Tacloban City today

CEBU, Philippines -  A few public utility jeepneys (PUJs) are now plying its routes from downtown Tacloban City to the following points of destination: San Jose, Bliss-Sagkahan, Calanipawan, V and G Subdivision, Nula Tula, Palanog and to Campetic in Palo, Leyte.

The minimum fare set by the LTFRB is around P8, but we have reports that drivers are charging P20 per passenger. However, there is a free ride from the Tacloban Airport to the Port of Tacloban, courtesy of the MMDA. Likewise, there are now passenger vehicles and vans to the different towns in Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar provinces. Buses to Manila and Davao are now available.

The following business establishments have resumed operation in the city:

1)Banks and remittance services:

BPI at J. Romualdez St., (ATM only); China Bank at Avenida Veteranos and East West Bank (EWB)-Marasbaras Branch resumed operations today. EWB’s banking hours is from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday, and accepts cash deposits and withdrawals only; no check deposit yet until further notice.

LBC at Avenida Veteranos opened last week. Western Union is reported to have resumed operation at Rizal Avenue, sharing space with Quality Bakery.

2)Mobile phones load:

Smart Communications thru its local dealer here has opened a kiosk type shop at P. Zamora St., where one can buy sim-cards, loads, and wi-fi cards.

3)Water refilling stations:

Aqua Jun Water Refilling Station at Diversion Road in Abucay (front of  Ultra Steel) and Kenny’s (beside Asia Stars Hotel) have purified water at P60 per jug.

4)Pharmacy:

IBT Pharmacy at Avenida Veteranos has reopened.

5)Convenience store:

Karry Store at corner Sto. Niño Street and Avenida Veteranos is open.

6)Bakeries, food stuffs and local delicacies:

Kenny’s Bakeshop has hot pandesal and also sells rice at P47 per kilo or P2,100 per sack; Calle Z Cafe is open from 11am to 8 pm; Big Daddy Rolling Store (inside Kenny’s Bakeshop) and Michelle Fruit Stand at A. Mate Ave.; Local delicacies such as moron and binagol, are now available in three stalls at corner P. Zamora St. and Rizal Ave.

7)Restaurant:

Stephanie’s Grill announced it will resume operation Nov. 26.

8)Hotels and pension houses:

Asia Star’s Hotel, Hotel Primrose and Hotel La Rica, all at P. Zamora St.; Welcome Home Pension House at Sto. Niño St.; and Hotel Consuelo (no vacancy, now occupied by WFP).

9)Auto, motorcycle parts supply:

GMC Cycle Care at Zamora St.; CMRJ Auto Parts at P. Burgos St.; and TST Auto Supply at Avenida Veteranos.

10)Hardware store:

Citi Hardware has reopened on Friday; Leyte Lumber Yard opened today, and Leyte Home Depot  will open within the week.

11) Vulcanizing shops:

Nicholas Tires at Apitong (near Angelicum) and another at corner Diversion Road and Cong A. Mate Ave.

Note: We are also reporting this information to Task Force Normalization of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. —From Tacloban City Councilor Jerry Uy (FREEMAN)