TACLOBAN CITY – Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla lauded House Speaker and Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez for his efforts to bring government services closer to the people, praising him as the ‘Speaker of the People.’

Revilla made this declaration during the two-day Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) held in this city, which concluded on Friday, August 2.

The event benefitted more than 253,000 people from this city and major areas of the region which also simultaneously held same event.

This program is an initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., a cousin of the House Speaker.

“You are fortunate here in Tacloban, here in Leyte, to have a Speaker of the House who is a Speaker of the People,” Revilla said in his speech during the event held at the Leyte Sports Development Center

“He feels the needs of our countrymen, especially those of our less fortunate countrymen who need support,” he added.

Revilla is the chairman of the Lakas-CMD, of which Speaker Romualdez is the president.
The senator assured the Speaker of his support with the BPSF, saying it has helped many ordinary Filipinos.

“And I praise this program, Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, which truly helps our countrymen and the economy in every area it reaches,” Revilla said.

For his part, Speaker Romualdez vowed to bring the BPSF to the rest of the country.

Since its inception last year, the program has reached 20 areas in the country.

In Eastern Visayas, the BPSF benefitted more than 253,000 people, providing a total amount of P1.2 billion in services and cash assistance.

Romualdez also thanked the 241 congressmen who joined him at the BPSF in Tacloban City, which is part of his congressional district, Leyte’s first district.

“This is a historic day because it is the first time that 240 congressmen are gathered in a place other than the Batasang Pambansa,” he said.

The Speaker also mentioned that the BPSF will be institutionalized to ensure its continuity for the benefit of the Filipino people.

“We will improve the BPSF to make it super mega so that we can all be happy and the Philippines can be more vibrant,” Romualdez said.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

The plan seaport is of international standard

TACLOBAN CITY – An international standard seaport is set to be constructed in Babatngon, Leyte, a development expected to spur economic activities in the fourth-class town, located 33 kilometers northwest of this regional center.

Engr. Edgar Tabacon, the regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), confirmed the project in a letter to the Regional Development Council on July 31, 2024.

Tabacon stated that the Philippine Ports Authority will commence the construction of the Babatngon Port, with a project cost of P934.20 million.

He, however, did not say any timeline regarding the construction of the Babatngon Port which is located in Barangay Bacong, four kms away from the town center.

“This is a welcome development in the sea transport sector of the region, ensuring that inter-island shipping remains a viable option for transporting people and cargo, thereby contributing to the attainment of an expanded and upgraded infrastructure,” Tabacon wrote.

“Moreover, this will improve regional links to local and international commerce and trade, serving as a vital component in attaining inclusive growth and socio-economic progress,” added Tabacon, who chairs the RDC’s infrastructure and utilities development council.
The proposed Babatngon Port, in the pipeline for decades, aims to become a regional transshipment hub.

The port will primarily service cargo passenger Roro fast crafts, linear vessels, and conventional and tramping cargo vessels transporting all types of cargo, including containerized cargoes. It can accommodate eight Roro vessels with an average length of 90 meters at any given time due to its deep harbor.

It can also serve as a jump-off point to several major destinations, such as Cebu, Masbate, Panay, Negros, the Bicol Region, and Luzon.

The sea routes from Babatngon Port to these major destinations are shorter compared to those utilizing the ports of Tacloban and Ormoc. Additionally, it could serve as an alternative route to the existing Allen (Northern Samar)-Matnog (Sorsogon, Bicol) route.

The construction of the port has generated excitement among the residents of Babatngon.
Municipal Councilor Larry Menzon expressed optimism that the Babatngon Port’s operations will not only stimulate economic activities but also generate jobs.

“This will not only benefit Babatngon but also Tacloban City, nearby areas, and the rest of the region,” Menzon said.

Babatngon is a fourth-class town with a population of more than 28,823 people spread across its 25 barangays. The main livelihood of its residents is farming and fishing, and the town has an income of over P80 million.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)