TACLOBAN CITY– The region’s total number of constructions increased by 5.1 percent, from 1,344 constructions recorded in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to 1,413 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024.

The regional increase was brought about by the 11.9 percent growth in the non-residential buildings with 421 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to 471 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024. The number of residential buildings also went up by 5.1 percent, from 804 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to 845 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
On the other hand, the combined number of additions/alterations and repairs decreased by 18.5 percent, posting 97 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024 from 119 construction in the 3rd quarter of 2023.

In the 3rd quarter of 2024, the number of residential buildings comprised 59.8 percent of the total constructions in the region, while non-residential buildings and additions/alterations and repairs accounted for 33.3 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively.
The growth in the total number of constructions led to a 25.0 percent increase in their total value during the 3rd quarter of 2024.

The estimated P 3.0 billion total value of constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2023 went up to P 3.8 billion in the same period in 2024.

This increase was attributed to the 52.5 percent growth in the total value of non-residential buildings, from P1.5 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to P 2.3 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2024.

The total value of residential buildings also increased by 2.9 percent from P 1.20 billion in 3rd quarter of 2023 to P 1.24 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, the total value of additions/alterations and repair of existing structures went down by 25.6 percent from P 0.3 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to P 0.2 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2024.

In terms of share to total value of construction, non-residential buildings’ value of construction comprised the bulk at 61.3 percent. The value of construction of residential buildings contributed 32.6 percent, while, additions/alterations and repairs accounted for 6.1 percent of the region’s total value of constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
Average cost of construction per square meter was estimated at PhP 11,108 for residential buildings and PhP 12,261 for non-residential buildings.

Data were based on the results of construction statistics from approved building permits. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) has reported a significant decline in focus crimes in the province, with a 48% decrease recorded in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

During the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting led by Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla, LPPO officials presented data showing that the number of focus crimes dropped from 107 cases in the first quarter of 2024 to 56 in the same period this year.

The monitored crimes include theft, rape, murder, homicide, robbery, physical injury, carnapping, and motornapping.

Among the eight focus crimes, physical injury showed the most significant decline, plunging by 79.2%, from 24 cases last year to only five this year.

Other notable decreases include murder – down 56%, from 18 cases to 8; robbery – down 50%, from 14 cases to 7; rape – down 48%, from 23 cases to 12; and theft, down 26.3%, from 19 cases to 14.

Meanwhile, cases of carnapping remained at three, and motornapping stayed at zero. Homicide, however, saw a slight increase, rising from six cases in Q1 2024 to seven this year.

According to the LPPO, the decline in crime rates reflects the positive impact of strategic interventions, including enhanced surveillance, intensified checkpoints, and stronger coordination with judicial authorities.

“The Leyte PPO is committed to sustaining these gains through expanded CCTV coverage, increased crime prevention awareness, deployment of additional security measures, and streamlined case resolution in collaboration with prosecutors,” the LPPO stated.

The provincial police vowed to continue strengthening law enforcement initiatives to maintain peace and order in Leyte.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 8 (Eastern Visayas) is stepping up its support to enhance the economic potential of coastal and marine biodiversity in the region as part of its blue economy initiatives.

Being one of the regions in the Visayas Islands that is heavily reliant on the ocean for sustenance and economic prosperity, the department prioritizes implementing initiatives and programs that focus on fisheries, marine transportation, aquaculture, island communities, and tourism, Marilyn Radam, DOST assistant regional director for technical operations, said in an interview Friday, March 28.

Radam said they have already crafted a proposal, in coordination with Central Visayas, Western Visayas, and Negros Island Region, to strengthen efforts for the blue economy in central Philippines.

Among the DOST-supported projects are the sea ranching projects in Southern Leyte, the maintenance of Samar’s safe water system, and other naturally thriving species, seaweeds, and fishery resources.

She said they are taking action on the decreasing production of seaweeds in the region, following a report on poor production in Bato, Leyte, home of the region’s major seaweed farm.

“Data showed that seaweed production in Leyte has been dwindling. The DOST, in coordination with BFAR, deployed national scientists for us to be provided with necessary actions,” she said.

In addition, the DOST identified other economically significant species of fishery resources found in the Visayan Sea and is also looking into other priority commodities in the region where technology could be applied to improve production, she added.

Last year, the DOST allocated P2 million for a shipyard in Albuera, Leyte, converting ship waste to something “usable.” It is expected to be operational by the end of this year or next year.

The DOST initiatives under the Blue Economy Program are coordinated with the local government units, state universities and colleges research offices, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.

Its blue economy program focuses on the sustainable management and use of natural and other resources in the maritime sector for economic growth and improved livelihoods.

(With reports from Christian Dave Noseñas, OJT/PNA)