Pagkaklaro Mahitungod san Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL) ngan Gemini Wind Power Project
Pagklaro sa Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape ug sa Gemini Wind Power Project
Clarification on the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape and the Gemini Wind Power Project
EV lawmakers push for 28-km undersea tunnel or bridge


To connect Luzon and Visayas
TACLOBAN CITY — Eighteen members of Congress from Eastern Visayas, led by House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, have jointly filed a bill seeking the construction of a 28-kilometer fixed link—either an undersea tunnel or a long-span bridge—across the San Bernardino Strait to connect Sorsogon in Luzon and Northern Samar in the Visayas.
House Bill No. 4589 aims to create a “permanent and weather-resilient” land connection between the country’s two largest island groups, cutting travel time, easing transport congestion, and bolstering trade and tourism in the process.
“This is an investment in national economic integration and long-term growth,” Libanan said. “A fixed link—whether a tunnel or a bridge—will guarantee year-round mobility even during storms and open new opportunities for trade, tourism, and employment.”
The proposed 28-kilometer crossing would replace the existing ferry link between Matnog, Sorsogon, and Allen, Northern Samar, which is often disrupted by rough seas and port congestion.
“Imagine being able to drive seamlessly from Metro Manila to Samar and Leyte without having to queue for a ferry. This will completely change the way people travel, move goods, and connect across our islands,” Libanan added.
Among the bill’s co-authors are Representatives Niko Raul Daza, Edwin Marino Ongchuan, Stephen James Tan, Reynolds Michael Tan, Christopher Sheen Gonzales, Roger Mercado, Christopherson Yap, Gerardo Espina Jr., Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Lolita Javier, Anna Victoria Tuazon, Richard Gomez, Carl Nicolas Cari, Andrew Julian Romualdez, Jude Acidre, Yedda Marie Romualdez, and Jonathan Clement Abalos II of 4Ps party-list group.
Libanan emphasized that the proposed link is not only an economic game changer but also a crucial lifeline during disasters.
“The tunnel or bridge will allow quicker deployment of emergency services and delivery of relief goods during calamities,” he said, noting that Eastern Visayas is one of the country’s most typhoon-prone regions, frequently struck by up to 20 tropical cyclones each year.
Under the bill, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will oversee a comprehensive feasibility study and engineering design to be conducted by a qualified international consulting firm with proven experience in similar undersea or long-span bridge projects.
Funding for the study and design will be included in the national budget under the General Appropriations Act.
“Every year we delay this project is a year of lost opportunities. It’s time to make this vision a reality for the next generation,” Libanan said.
LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA
Bahandi Eastern Visayas trade fair spans 25 years of roots to riches


(CATBALOGAN CITY DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTIONS OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY –The rich culture, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit of Eastern Visayas take center stage once again as the Bahandi Trade Fair celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Staged by the Department of Trade and Industry Region 8, the milestone event set at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City from October 9 to 13, 2025 will showcase the best of the region’s homegrown products.
The Bahandi Trade Fair has grown from a modest regional expo into a nationally recognized platform that promotes local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Biliran and bridged local communities to national and global markets.
“This year is not just a celebration of our products, but of the perseverance and innovation of our entrepreneurs, 25 years after the very first Bahandi was started,” DTI-8 Regional Director Celerina Bato said.
Among the highlights of the fair are the established products featuring artisanal goods like coco sugar, binagol, suman Balintawak, keseyo, tuba, finely woven banig mats, tikog handicrafts, and upcycled fashion pieces made from abaca and other native fibers.
Included in the newer innovation for this year’s Bahandi is the fossilized cacao leaves of Biliran province which are made into durable and artistic handicraft materials. This involves the process of “semi-fossilization” or skeletonization. The skeletonized leaves are used to create products like lampshades, decorations, and other ornamental items, transforming agricultural waste into valuable and income-generating goods for local communities and artisans.
Leyte will be debuting three new products including kaftan, a long, loose-fitting garment with wide sleeves which can be spun from silk, made from bamboo, linen, cotton, or any other kind of flowy fabric. They can be simple pieces for casual day wear or on the beach or ornate as an excellent choice for an evening party. Also, Leyte will be bringing coconut products such as coconut coffee, a drink that combines the rich flavor of coffee with the creamy, tropical taste of coconut; and, coconut syrup, a sweet, coconut-flavored syrup commonly used in drinks, desserts, and breakfast dishes.
With a total of 141 exhibitors that will feature sectoral products such as processed foods, coffee, cacao, coconut, dairy, aquamarine, wearables and homestyles, beauty and wellness, the DTI eyes a P43 million sales target.
Last year’s 158 exhibitors raked in a total of P48 million in sales. The DTI provincial offices are positive they can surpass the sales target considering the tight screening they have followed for the products to be showcased.
Eastern Visayas is rich in natural resources, cultural heritage and artistic expression. “Bahandi”, which is a “Winaray” term for treasures, has consistently showcased this abundance, from handcrafted fashion accessories and artisanal foods to heritage-inspired housewares and furniture.
These products, shaped by the island-living lifestyle of Region 8, have found their way into both local and global markets, gaining recognition for their authenticity and craftmanship.
“We are proud of how far we have come and we look forward to where our creativity and unity will take us next,” Dir. Bato said.
As the silver anniversary of Bahandi unfolds, it continues to serve as a shining example of how local ingenuity, when nurtured and supported, can thrive on the national and global stage – one product, one story, one innovation at a time.
(AHLETTE C. REYES,PIA-8)
Eastern Visayas Tourism Association elects new set of officers


TACLOBAN CITY– The Eastern Visayas Tourism Association (EVTA) has elected a new set of officers during its Tourism Stakeholders Assembly held on October 7, 2025, at The Tropics in MacArthur Park, Palo, Leyte.
At least 86 tourism stakeholders from various provinces across Eastern Visayas attended the landmark election, which marked a significant step in strengthening collaboration and innovation in the region’s tourism sector.
Ma. Lourdes Bernadette Ruiz of Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours was elected president, with Rhoel Ladera of Haven’s Tourist Transport and San Juanico Cruises as vice president.
Other officers include Mark Anthony Simbajon (secretary), Donna Fe Batan (treasurer), Bella Pacuri (auditor), and Jan May Cruz (public information officer).
The board of trustees is composed of Anito Lantice of The Tropics at MacArthur Park, Reynaldo Franco of RBTC, Alyssa Myrr Bertulfo of Summit Hotel Tacloban, Almira Calbes of NWSSU University Hotel and Restaurant, Benjie Belarmino of PATCORP, Harvey Macaso of Blueline Travel and Tours, and Derick Porlares of Derick’s Travel and Tours.
The new officers took their oath of office before Tourism Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes, underscoring the strong partnership between EVTA and government tourism agencies.
Ruiz expressed gratitude for the trust given to the new leadership and vowed to continue promoting collaboration and sustainable tourism development in the region.
The EVTA serves as the only umbrella organization representing all tourism stakeholders in Eastern Visayas, bringing together tour and travel agencies, hotels and resorts, transport operators, guides, and community-based tourism enterprises.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)