TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales said the province’s strong economic growth can be sustained and further accelerated through the establishment of a coconut oil processing plant and two modern fish ports equipped with cold storage facilities.
“There’s no question that the proposed coconut oil refinery and fishing terminals will significantly boost Eastern Samar’s agricultural and fisheries production. These projects will uplift the lives of our people by creating new gainful employment and livelihood opportunities,” Gonzales, in a statement, said.
The lawmaker issued the statement after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that Eastern Samar recorded the fastest economic growth in Eastern Visayas in 2024, expanding by 10.2 percent — higher than the regional capital Tacloban City’s 8.2 percent growth rate.
Gonzales said the economic upturn reflects real improvements in people’s lives.
“Economic growth is not just about higher numbers—it’s about creating jobs, opening opportunities, and raising household incomes,” he said.
“It means that where there used to be only one gainfully employed family member, there can now be two or three, each helping build a more secure and hopeful future.”
He added that expanding local food production and increasing household income are key strategies to combat inflation and rising food prices.
“The best way for us to fight rising food prices is to build up local production—especially in agriculture and fisheries—and ensure that families have more sources of income,” Gonzales stressed.
Gonzales, who serves as House assistant minority leader and sits on the House committees on agriculture and food, and aquaculture and fisheries resources, is a co-author with House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan of several key development bills for Eastern Samar.
Among them is House Bill No. 121, which seeks to establish a government-run coconut oil mill and refinery in Quinapondan under the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). They also filed House Bills Nos. 123 and 124, proposing the creation of fish ports with ice-making and cold storage facilities in the municipalities of Dolores and Oras.
Gonzales said these infrastructure projects will complement the province’s economic momentum by creating jobs, supporting farmers and fisherfolk, and strengthening food security.
(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
