OUTREACH PROGRAM. Tingog party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre marked the Bonifacio Day on Nov.30 with series of outreach activities in Tarlac and Taytay, Rizal.(FILED PHOTOS)
OUTREACH PROGRAM. Tingog party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre marked the Bonifacio Day on Nov.30 with series of outreach activities in Tarlac and Taytay, Rizal.(FILED PHOTOS)
TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list, spearheaded by Reps. Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre, alongside House Speaker Martin Romualdez, celebrated Bonifacio Day by launching new Tingog Centers, distributing AKAP or Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program financial assistance, and conducting Kalusugan Karavans in Tarlac and Taytay, Rizal.
The inauguration of Tingog Centers in Nueva Ecija, including Gapan and Cabanatuan, raised the total nationwide to 157, strengthening community access to government services.
In Gapan, 333 residents received aid through the AKAP while similar payouts in Cabanatuan and Quezon City benefited over 4,600 individuals.
Kalusugan Karavans offered free medical services in Tarlac and Taytay, Rizal, addressing residents’ healthcare needs.
Rep. Jude Acidre emphasized the inspiration drawn from Andres Bonifacio’s courage and dedication, stating Tingog’s commitment to inclusive progress and ensuring no Filipino is left behind.
CATARMAN, Northern Samar– With the government’s directive to deliver responsive and appropriate programs to rural areas, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office 8 joined the distribution of agriculture and fisheries interventions to farmers and fisherfolks of Northern Samar, in Mapanas and Catarman on November 28, 2024.
A total of P38.5 million worth of fisheries interventions was officially turned over to fisherfolk from Mapanas, San Isidro, and the local government units (LGUs) of Lapinig and San Jose in Northern Samar. These included two units of deep-sea payao, 50 units of hook and line, 25 units of pamo nets, and legislated hatcheries.
“Production to marketing ang programang maitutulong ng national government para sa bayan ng Mapanas,” remarked DA Inspectorate and Enforcement Assistant Secretary James A. Layug, representing DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel. He also emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to boost agri-fisheries production, ensure affordable food for Filipinos, and uplift the lives of farmers and fisherfolk across the country.
Further, OIC Regional Director Dominador Maputol, reaffirmed BFAR 8’s commitment to implementing grassroots-focused and developmental fisheries programs in Northern Samar, particularly in Mapanas, identified as a potential hub for tuna production along the eastern seaboard of Eastern Visayas.
This initiative reflects the administration’s directive to address the needs of underserved areas and deliver programs that foster sustainable development. By prioritizing rural communities, the government continues to empower Filipinos and contribute to the nation’s inclusive growth.
CATARMAN, Northern Samar– Northern Samar demonstrated strong economic resilience in 2023, achieving a 3.7% growth in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The province’s GDP increased from P44.32 billion in 2022 to P45.96 billion in 2023, as highlighted during the Dissemination Forum on Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) held on November 28, 2024, at Sumuroy Hall, Provincial Capitol, Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman.
Three key sectors drove this growth:
Services: Contributing 58.6% of the GDP, the services sector—covering retail, education, and food services—remained the backbone of the province’s economy.
Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (AFF): Accounting for 21.6% of the economic output, this sector underscores the vital role of farming and fishing in the livelihoods of Nortehanons.
Industry: Contributing 19.7%, the industry sector, which includes construction and manufacturing, reflected ongoing infrastructure development and production activities.
Several industries stood out for their robust performance:
Transportation and Storage: Surged by 28.2%, fueled by increased trade and logistics.
Accommodation and Food Services: Grew by 25.5%, driven by a rise in tourism and dining activities.
Other Services: Expanded by 21.1%, reflecting the vibrancy of small businesses catering to local needs.
Meanwhile, key economic pillars continued to play a significant role. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing maintained the largest share at 21.6%, highlighting the province’s reliance on natural resources. Wholesale and retail trade contributed 17.5%, emphasizing the importance of commerce, while the education sector accounted for 11.1%, underscoring its role in shaping the province’s future.
This economic growth also translated to improved living conditions. Per capita GDP rose by 2.8%, from P65,046 in 2022 to P66,888 in 2023, signaling gradual improvements in the quality of life for Nortehanons.
Looking ahead, the provincial government of Northern Samar aims to sustain this momentum by creating more opportunities and enhancing residents’ well-being. With this progress, the province is on track for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Nortehanons. (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office has completed a one-story, two-classroom building for Calsadahay Elementary School in Pastrana, Leyte.
The project, finished on October 3, 2024, benefits 141 pupils and their teachers, addressing the school’s classroom shortage.
District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura reported that the classrooms are well-ventilated and fully equipped with blackboards, electric fans, lighting fixtures, PWD (persons with disabilities)-friendly ramps, and comfort rooms to provide a conducive learning environment.
Calsadahay Elementary School principal Herbert Bingco expressed gratitude, highlighting the importance of the new classrooms for Grade 1 and Grade 2 students who previously had to use makeshift rooms. “These classrooms will greatly enhance our ability to provide quality education,” Bingco said.
The project, implemented through the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF) and undertaken by BVC Construction, costs P4.96 million and demonstrates the collaboration between DPWH and the Department of Education in addressing classroom shortages nationwide. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
COMMENDATION. Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go received a commendation from Biliran Gov. Gerard Espina(center) and Rep. Gerardo ‘Gerryboy” Espina for all the assistance he extended to the province.The senator visited Naval, Biliran on Nov. 29.
(OFFICE OF SEN. BONG GO)
COMMENDATION. Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go received a commendation from Biliran Gov. Gerard Espina(center) and Rep. Gerardo ‘Gerryboy” Espina for all the assistance he extended to the province.The senator visited Naval, Biliran on Nov. 29. (OFFICE OF SEN. BONG GO)
TACLOBAN CITY – Senator Christopher “Bong” Go visited Biliran Provincial Hospital in Naval, Biliran, on November 29 to monitor the Malasakit Center’s operations. He also distributed aid, including grocery packs, to health workers and patients.
In his speech, Go emphasized the need to prioritize underprivileged Filipinos, urging healthcare workers to remain dedicated to their mission.
“Always prioritize our less fortunate countrymen who need government support the most,” he said.
As the principal author of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, Go explained that these centers aim to reduce the financial burden on patients, particularly the poor.
To date, 166 Malasakit Centers have served over 15 million Filipinos nationwide.
During the visit, Go’s team provided health workers with grocery packs, masks, vitamins, and sports equipment.
Hospital staff expressed gratitude for his efforts, including advocacy for their health emergency allowances during the pandemic.
Local officials, including Rep.Gerardo Espina Jr. and Governor Gerard Roger Espina, joined the event, earning Go’s appreciation for their contributions to improving Biliran’s healthcare services.
In a letter, the hospital management, led by Dr. Joyce Caneja, highlighted the Malasakit Center’s transformative impact, providing essential healthcare to patients battling chronic illnesses and requiring dialysis.
Go also called for continuous investments in the healthcare sector and promoted Super Health Centers, which provide primary care and early disease detection in remote communities.
With over 700 such centers funded, three are located in Biliran, including one inaugurated during his visit.
Later that day, Go met with local leaders, assisted indigent residents, and attended a year-end event for barangay officials in Metro Manila.
Known as “Mr. Malasakit,” he reaffirmed his commitment to serving Filipinos, saying, “Serving people is serving God.” (GAY GASPAY)
TOURISM ATTRACTION. Borongan City, headed by Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, played host to the 10th Philippine kiteboarding tour from Nov.29 to Dec.1, boosting its campaign as a haven for adventure tourism. (FILE PHOTO)
TOURISM ATTRACTION. Borongan City, headed by Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, played host to the 10th Philippine kiteboarding tour from Nov.29 to Dec.1, boosting its campaign as a haven for adventure tourism. (FILE PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY – The city of Borongan successfully hosted the opening leg of the 10th Philippine kiteboarding tour at Baybay Beach from November 29 to December 1, 2024.
The event, organized by the Philippine Kiteboarding Association (PKA) with support from International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), attracted around 50 participants from Ireland, Estonia, Spain, Germany, Lithuania, China, Thailand, and the Philippines, including local favorites from Boracay, Palawan, Puerto Galera, and Manila.
City Mayor Jose Ivan Agda celebrated the event as a milestone for the city’s sports tourism efforts. “This proves Borongan’s potential as a premier destination for sports and adventure tourism while showcasing our natural beauty,” he said. Agda also highlighted the city’s commitment to environmental protection, noting that 60% of its land area is rainforest.
The winners of the twin-tip racing categories included:
Novice Men: Victor Llanes (1st), Alex Lee (2nd), and a tie for 3rd among multiple competitors, including Toomas Krivonogov and Joe Tindog.
Grand Masters: Eddie Garcia (1st), Carlo Leongson (2nd), and Mariel Candava (3rd).
Masters: Doque delos Santos (1st), Louie Fernando (2nd), and Joseph Consul (3rd).
Women: Cyril Dacudao (1st), Triina Trei (2nd), and Iris de Silva (3rd).
In foil racing:
Men: Stefan Vance (1st), Ben Filed (2nd), and John Louie Non (3rd).
Women: Cyril Dacudao, Trine Trei, Irish de Silva, and Anika Shane Diaz.
Tourism officer-in-charge Rupert Ambil praised the PKA partnership, stating the event solidifies Borongan’s reputation as a hub for sports and tourism. “With this and our national surfing events, Borongan is becoming a premier destination for adventure seekers,” he said.
The city’s hosting of the PKA Tour underscores its growing prominence in sports tourism, further putting Eastern Samar on the map as a key player in the adventure tourism scene. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
