the welfare of the elderly.

The beneficiaries received P10,000 each, either personally or through an authorized family representative. The cash assistance was given to seniors who celebrated milestone birthdays between April and May 2025, specifically those who turned 80, 85, 90, or 95 years old.

Borongan City Social Welfare Officer Verina Amoyo expressed her gratitude to the NCSC for the swift release of the financial aid. She noted that this was already the third batch of payouts in the city for the first half of 2025.

Meanwhile, NCSC Project Development Officer IV Aster Dadulla lauded Borongan City for its comprehensive senior citizen programs, which she said should serve as a model for other local government units (LGUs) in the region.

“You are a model LGU in the entire Region 8 because of your many programs for senior citizens. I am proud of you—even though I am not from Borongan, I proudly talk about your city in other places because of your initiatives. I even tell other LGUs that Borongan has programs like these that they can also implement,” Dadulla said in Waray during her message.

The city government under Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda has been proactive in supporting its elderly population. Starting January 2025, Borongan has been providing a monthly monetary allowance of P1,000 to all senior citizens. They also enjoy free medicine and free transportation under the city’s health and social welfare programs.

For centenarians, in addition to the P100,000 cash gift provided by the national government, the Borongan city government grants an additional P50,000, recognizing the remarkable longevity and contributions of the city’s oldest residents.

These initiatives reflect a strong national-local partnership in promoting inclusive social protection, especially for the elderly sector.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

EV population hits 4.6 million in 2024

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The country’s 12th most populated region

TACLOBAN CITY – The population of Eastern Visayas has climbed to 4,625,929, according to the 2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Friday, July 25. The region now accounts for 4.1 percent of the country’s total population of 112.7 million.

Although the region added 78,779 residents since the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, its annual population growth rate (PGR) has slowed to 0.41 percent from 0.50 percent recorded in 2015–2020. This equates to only about four additional persons per 1,000 people per year, reflecting a gradual demographic shift.

The PSA noted that Eastern Visayas ranks as the 12th most populous among the country’s 18 regions, with Region IV-A (CALABARZON) remaining the most populated at 16.93 million.

Meanwhile, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) remains the least populated with 1,808,985 people. The latest census also includes the newly formed Negros Island Region (NIR) which has a population of 4,904,944.

PSA-8 statistical specialist Nikki Joy Javines emphasized the importance of census data in policymaking and local development.

“Population statistics are crucial for effective governance,” she said. “They inform where to build schools, hospitals, roads, and how to deliver social services. LGUs use these figures to plan budgets and improve disaster response.”

Among the provinces in the region, Leyte (excluding Tacloban City) remained the most populous with 1.82 million residents (39.4% of the regional total), followed by Samar (806,179), Northern Samar (645,789), Eastern Samar (472,683), Southern Leyte (434,372), and Biliran, the least populated, with 184,095.

Tacloban City, the regional capital and only highly urbanized city (HUC), had 259,353 residents, or 5.6 percent of the regional population. Its growth also slowed to 0.70 percent, from 0.84 percent in the previous census period.

In terms of annual population growth rates (2020–2024), Biliran posted the highest at 0.63%, followed by Leyte (0.62%), Samar (0.39%), Southern Leyte (0.27%), and Northern Samar (0.25%).

Only Eastern Samar recorded a population decline, with a negative growth rate of -0.23 percent.

According to Javines, the slower growth trend may be due to interrelated factors such as a declining fertility rate, the impact of COVID-19 on mortality, and reduced migration.
“These changes reflect not just numbers but deeper socio-economic trends that policymakers must address,” she added.

The 2024 POPCEN marks the 16th national population census since 1903 and serves as a foundation for development planning at all levels of government.

JOEY A. GABIETA

Tacloban’s Rizal Park to undergo P50-million rehab works

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RIZAL PARK FACELIFT. A P50 million renovation project is set to begin next month at Rizal Park in Tacloban City, aiming to enhance its appeal as one of the city’s most visited landmarks.
RIZAL PARK FACELIFT. A P50 million renovation project is set to begin next month at Rizal Park in Tacloban City, aiming to enhance its appeal as one of the city’s most visited landmarks.

TACLOBAN CITY – The city’s historic Plaza Rizal, a central landmark and gathering space for Taclobanons, is set for a major rehabilitation worth P50 million, funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The renovation, expected to begin next month aims to transform the less-than-a-hectare plaza—located along Real and Justice Romualdez Streets, across the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño de Tacloban—into a more functional, accessible, and visually appealing urban space.

Built in 1974, Plaza Rizal is named after the country’s national hero, Dr. José Rizal, whose 10-meter statue will be relocated from the plaza’s corner to the center as part of the redesign. The statue, currently made of concrete, will be recast using granite for a more durable and polished look.

According to Architect Karen Chelo Binghoy of the City Architect’s Office (CAO), who leads the project’s design and planning, the improvements aim to strike a balance between aesthetics and utility.

“The goal is not just to beautify the space but to ensure it serves the community’s needs better,” Binghoy said in an interview on July 25.

She also assured that several Narra trees inside the park would not be cut down.
Key features of the rehabilitation include the expansion of the plaza’s stage from 380 sqm to 480 sqm, with added multi-purpose wings on both sides to house dressing rooms and comfort rooms; construction of ramps and PWD-friendly restrooms to enhance accessibility; renovation of the City Tourism Office, with a new souvenir shop inside the park; replacement of cobblestone flooring with concrete pavement for durability and easier maintenance; and installation of ornamental plants and flower boxes that will double as seating areas for visitors and parkgoers.

Binghoy said the upgrade is also designed to revitalize community use of the space, especially during weekends and public events, and to serve as a more inviting hub for both locals and tourists.

As one of Tacloban’s most recognizable civic spaces, Plaza Rizal has long been the site of commemorative events, including Rizal Day and Yolanda memorials. Officials hope that with the upcoming transformation, the park will become a vibrant, inclusive, and meaningful public space once again.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

Tingog party-list sends urgent aid to flood-hit families in Metro Manila

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Rep. Yedda Romualdez, Tingog party-list Director for Community Engagement Karla Estrada, and Quezon City 5th District Representative PM Vargas visit evacuees and distribute relief packs at Sta. Lucia Covered Court, Sta. Lucia, Novaliches, Quezon City.
Rep. Yedda Romualdez, Tingog party-list Director for Community Engagement Karla Estrada, and Quezon City 5th District Representative PM Vargas visit evacuees and distribute relief packs at Sta. Lucia Covered Court, Sta. Lucia, Novaliches, Quezon City.

TACLOBAN CITY – In response to the flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat), Tingog party-list, in partnership with Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, launched immediate relief efforts for affected families in Metro Manila.

Led by Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Tingog director for community engagement Karla Estrada, the team distributed food packs and essentials to 925 families (about 2,490 individuals) in Barangays Sta. Lucia and San Bartolome in Novaliches, Quezon City, with the support of Quezon City 5th District Rep. PM Vargas.

Tingog also served hot meals to evacuees in Malanday, Marikina, and extended aid to fire and flood victims in Nagtahan, Manila on July 21.

“Our mission is to serve wherever we are needed,” said Rep. Yedda Romualdez. “Disaster response is both a duty and a calling.”

Rep. Jude Acidre underscored the need for preparedness and quick response, while Rep. Martin Romualdez reaffirmed Tingog’s commitment to national relief efforts.

As Tropical Depression Dante threatens to bring more rain, Tingog urges the public to stay alert and heed official advisories.

“Whether flood, fire, or storm—we will be there,” Rep. Yedda said.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Palo town to mark its 429th fiesta celebration with series of activities

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TACLOBAN CITY-This year’s town fiesta celebration of Palo, Leyte are in full swing with the opening of a grand carnival featuring thrilling rides, games, and treats. The festivities honor its patron saint, Señor San Salvador and include a range of cultural activities.

This was disclosed by Mayor Remedios ‘Matin’ Petilla who said that novena masses will begin on Sunday, July 27, with schedules at 6 a.m., 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. or novena mayor). The Fiesta Mass, on August 6, will be officiated by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown at the Our Lord’s Transfiguration Parish Church.

A series of cultural activities are slated as part of the town’s 429th fiesta celebration. One of the highlights is the holding of the Miss Enchanting Palo, a beauty pageant featuring 20 candidates from different barangays.

Other activities include ‘Kurukaranta Binisaya’, a choral singing competition, and ‘siday’ competition, showcasing traditional singing.

The Harvest Festival will celebrate local produce and farming, while ‘Pagluto’, a traditional cooking competition, will feature senior citizens with younger assistants. A pet show will also be held, where pet owners can showcase their pets’ special talents.

As an opening salvo, medical and dental services was conducted on Friday for all residents of Palo at the town gymnasium.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

U.S. announces P3 billion in foreign assistance for the Philippines

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meet in Washington, D.C., on July 21. (US EMBASSY MANILA INFORMATION OFFICE)
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meet in Washington, D.C., on July 21.
(US EMBASSY MANILA INFORMATION OFFICE)

Manila-Following U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Washington, D.C., on July 21, the U.S. Department of State announced at least P3 billion ($60 million) in foreign assistance funding to support energy, maritime, and economic growth programs in the Philippines.

This is the U.S. government’s first announcement of new foreign assistance for any country since the Trump Administration began its review and realignment of foreign assistance in January.

As part of this at least Php3-billion initiative, Secretary Rubio also announced that the U.S. Department of State intends to work with the U.S. Congress to allocate Php825 million ($15 million) to catalyze private sector development in the Luzon Economic Corridor. If approved, this funding will support investments in the areas of transport, logistics, energy, and semiconductors that will help create jobs and drive economic growth in the country.
President Marcos’s meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Washington, D.C., this week reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Alliance and advanced closer economic ties between the two nations. (PR)

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