TACLOBAN CITY — The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, remains a key ally in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s anti-poverty and economic recovery agenda, with food security as a top priority for 2025.

Thus stressed Assistant majority leader and Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre who reaffirmed this commitment following a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing 63% of Filipino families self-identify as poor—the highest rate in 21 years.

“These figures underscore the urgency of our work under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership and highlight the potential impact of the measures we’re implementing,” Acidre said in a statement.

“Food security remains central to our efforts to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for Filipino families.”

At the forefront of the House’s initiatives is the ‘Murang Pagkain’ super committee, or Quinta Committee, launched by Speaker Romualdez.

This flagship effort unites five key committees to tackle high food prices, smuggling, and supply chain inefficiencies. The committee is investigating rising food costs, particularly rice, and collaborating with agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to combat profiteering.

“We are addressing the root causes of food insecurity. Ensuring affordable food for all is one of the most pressing concerns of Filipino families,” Acidre emphasized.

Beyond food security, the House is working with the executive branch on poverty reduction programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and economic stimulus measures. Acidre highlighted support for local industries, small farmers, and targeted subsidies as essential to long-term recovery.

“The rising self-rated poverty level is a challenge we must face head-on,” he said. “Let this survey remind us of our shared mission: to uplift every Filipino and build a future where prosperity is within reach for all.”

Despite the challenges, Acidre expressed confidence in the House and the Marcos administration’s ability to implement effective solutions. “These numbers reflect the struggles of many, but they also fuel our determination to work harder. With the right policies, we can turn this around,” he stressed.

As 2025 begins, Acidre assured that the House remains committed to combating poverty and ensuring no Filipino is left behind.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country’s flag carrier, is set to launch a new route catering to the air transportation needs of Northern Samar residents.
Starting March 1, 2025, PAL will operate a Cebu-Catarman-Cebu flight, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for the province.

“Backed by reliable data and a diligent provincial government, this new route was made possible through close collaboration. It is a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity and opportunities for Northern Samar,” said Gregory Paul Yulo, PAL’s Calbayog and Catarman manager.

Yulo emphasized that the new route is crucial in strengthening the province’s networks and linkages, paving the way for increased economic opportunities and improved access to essential services for Northern Samar residents.

PAL announced that the Cebu-Catarman-Cebu route will have three weekly flights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The flight from Cebu will depart at 9:50 am and arrive at Catarman Airport at 10:55 am.

The return flight will leave Catarman at 11:25 am and is expected to arrive in Cebu at 12:30 p.m.

The airline will utilize an 86-seater aircraft for this route. This expansion complements PAL’s existing Manila-Catarman service, which currently operates four times a week.

The provincial government welcomed the new route, expressing optimism that it will foster economic growth, attract investments, and boost Northern Samar’s tourism industry. Local officials also committed to providing data and insights to support future expansions.

Governor Edwin Ongchuan had earlier met with PAL officials to advocate for additional flights serving the province. He highlighted that enhanced air connectivity is a vital component in driving Northern Samar’s economic progress and tourism development.

“This new route is not just about travel convenience; it’s a strategic move to unlock the province’s potential and create more opportunities for our people,” Ongchuan stated.

The new route underscores PAL’s commitment to regional development by connecting underserved areas to major hubs, ultimately contributing to inclusive growth across the country.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY-Employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) wore ASEAN and Filipiniana-inspired attire on January 6, 2025 in accordance to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular No. 16, s. 2024 which aims to showcase Filipino culture through the office dress code.

The said memorandum aligns with the Republic Act No. 9242, also known as the Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Law, which mandates the use of locally-sourced Philippine tropical fabrics for government uniforms. This directive supports local weavers and promotes sustainable practices while celebrating the nation’s cultural heritage.

Moving forward, the Leyte 4th DEO employees will wear ASEAN-inspired attire every first Monday of the month while the second to fourth Mondays will feature Filipiniana-inspired attire. This dress code will be followed while awaiting the procurement of new DPWH uniforms which will adhere to the guidelines outlined in the CSC memorandum circular.(PR)