ALBUERA, Leyte– Mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa laid out his platform for governance and reform during a proclamation rally on Sunday, March 30, pledging to bring progress and change to the municipality.

Running under the ‘Bando Espinosa Pundok Kausaban’ (BEPK), Espinosa acknowledged his past mistakes and vowed to focus on development initiatives that will directly benefit Albuera residents.

Among his key promises is the provision of direct financial assistance and birthday gifts to senior citizens, along with free maintenance medicines for those with diabetes, hypertension, and other ailments.

To support local agriculture and fisheries, Espinosa pledged to distribute free seeds and fertilizers to farmers while ensuring the protection of municipal waters from external poachers.

He also promised to build a community hospital in Albuera to provide emergency medical services, particularly for indigent residents.

Addressing the issue of illegal drugs, Espinosa committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies to eradicate the problem in Albuera. He also vowed to establish a rehabilitation center for drug dependents.

Espinosa emphasized that his administration would take a firm stand against graft and corruption, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

His younger sister, Mariel Espinosa, is vying for the vice mayoral post, while eight BEPK candidates—Bebot Sumalhag, Jun Ebcas, Andy Tudio, Rudrud Bilbao, Jojie Ybañez, Baga Colasito, Romeo Junico, and Kevin Batistis—are seeking seats in the municipal council.
Thousands of residents attended the proclamation rally held at the town market, expressing support for Espinosa and his slate.

Espinosa is set to face incumbent Mayor Sixto de la Victoria and Leyte Board Member Vincent Rama in the upcoming May 12, 2025 elections.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Ormoc City has inaugurated a state-of-the-art dialysis center, offering free treatment for PhilHealth members.

The Fresenius Kidney Care Ormoc Dialysis Clinic, located at the Ormoc Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Barangay San Pablo, was officially launched on March 13, 2025.
Equipped with 20 Fresenius 4008S machines, the facility can accommodate up to 100 patients daily, significantly expanding access to life-saving dialysis treatment for residents of Ormoc City and the 4th District of Leyte.

The clinic’s services are covered under the PhilHealth dialysis benefit package, making dialysis treatments free for members. However, any services beyond the package’s coverage may require out-of-pocket expenses or external funding.

Under PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0023, the government increased dialysis coverage from 90 to 156 sessions per year, effective October 9, 2024. Additionally, the case rate package for outpatient hemodialysis has been raised from P4,000 to P6,350 per session, further easing the financial burden on patients.

Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez emphasized that the new facility will provide quality medical care in a clean and efficient environment, addressing the growing demand for dialysis services in the region.

“This clinic is not just for Ormocanons—it will serve the entire 4th district of Leyte, ensuring that more people have access to quality healthcare,” she said.

The launching ceremony was led by Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez, Rep.Richard Gomez, city officials, and Care Delivery managing director Marielle Aguirre.

The opening of the dialysis clinic comes amid a rise in chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases in the country, largely due to diabetes and hypertension. The availability of free dialysis is expected to greatly benefit patients, many of whom struggle with the high cost of long-term treatment.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The’ Kanta Binisayà’ Choral Festival Concert successfully held its grand performance on Saturday, March 29, at the People’s Center in Tacloban City, featuring talented choral groups from Eastern Visayas and a guest performance from Mindanao.

The event marked the culmination of a series of activities that began with the Intense Book and Logo Launch in January, followed by a capability training seminar for local conductors and choirs in February, and a choral clinic in March.

Six choral groups from Eastern Visayas showcased their artistry during the concert, including LNU Philharmonic Singers (Leyte Normal University); Praise Chanters (Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño); Rah Rah Rousers (Palo, Leyte); Sinag Koro Ensemble (Tacloban City);

SLSU Coro de Alcedo (Southern Leyte State University); and STEFTI Youth and Children’s Choir (Tacloban City).

The choirs performed sacred choral pieces, Kanta Binisayà choral arrangements, and OPM renditions. The evening was further enriched by a special performance from the multi-awarded University of Mindanao Chorale from Davao City.

“Kanta Binisayà is more than just a concert. It is a cultural movement, a legacy that will continue to nurture choral excellence in Eastern Visayas for years to come,” said Department of Tourism (DOT) Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes.

The DOT-8, along with the Office of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Tingog partylist, and Leyte Normal University, collaborated to ensure the festival’s success.

The initiative is spearheaded by Stephen Lagarde, a retired associate professor from the University of the Philippines-Tacloban Campus, who is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Eastern Visayas’ musical heritage.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)