PSA Quezon Leads Coastal Cleanup and Mangrove Planting for Zero Waste Month
by Alma C. Padua

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Quezon Provincial Office spearheaded dual initiatives in Barangay Barra on January 28, 2025, in observance of the 2025 National Zero Waste Month.

The day began with a comprehensive coastal cleanup, where PSA Quezon personnel actively removed debris from the shoreline. This effort aimed to maintain the cleanliness of Barangay Barra, reduce the risk of natural calamities like floods brought about by typhoons, and reflect the agency's dedication to public service and environmental protection.

Continuing their commitment to environmental restoration, Statistical Specialist II Walter S. Orijuela, Ma. Del Z. Rosales, Rico V. Falculan, Statistical Analyst Michel G. Formanes, Registration Officer I Alma C. Padua, Danica O. Cabalsa, COSW-BRAP Andrielyn R. Panganiban, COSW-Statistical Clerk Steve Martin P. Nantes, COSW-Information Officer I Aldrinn N. Aurin, and COSW-CBMS Driver Jay Vidal, planted 100 mangrove seedlings following the cleanup.

These mangrove seedlings will play a crucial role in preserving the coastal ecosystem, strengthening the community's resilience to natural disasters. Both initiatives were met with enthusiastic gratitude from Barangay officials, who expressed their sincere appreciation for the PSA's dedication and proactive approach. These activities are part of PSA’s commitment to environmental conservation demonstrating the agency's unified approach to creating a sustainable future.

Quezon's inflation rate increases to 4.6 percent in December 2024
by Emerose A. Dalwampo & Chemy Jhen M. Macapal

The headline inflation or overall inflation in Quezon increased to 4.6 percent in December 2024, from 3.6 percent in November 2024. This brings the average inflation rate of the province from January to December 2024 to 3.6 percent. In December 2023, inflation rate was lower at 1.5 percent.

The increase in the overall inflation in December 2024 was primarily influenced by the faster annual increment in the index of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels at 2.3 percent during the month, from an annual decrease of 0.7 percent in November 2024.

Food inflation in the province rose to 10.1 percent in December 2024, from 8.7 percent in November 2024. In December 2023, food inflation was lower at 0.4 percent.

The acceleration of food inflation in December 2024 was primarily brought about by the higher year-on-year index of fish and other seafood at 16.3 percent, from an annual increase of 8.1 percent in the previous month.

Lucena City's inflation rate grows by 3.3 percent in December 2024
by Emerose A. Dalwampo & Chemy Jhen M. Macapal

The acceleration in the inflation rate of Lucena City was primarily affected by the higher annual increase of the heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages at 7.1 percent during the month, from 5.9 percent in November 2024.

Food inflation in Lucena City rose to 7.7 percent in December 2024, from 6.3 percent in November 2024. In December 2023, food inflation was lower at -0.5 percent.

The acceleration of food inflation in December 2024 was primarily brought about by the annual increment in the index of fish and other seafood at 5.5 percent, from an annual decrease of 0.5 percent in the previous month.

PSA Quezon Joins Quezon Tourism Plan Formulation
by Emerose A. Dalwampo

Statistical Specialist II Emerose A. Dalwampo of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Quezon attended the Formulation of the Quezon Province Tourism Development Plan (QPTDP) held from January 23 to 24, 2025, at the Quezon Convention Center, Provincial Capitol Compound, Lucena City.

The event, initiated by the Provincial Government of Quezon through the Provincial Tourism Office, brought together Local Tourism Officers, City/Municipal Planning Development Coordinators, members of the Quezon Provincial Tourism Council (QPTC), and other tourism stakeholders. The activity aimed to establish a robust knowledge base for tourism offices, covering tourism awareness, tourism resource identification and assessment, and the development of a strategic roadmap for tourism growth.

Subsequent lectures and workshops addressed tourism governance and the LGU destination context, including tourism development thrusts. QPTC members and other tourism stakeholders participated in small group discussions to establish criteria for the acceptance of the identified banner tourism sites.

The QPTDP formulation concluded with a summary of agreements and an overview of future activities related to the plan's implementation. The PSA's participation underscores its engagement with local development initiatives and its support for the province's tourism sector.