TACLOBAN CITY — The growing number of business establishments operating in Tacloban City is a strong indication that the city’s economy remains on an upward trajectory, local officials said.
Gemafiel Gaspay, officer-in-charge of the Business Permit and Licensing Division, said the city ended the year with 12,093 registered and operating businesses—significantly higher than the 9,239 recorded in 2024.
“This increase shows that Tacloban’s economy is growing, and we are optimistic that the coming year will be even better for the city,” Gaspay said in a media interview. “We should always remain positive.”
She expressed hope that more investors would choose Tacloban as their business location, noting that new investments not only boost the city government’s revenues but also generate additional employment opportunities for local residents.
Official data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) support the city’s positive outlook. Tacloban City, the only highly urbanized city in Eastern Visayas, continues to serve as the region’s leading economic driver.
The PSA reported that Tacloban’s economy grew by 8.2 percent in 2024, outperforming the regional economic growth rate of 6.2 percent.
According to the PSA, the city’s economy remains largely service-oriented, with the services sector accounting for 77.1 percent of total economic output. Within this sector, professional and business services recorded the fastest growth at 15.1 percent, highlighting Tacloban’s expanding role as Eastern Visayas’ center for commerce, education, and government services.
Gaspay also addressed concerns over the closure of some business establishments in the city’s commercial district, saying these should not be taken as a sign of economic decline.
“The closure of some businesses in the downtown area does not mean that our economy is doing poorly,” she said. “If you look around, the area remains crowded and consumer spending is still high.”
She added that business turnover is a normal part of a growing urban economy and that the overall business environment in Tacloban remains stable and competitive.”
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
