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Eastern Samar leads economic growth in EV

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ACM TESTING. The Commission on Elections(Comelec) in the region conducted on Monday, Dec.1, the testing of the automated counting machines as part of its information campaign on the use of the said machines relative to the 2025 polls. Part of the activity was a mocked voting where a ‘voter’ fed his ballot to the machine with Comelec regional legal officer Ma. Krishna Athena Eladro supervising.(Comelec-Eastern Visayas)
ACM TESTING. The Commission on Elections(Comelec) in the region conducted on Monday, Dec.1, the testing of the automated counting machines as part of its information campaign on the use of the said machines relative to the 2025 polls. Part of the activity was a mocked voting where a ‘voter’ fed his ballot to the machine with Comelec regional legal officer Ma. Krishna Athena Eladro supervising.(Comelec-Eastern Visayas)

For 2023 period

TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Samar emerged as Eastern Visayas’ fastest-growing economy in 2023, recording an impressive 8.1% growth rate, outpacing the region’s overall economic expansion of 6.38%, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The PSA’s report, released on November 28, highlighted the robust performance of the services sector as the key driver of regional growth.

Eastern Samar’s economy specifically benefited from gains in transportation and storage, construction, and mining and quarrying. The province’s total economic output reached P36.72 billion for the year.

Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone welcomed the positive results but emphasized the need to sustain and expand growth to ensure inclusivity.

“We must focus on anti-poverty initiatives, targeting families in remote barangays,” said Evardone. “Key programs in education, health, agriculture, tourism, and peace and security will be strengthened to address underdevelopment.”

The governor outlined strategies to sustain growth, namely, on agriculture: investments in seeds, fertilizers, post-harvest facilities, irrigation, and marketing agricultural products locally and globally; and on tourism: improving access to historical, cultural, and natural attractions while encouraging private investment in tourism infrastructure.

In the sector of education, by expanding scholarship programs to ensure at least one college graduate per family while on health, broadening access to free healthcare services to ease financial burdens on families.

Evardone also credited national government agencies and development partners for their collaboration, which enabled effective implementation of pro-poor programs.

The province achieved a significant reduction in poverty incidence, dropping from 40.9% in 2018 to 24.7% in 2023—the largest decline in Eastern Visayas, according to PSA data.

“This 16.2% decrease underscores the impact of inclusive development. Our focus on uplifting communities will further enhance living standards,” Evardone said.

Meanwhile, Tacloban City, the regional capital and Eastern Visayas’ only highly urbanized city, reported a 6.9% economic growth rate in 2023. While still strong, it was slower than its 2022 growth rate of 13.8%.

Meantime, Leyte province has posted a 6.4 percent growth; Northern Samar, 3.7 growth; Samar at 6.1; Southern Leyte, 7.3 percent; and Biliran with an economic growth of 6.6 percent.

JOEY A. GABIETA

Maasin now insurgency-free; Mercado vows to sustain peace gains

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TACLOBAN CITY – The city of Maasin was declared as insurgency-free on Friday, November 29, during a ceremony attended by local leaders and military officials.

The event was led by Mayor Nacional Mercado, chair of the City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (CTF-ELCAC), and Southern Leyte 1st District Representative Luz Mercado.

Key military and police officials present included Colonel Rico Amaro, deputy brigade commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade; Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Gabia, commanding officer of the 14th Infantry Battalion; and Police Colonel Hector Enage, provincial director of the Philippine National Police.

During the ceremony, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a pledge of commitment were signed, followed by the symbolic release of white doves, representing peace and a new beginning for the city.

Mayor Mercado thanked all stakeholders involved in achieving what is officially called the Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) and emphasized the importance of continuing peace efforts.

“This declaration is a call to action for us to sustain peace and security in Maasin. It brings us closer to our vision of sustainable progress and a better quality of life for every Maasinhon,” said Mayor Mercado.

Maasin is the first city under the 802nd Infantry Brigade’s jurisdiction to reach this milestone, surpassing other cities like Ormoc, Baybay, and Tacloban. Forty-five municipalities in Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, and parts of Samar and Eastern Samar have also been declared insurgency-free.

The insurgency-free status is granted to local government units that meet criteria, such as the absence of violence from the New People’s Army (NPA) for at least one year and the clearance of active NPA supporters.

Colonel Amaro congratulated Maasin for its achievement, emphasizing the importance of peace and resilience.

“Let’s be proud and make Maasin a template for peace, security, and conflict resilience,” said Colonel Amaro.

Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, commended the collaboration between local officials, barangay leaders, and the community.

“This accomplishment is a testament to the unity and hard work of everyone involved,” said Vestuir.

The Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security in Maasin.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TCDEO PIO staff attend online cascading session for CuSSA internet-based survey

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TACLOBAN CITY— The Public Information Staff of the Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO), headed by Engr. Kimberly O. Dacurro, joins the online orientation on the use of the updated Customer Satisfaction Survey Application (CuSSA), held via Microsoft Teams on November 27, 2024.

The cascading event was attended by central office authorized application users, regional office public information officers, and district public information officers.

The updated version of the CuSSA features an internet-based survey, which will be accessible to both online and walk-in clients of the department. Employees who joined the cascading session were taught how to guide clients on obtaining the survey and filling out the required information.

Engr. Dacurro extends her gratitude, saying, “I am immensely grateful that a session for the usage of the updated CuSSA application was conducted, as this survey serves an integral part in making sure that we get the clients’ feedback in terms of the services offered by our office, whether it is a praise or a comment for improvement.”

The newly updated CuSSA application will bring more convenience to clients, as it can be done at home or anywhere through the online-based survey.
(PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT/PR)

Tingog party-list commemorates Bonifacio Day with outreach activities

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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.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

BFAR 8 turns over P38.5 million in fisheries interventions to empower Northern Samar communities

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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.

(BFAR-EASTERN VISAYAS/PR)

Northern Samar’s economy grows by 3.7% in 2023

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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)

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