More Tacloban businesses reopen
Typhoon survivors sell seafood at a downtown public market as business’ slowly open in Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines Tuesday Nov. 19, 2013. AP
MANILA, Philippines—After Yolanda brought Tacloban to knees, the capital city of Leyte is slowly getting back on its feet.
Almost three weeks after the destructive typhoon, commercial establishments are gradually reopening and making brisk business.
According to a statement from the Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) website, banks, restaurants, and gasoline stations have reopened.
In an inter-agency meeting in Tacloban, city administrator John Tecson Lim said the city is gradually getting back to normal with more businesses resuming operations each day.
Lim thanked Landbank of the Philippines, which brought four mobile automated teller machines (ATM) to provide faster banking services to typhoon victims with one of the machines placed at the Tacloban City Hall.
Though grocery stores have yet to reopen “there are more ‘sari-sari’ stores that have opened, which are very good sign.”
Lim also reminded the public to remain vigilant against overpricing of basic goods which is punishable by law and urged the public to immediately report to local officials any incident.
Getting back up
According to Lim, six of the 26 gasoline stations have resumed operations.
Lim also reported the reopening of one beauty salon on Burgos Street and courier services also reopened.
Several hardware and auto-repair shops have also resumed operations such as the Hyundai Tacloban Service and Leyte Home Depot, one of the largest hardware shops in the area.
Lim added that hotels are now operational, including Welcome Home Pensione, Asia Stars Hotel, Grand D’ Manor, Hotel Alejandro, Hotel Consuelo, Hotel Lorenza, Layrico Hotel, Leyte Park Hotel, Luxury Suites and Primrose Hotel among others.
Lim, however, said that these hotels have limited capacity due to damage to some of the rooms.
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