TACLOBAN: This city posted the fastest economic growth of 13.8 percent in 2022 among the seven economies in the Eastern Visayas region, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.

The figure is more than double the 2021 data of 6.6 percent, PSA Eastern Visayas regional director Wilma Perante said in her report.

The primary contributors to the city’s economic growth were wholesale and retail trade (20.8 percent), financial and insurance activities (11.1 percent), and transportation and storage (10.6 percent).

‘The surge in economic growth denotes a continued upward trajectory for Tacloban City, emphasizing its ability to bounce back and thrive amidst global uncertainties,’ the city government said in a press statement.

The 2022 PSA report covers 82 provinces and 17 highly urbanized cities across 16 regions of the country.

The reports showed 7.7 percent economic growth in Northern Samar, 6.9 percent in Eastern Samar, 6.8 percent in Samar, 5.9 percent in Leyte, five percent in Biliran, and
3.9 percent in Southern Leyte province.

‘The Gross Domestic Product of provinces and highly urbanized cities provides a suitable measure of economic performance at the subregional level. This will provide our stakeholders in the government and private institutions, as well as those in the academe with sound indicators for evidence-based policies at the local level,’ Perante said in a phone interview.

The results covering the period 2018 to 2022 were consistent with the annual regional accounts released on April 27, 2023, where the region posted 6.8 percent economic growth.

Tacloban is the regional capital of Eastern Visayas and the only highly urbanized city in the region.

The city has a population of 251,881, making it the most populous city in the region.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has arrested the alleged mastermind behind the killing of a village chairperson and her husband in Tarlac.

In a statement on Friday, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat said 34-year-old Jessie Mendoza was arrested in Gerona Tarlac on Thursday by joint agents of the CIDG-Central Luzon and other police units, armed with search warrants for violations of Republic Act Nos. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law), and 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives).

The operation stemmed from the information given by the arrested gunman, Marlon Cunanan, in the killing of Barangay Plastado chair Editha Zarzuela, 61, and her husband, Edgar Zarzuela, 68, on Nov. 30.

The motive was allegedly competing interests in the sale of a property.

‘According to him (Cunanan), after the killing, siya na mismo ang nag-turn over ng baril kay Jessie Mendoza on the same date ng shooting incident pati na rin ang motorcycle na ginamit (he was the one who tur
ned over the gun to Jessie Mendoza on the same day of the shooting incident, as well as the motorcycle used),” Caramat said.

The gunman revealed that Mendoza was one of the masterminds and served as spotter (lookout) on where the victims were going and what their activities were on the day of the shooting, Caramat added.

Police seized from the suspect a black sling bag, hand grenade, caliber .45 pistol, and various ammunition.

The recovered pistol matched the description of the firearm used in killing.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Sonia Malaluan as the new administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Malacañang announced on Friday.

In a statement, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Malaluan, a senior MARINA official, replaced Hernani Fabia who has tendered his resignation as the agency’s administrator.

Garafil noted that before her appointment as MARINA chief, Malaluan was designated as the agency’s Deputy Administrator for Planning on Nov. 23 last year.

‘In appointing Malaluan, President Marcos cited her remarkable training and experience in economics, technology, finance, law, management, public utility and in other aspects of the maritime industry,’ she said.

Malaluan also served as Director II from May 2014 to Nov. 2022; Maritime Attaché to London in 2018; Chief Accountant from Dec. 2001 to April 2014; and Chief Transportation Development Officer from Feb. to Dec. 2001.

Malaluan, a certified public accountant, graduated with a degree in Bachelor of
Science in Commerce from the Western Philippine College in 1987, and a Master’s degree in Science in Shipping Management from the World Maritime University, Sweden in 1998.

She also earned her Master’s degree in Public Administration from Singapore’s National University, Lee Kwan Yew School of Public Policy in 2011.

MARINA, an attached agency of the Department of Transportation, is mandated to adopt and implement a practicable and coordinated Maritime Industry Development Program.

It is also tasked to ensure the effective supervision, regulation and rationalization of the organizational management, ownership and operations of all water transport utilities and other maritime enterprises.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: Senior Citizens Partylist Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes on Friday proposed integrating the application and issuance of senior citizen identification card through the eGov PH Super app system.

In filing House Bill 9704, Ordanes, who chairs the House Committee on Senior Citizens, said establishing a senior citizen ID application within the eGov PH Super app is a convenient and accessible means for the elderly to obtain ID cards that grant them access to various government services and discounts.

“This bill recognizes the importance of inclusivity in digital governance by ensuring that senior citizens, as valued members of society, are provided with the necessary tools and access to government services,” he said.

Through the eGov PH Super App, Filipinos gain access and avail of highly desirable government services such as valid personal identification in digital format; essential day-to-day core government services; e-tourism and e-travel services; e-payments and banking services; and, even access to useful ne
ws and information about various subjects.

The bill proposes a dedicated section within the eGov PH Super app platform specifically designed for senior citizens, which shall include an application process for the issuance of senior citizen ID cards that can be completed through the app, as well as access to various government services tailored to the needs of senior citizens, such as healthcare and social services.

The section shall also contain informational resources on senior citizens’ rights, benefits, and relevant legislation; and a user-friendly interface with adjustable text sizes, voice assistance, and other accessibility features to accommodate the diverse needs of the elderly population.

“Including senior citizens’ concerns within the eGov PH Super app signifies a commitment to digital inclusivity and accessibility. The application’s dedicated section caters to senior citizens’ specific needs by offering tailored services, information, and resources, empowering them to navigate through available
government offerings independently and confidently,” Ordanes said.

The elderly lawmaker pointed out that the eGov PH Super app will only serve as an “alternative means” for senior citizens to apply for their IDs and access any government services.

Ordanes said senior citizens who do not have access to any digital devices and systems shall still have the right to visit their respective local government units (LGUs) for necessary assistance in availing government services physically or via their e-LGU systems.

“The point of the measure is to include senior citizens in digitalization and technological advancements. So, if they forget their physical copy of their senior citizen IDs, they can use the ones in the eGov PH Super App. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the physical ID application at local government units will be replaced,” he said.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) condemned Friday the harassment allegedly done by striking transport groups to several drivers of modern jeepneys.

Such incidents of harassment include puncturing tires using nails during several transport strikes held in the past weeks and in the two-day transport strike that ended Dec. 15.

“Nananawagan kami sa mga nagsasagawa ng kilos-protesta na iwasan ang panggigipit sa kanilang mga kapwa tsuper para lamang makasama sa kanilang welga (We are calling on those holding protests to refrain from harassing their fellow drivers to join the strike),” LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz III said in a statement.

“Hayaan natin silang pagsilbihan ang ating mga komyuter at hayaan natin silang kumita para sa kanilang mga pamilya (Let them serve the commuters and earn a living for their families).”

In a news release, the LTFRB said nails were reportedly used to puncture the tires of six modern jeepneys of Taguig Transport Cooperative on the first day of
the transport strike on Dec. 14 due to their failure to join the strike.

A similar incident was reported last Nov. 22 to a modern jeep of the San Dionisio Transport Service Cooperative.

Both incidents are under investigation.

The LTFRB has urged transport cooperatives to report similar incidents.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: Vehicles are now allowed at the 531-meter Molino-Daang Hari Flyover Project in the Province of Cavite, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Friday.

This, after DPWH and local officials of the province opened the PHP701 million-worth structure during the inauguration ceremony held on Dec. 12, 2023.

With the flyover’s opening, Regional Director Jovel Mendoza said the travel time between Barangay Molino III and Barangay Molino IV in Bacoor City and neighboring towns is reduced by 15 to 30 minutes.

He added that the flyover is a multi-year project which has received PHP240 million as initial allocation in 2016, PHP311 million in 2018, and PHP150 million in 2022.

‘The Molino-Daang Hari Flyover, though still in progress, marks a significant step toward enhancing transportation infrastructure and fostering economic growth in Bacoor and its surrounding areas,’ Mendoza said in a statement.

Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla noted the challenges faced during construction, including
road right-of-way and financial releases, emphasizing the multi-sectoral commitment to overcoming obstacles for the remaining road works.

The DPWH will be proposing additional allocation of PHP765 million for the project, which is envisioned as a 4-lane flyover, with road widening component. This will cover road right-of-way acquisition, and remaining civil works for additional lanes.
Source: Philippines News Agency